Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy

The Tennessee Titans’ 2025 draft strategy will revolve around addressing critical positional needs that balance immediate competitiveness with long-term roster sustainability. After a 2024 season that saw the team narrowly miss the playoffs, the scouting department has identified gaps that, if filled, could elevate the Titans back to AFC South contention—while also preparing for the future as key veterans approach the latter stages of their careers. Unlike draft strategies that prioritize “best player available” regardless of fit, the Titans’ approach will be “need-based with flexibility”: targeting positions where depth or talent is lacking, but remaining open to selecting elite prospects if they fall unexpectedly. From shoring up the offensive line to reinforcing the secondary, each positional need is tied to head coach Mike Vrabel’s physical, balanced style of play—ensuring new additions can contribute quickly. Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy thus breaks down the franchise’s most pressing roster gaps and how the draft will be used to solve them.

The most urgent positional need for the Titans in the 2025 draft is offensive line depth—specifically at guard and tackle—a gap that became glaring in 2024 when injuries sidelined two starters for multiple games. The Titans’ offensive line, which once anchored Derrick Henry’s record-breaking runs, struggled to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill (who was sacked 42 times in 2024, the most in his Titans career) and create consistent running lanes (Henry’s yards per carry dropped from 4.9 to 4.1). While left tackle Peter Skoronski has emerged as a franchise cornerstone, the right tackle spot remains unsettled, and both guard positions lack reliable backups. The Titans’ draft strategy will prioritize selecting at least one offensive lineman in the first three rounds—ideally a versatile prospect who can play both guard and tackle, like Georgia’s Xavier Truss or Alabama’s JC Latham. These players combine size (6’4”+), strength (20+ bench press reps at the Combine), and football IQ—traits Vrabel values in linemen who must adapt to both run-blocking and pass-protection schemes. “Our offensive line is the backbone of our offense,” said Titans general manager Jon Robinson. “If we can’t protect Ryan or open holes for Derrick, we can’t win consistently. This draft will be about fixing that.” Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy thus highlights how offensive line depth isn’t just a “need”—it’s a prerequisite for the Titans’ offensive identity.

Another critical positional need for the Titans is reinforcement in the secondary—specifically at cornerback and safety—after the team ranked 26th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (258.3) in 2024. While veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson remains a starter, the Titans lack a reliable No. 2 corner, and the safety position has been plagued by inconsistency: free safety Kevin Byard, a former Pro Bowler, struggled with missed tackles and coverage lapses last season, and his backup, Amani Hooker, is set to become a free agent in 2026. The Titans’ draft strategy will target a “playmaking defensive back” in the early to middle rounds—preferably a cornerback with elite speed (4.4-second 40-yard dash or faster) and zone coverage awareness, or a safety who can contribute in both run support and pass defense. Prospects like Alabama’s Caleb Downs (a versatile safety with 11 pass breakups in 2024) or Ohio State’s Denzel Burke (a physical cornerback who excels at press coverage) fit this mold. These additions would allow the Titans to play more aggressive man coverage, freeing up linebackers to blitz and limiting opposing quarterbacks’ time to throw. “Our secondary needs to be more consistent,” said Titans defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. “We need guys who can make plays on the ball and stop the run when called upon. The draft is our chance to add that talent.” Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy thus underscores how secondary reinforcement will be key to reviving the Titans’ defense.

The Tennessee Titans’ draft strategy will also focus on adding edge rush depth to complement starters Denico Autry and Emmanuel Ogbah—a positional need that became apparent in 2024 when Autry missed six games with a knee injury. The Titans recorded just 32 sacks last season (tied for 22nd in the NFL), and their backup edge rushers combined for only 6 sacks—far below the league average of 12 for second-stringers. With Autry turning 34 in 2025 and Ogbah entering the final year of his contract, the Titans need to draft a young edge rusher who can learn from the veterans while contributing immediately on special teams and in rotation. The ideal prospect would be a “speed rusher” with a quick first step and the ability to develop power moves—like Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (8 sacks and 15 quarterback hits in 2024) or LSU’s BJ Ojulari (a 2024 draft pick who redshirted due to injury but has elite upside). These players would not only boost the pass rush but also improve the Titans’ run defense, as edge rushers who can set the edge prevent running backs from bouncing plays outside. “Edge rush is about pressure and consistency,” said Vrabel. “We need guys who can get to the quarterback even when they’re not the focal point of the play. The draft will help us build that depth.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on edge rush in the draft ensures they don’t rely too heavily on aging veterans, protecting the defense for years to come. Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy thus shows how this positional need ties to both short-term production and long-term planning.

The Tennessee Titans’ draft strategy will also address a growing need at tight end, where the team lacks a dynamic pass-catching threat to complement their run-heavy offense. The Titans’ tight ends combined for just 45 receptions and 3 touchdowns in 2024—ranking 28th in the NFL in tight end receiving yards. Starter Chigoziem Okonkwo is a solid blocker but has struggled with consistency as a receiver, and backup Trevon Wesco is primarily a special teams contributor. With Tannehill thriving when targeting tight ends in the middle of the field (he completed 72% of passes to tight ends in 2022), the Titans need to draft a “pass-catching tight end” with soft hands, route-running precision, and the ability to block in short-yardage situations. Prospects like Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson (65 receptions for 890 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024) or Iowa’s Luke Lachey (a physical tight end who excels in red zones) would fill this role, opening up the Titans’ offense by forcing defenses to cover the middle of the field. “A good tight end makes our offense more unpredictable,” said Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. “If defenses have to worry about both Derrick Henry and a tight end over the middle, they can’t stack the box. That’s what we need.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on tight end in the draft adds a new dimension to their offense, making them harder to defend. Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy thus highlights how this positional need can unlock the team’s full offensive potential.

Finally, the Tennessee Titans’ draft strategy will include a late-round focus on running back depth—a “future-focused” need as Derrick Henry enters his 10th NFL season. While Henry remains one of the league’s top running backs (he rushed for 1,219 yards in 2024), the Titans lack a reliable backup who can replicate his physical style: backup Tyjae Spears is a speedster but struggles with short-yardage carries, and third-stringer Hassan Haskins is a free agent. The Titans will likely select a “power running back” in the fifth or sixth round—someone with size (220+ pounds) and the ability to handle 10–15 carries per game if Henry is injured or rested. Prospects like Texas’ Jonathon Brooks (1,139 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024) or Michigan’s Blake Corum (a physical back who excels in between the tackles) fit this profile. These players won’t replace Henry immediately, but they’ll provide insurance and allow the Titans to reduce Henry’s workload (he’s averaged 22 carries per game since 2019) to extend his career. “Derrick is a franchise icon, but we have to plan for the future,” said Robinson. “Drafting a running back late gives us a chance to develop a player who can step in when needed. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on running back depth in the draft ensures their run-heavy identity remains intact for years to come. Positional Needs in Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy thus concludes with a need that balances respect for the present with preparation for the future—embodying the Titans’ overall draft philosophy.