Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans

For the Tennessee Titans, the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about securing the future of their franchise quarterback, Cam Ward. After a promising rookie season where Ward showed flashes of brilliance but was sacked 42 times (the third-most in the NFL), the Titans’ front office has made protecting their young signal-caller the top priority. This draft strategy isn’t a short-term fix; it’s a deliberate plan to build a dominant offensive line that will keep Ward upright, extend his plays, and let him grow into a championship-caliber quarterback. Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans breaks down how the Titans are targeting specific positions, evaluating prospects, and aligning their picks to create a fortress around Ward. For Titans fans, this strategy isn’t just about the draft—it’s about ensuring their team has a foundation to compete for AFC South titles for years to come.

Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans begins with the Titans’ most pressing need: left tackle. After veteran Taylor Lewan retired following the 2025 season, the Titans rotated three different players at the position last year, none of whom provided consistent protection. Ward was sacked 17 times when pressured from the left side, and his passer rating dropped 35 points when under duress from that edge. To fix this, the Titans are targeting top left tackle prospects in the first round, with their sights set on players like Ohio State’s Marcus Harrison and Alabama’s Tyler Brooks—both 6’6” linemen with elite footwork and strength to block elite pass-rushers. “Left tackle is the most important position on the line for protecting a quarterback,” said Titans general manager Ran Carthon. “We need someone who can shut down the league’s best edge rushers and give Cam the time he needs to make plays. That’s our top priority in this draft.” The Titans hold the 12th overall pick, and scouting reports suggest Harrison or Brooks could still be available when they select. Ward, who met with both prospects at the NFL Combine, expressed excitement about the possibility: “Having a reliable left tackle would change everything. It lets you focus on reading the defense instead of worrying about someone coming at you every play.”

Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans continues with the Titans’ focus on interior offensive line depth, specifically guard and center. While right guard Nate Davis and center Ben Jones played well last season, the Titans lack reliable backups—an issue that became clear when Jones missed three games with an ankle injury, leading to four sacks and a 2-1 record in those contests. The Titans plan to use their second and third-round picks to target versatile interior linemen who can play both guard and center, such as Iowa’s Lucas Miller and Clemson’s Jalen Thompson. Miller, a 6’4” 315-pound guard, allowed just one sack in 13 games last season and has the athleticism to pull in the Titans’ run-heavy scheme. Thompson, meanwhile, is a former center who moved to guard in college, giving him the flexibility to fill multiple roles. “Interior protection is just as important as left tackle,” said Titans offensive line coach Keith Carter. “When Cam is in the pocket, he needs to feel secure from all sides. Adding versatile interior linemen will let us keep the line consistent, even if someone gets hurt.” The Titans’ run game, which relies on zone blocking to feed running back Derrick Henry, will also benefit—Miller and Thompson both excel at creating holes in the run game, aligning with the Titans’ balanced offensive approach.

Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans shifts to the Titans’ scouting approach, which prioritizes “game IQ” and “consistency” over raw athleticism. Instead of just focusing on 40-yard dash times or bench press reps, the Titans’ scouting team is digging into film to evaluate how prospects perform in high-pressure situations—like third-and-long or red-zone stands—where Ward needs the most protection. For example, when evaluating left tackle prospects, the Titans are studying how they handle blitzes and stunts, as well as their ability to adjust to defensive shifts mid-play. “A lineman can have all the physical tools, but if he can’t read a defense or make quick adjustments, he won’t help Cam,” said Titans scouting director Monti Ossenfort. “We’re looking for players who are football smart—guys who can anticipate what the defense is going to do and react before it happens.” This focus was evident at the Senior Bowl, where the Titans spent extra time with prospects during practice, running them through simulated blitzes and asking them to explain their decision-making. For the Tennessee Titans, this scouting approach ensures they’re not just drafting athletes—they’re drafting players who understand how to protect a quarterback in real-game situations. “We don’t want someone who can only play well in practice,” Carthon said. “We want someone who can step in on Sunday and keep Cam upright when the game is on the line.”

Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans delves into how this draft strategy aligns with the Titans’ long-term roster plans. Ward is entering the second year of his four-year rookie contract, giving the Titans a window to build around him before he becomes eligible for an extension. By investing in the offensive line now, the Titans are ensuring Ward has the support he needs to develop—reducing the risk of injuries and helping him build confidence in the pocket. The strategy also complements the Titans’ existing talent: with Henry still a dominant force in the run game, a strong offensive line will open up more play-action opportunities for Ward, letting him use his accuracy to connect with wide receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks. “This draft is about building a team that can win now and in the future,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “Cam is our quarterback for the next decade, and we need to give him the tools to succeed. A great offensive line is the first step in that process.” For the Tennessee Titans, this approach isn’t just about protecting Ward—it’s about creating an offense that can compete with the AFC’s top teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, who all have strong offensive lines supporting their quarterbacks. “You can’t win a Super Bowl without protecting your quarterback,” Callahan added. “We’re building that protection this draft.”

Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans wraps up with the potential impact of this strategy on the Titans’ 2026 season and beyond. If the Titans can land a top left tackle in the first round and add versatile interior linemen in the middle rounds, they could reduce Ward’s sack total by 20+ and increase his time in the pocket by 1.5 seconds per dropback—numbers that would likely boost his passer rating and help the Titans improve on their 8-9 record from 2025. The strategy also sends a clear message to Ward and the rest of the team: the Titans are committed to building a winner around their young quarterback. “It means a lot to see the front office investing in protecting me,” Ward said. “It shows they believe in me, and it makes me want to work even harder to reward that trust.” As the draft approaches, Titans fans are eager to see how the team executes this plan—knowing that the right picks could turn their franchise into a contender. In the end, Draft Strategy Focuses on Protecting Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans isn’t just about a single draft—it’s about a vision for the future. By building a strong offensive line, the Titans are ensuring that Ward has the chance to become the franchise quarterback they drafted him to be—and that the team has the foundation to bring a Super Bowl title to Nashville.