College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams

For the Tennessee Titans, building a winning roster begins with identifying and drafting elite college talent—players who not only have the physical skills to succeed in the NFL but also the character, work ethic, and scheme fit to thrive in Nashville. College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams celebrates the franchise’s most impactful college selections, from Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks to record-breaking running backs, and pulls back the curtain on how the Titans’ scouting department evaluates prospects, attends college games, and builds relationships with coaches to uncover hidden gems. These scouted talents aren’t just draft picks; they’re the foundation of the Titans’ success—players who have turned college stardom into NFL glory and become beloved by Titans Nation. In a league where drafting well is the key to sustained competitiveness, the Titans’ ability to scout and develop college talent has defined their place in the AFC South.

College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams starts with one of the franchise’s most iconic picks: running back Derrick Henry, selected in the second round (45th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. Henry was a known commodity in college—he won the Heisman Trophy in 2015 after rushing for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns—but the Titans’ scouting department saw more than just a powerful runner. They analyzed his tape to highlight his patience behind the line of scrimmage, his ability to break tackles (he averaged 4.9 yards per carry in college), and his underrated pass-catching skills (often overlooked in Alabama’s run-heavy offense). Titans scouts also visited Alabama multiple times to talk to Henry’s coaches, who praised his work ethic—stories of him staying late to practice blocking or study film resonated with the team. “We didn’t just draft Derrick for his talent—we drafted him for his character,” said former Titans general manager Jon Robinson. “His coaches told us he was the first one in the weight room and the last one to leave. That’s the kind of player who becomes a leader in the NFL.” Henry has since become the face of the Titans’ offense, rushing for over 9,000 yards and 80 touchdowns—proving the scouting department’s evaluation was spot-on.

A defining example of College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams is the selection of quarterback Steve McNair, taken third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft out of Alcorn State, a historically black college (HBCU) in Mississippi. McNair wasn’t a typical top draft pick—he played at a smaller school, not a Power Five program—but the Titans’ scouting department (then with the Houston Oilers) recognized his elite athleticism and arm strength early. Scouts attended multiple Alcorn State games, watching McNair throw for 3,541 yards and 33 touchdowns in his senior year, and were impressed by his ability to extend plays with his legs (he rushed for 934 yards that season). They also conducted in-depth interviews with McNair, who spoke about his desire to prove himself against bigger competition—a mindset that aligned with the franchise’s underdog spirit. “Steve was a diamond in the rough,” said former Oilers scout Charlie Casserly. “Most teams wrote him off because of his school, but we saw a quarterback who could do things no one else in the draft could. He had the arm to make any throw and the heart to lead a team.” McNair went on to lead the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV and was named NFL Co-MVP in 2003, becoming one of the greatest players in franchise history—and a testament to the value of scouting beyond Power Five schools.

College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams also includes the team’s success in finding late-round gems, like wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, selected in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of UMass. Sharpe wasn’t a household name in college, but Titans scouts were drawn to his consistency—he set UMass records with 277 career receptions and 3,486 receiving yards—and his precise route-running (a skill often refined in the NFL but already polished in college). Scouts also noted his ability to catch in traffic, a trait they believed would translate to the NFL’s physical secondary. “Tajae was a player who flew under the radar because UMass wasn’t a top program, but our scouts watched every snap,” said Titans scouting director Monti Ossenfort. “We saw a receiver who didn’t drop passes, who ran routes like a veteran, and who worked hard every play. Those are the traits that make late-round picks successful.” Sharpe went on to start 14 games as a rookie, catching 41 passes for 522 yards, and became a reliable slot receiver for the Titans. For the Tennessee Titans, Sharpe’s success is a reminder that scouting isn’t just about the first round—it’s about evaluating every prospect, no matter their school or draft projection, to find players who fit the team’s needs.

Another key aspect of College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams is the franchise’s focus on scheme fit when evaluating college prospects. Take offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, selected 11th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. Lewan was a dominant left tackle in college, but the Titans’ scouting department didn’t just look at his size (6’7”, 309 lbs) or strength—they analyzed how his playing style would fit their zone-blocking scheme. Michigan used a similar zone scheme, so Lewan already had experience pulling to lead runs or blocking on the move—skills that translated seamlessly to the NFL. Scouts also worked with Titans offensive line coaches to test Lewan’s ability to adjust to different blocking assignments, ensuring he could handle the NFL’s faster edge rushers. “Scheme fit is everything,” said current Titans general manager Ran Carthon. “We don’t draft the best player available—we draft the best player available who fits what we do on offense or defense. Taylor was a perfect fit for our zone scheme, and that’s why he became a three-time Pro Bowler for us.” For the Tennessee Titans, this focus on fit has reduced the learning curve for rookies, allowing them to contribute sooner and avoid the “rookie wall” that plagues many young players.

Looking ahead, College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams will continue to evolve as the NFL changes—with the scouting department now incorporating more data (like college analytics) and technology (like 3D motion capture) to evaluate prospects. But the core philosophy remains the same: find talented players with strong character who fit the team’s scheme and culture. For the Tennessee Titans, scouting college talent isn’t just a yearly task—it’s a long-term investment in the franchise’s future. Whether it’s a Heisman Trophy winner like Henry, an HBCU standout like McNair, or a late-round find like Sharpe, the players scouted and drafted by the Titans have shaped the team’s identity and brought joy to fans for decades. “Scouting is the lifeblood of this organization,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “Every great team has a great scouting department. They’re the ones who find the players who become legends, who win games, and who make this franchise special.” College Talents Scouted by Tennessee Titans Teams isn’t just about draft picks—it’s about the people who dedicate their careers to finding the next generation of Titans stars, ensuring the franchise remains competitive for years to come.