Draft Trade Scenarios Explored by the Tennessee Titans

The NFL Draft is a make-or-break opportunity for teams to address roster gaps, and for the Tennessee Titans—coming off a season of missed playoff contention—exploring draft trade scenarios is a critical part of their 2025 strategy. With a middle-round first-round pick (projected No. 15 overall), the Titans have flexibility: they can move up to target a top-tier prospect, trade back to accumulate more picks, or stay put to select a player who fills an immediate need. Draft Trade Scenarios Explored by the Tennessee Titans breaks down the most viable options, how they align with the team’s needs (offensive line, cornerback, edge rusher), and the risks and rewards of each path.

Draft Trade Scenarios Explored by the Tennessee Titans begins with trading up to target a elite offensive lineman—a top priority for a Titans team that struggled to protect QB Will Levis in 2024. The Titans’ first-round pick (No. 15) likely falls short of landing a franchise left tackle or center, as top prospects at these positions are projected to go in the top 10. To move up, the Titans could package their No. 15 pick with a 2025 second-round pick (No. 47) and a 2026 first-round pick to jump to No. 8 overall—where a prospect like Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. (a physical blocker with NFL-ready technique) might still be available. This trade would address a critical need: Levis was sacked 42 times last season, and a reliable left tackle would stabilize the offense. “Protecting our quarterback is non-negotiable,” Titans GM Ran Carthon said in a pre-draft presser. “If a top lineman is within reach via trade, we’ll explore it.” The risk? Giving up future picks limits flexibility, but the reward—securing a long-term anchor for the offensive line—could outweigh it.

A second viable scenario is trading back to accumulate more picks—a strategic move for a Titans team with multiple needs and a thin depth chart. The Titans currently have seven picks in the 2025 draft (one in each round except the seventh), but trading their No. 15 pick to a team eager to jump up for a quarterback or wide receiver could net them additional selections. For example, if a team like the Denver Broncos (needing a QB) offers their No. 23 pick, a 2025 third-round pick (No. 75), and a 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 148) for the Titans’ No. 15, the Titans could pivot to select a still-talented prospect at No. 23 (e.g., Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, who fits their secondary need) while adding two more picks to address depth at edge rusher and tight end. This scenario minimizes risk: the Titans avoid overpaying for a top-15 prospect and gain flexibility to fill multiple gaps. “More picks mean more opportunities to add talent,” said a Titans scouting director. “We have holes to fill, and trading back lets us address more of them in one draft.”

A defining aspect of Draft Trade Scenarios Explored by the Tennessee Titans is trading for a veteran player with draft picks—a hybrid approach that addresses immediate needs while retaining draft capital. The Titans have shown interest in veteran offensive linemen and cornerbacks, and some teams (like the Chicago Bears, who have excess OL depth) might be willing to trade a proven starter for a mid-round draft pick. For example, the Titans could send their 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 112) to the Bears for OT Teven Jenkins, a 26-year-old with three years of starting experience. This move would let the Titans skip drafting an offensive lineman in the first round and instead use their No. 15 pick on a top edge rusher (e.g., Florida State’s Jared Verse) to pair with Will Compton. For the Tennessee Titans, this scenario balances short-term success (adding a veteran who can contribute immediately) and long-term planning (keeping first-round capital to address another key need). The risk? Jenkins has a history of minor injuries, but the Titans’ medical staff would thoroughly evaluate him before a trade.

Another scenario gaining traction is staying put at No. 15 and drafting a “best player available” who fits a need—a conservative but effective approach if top prospects fall to the Titans. If the draft unfolds with top offensive linemen and cornerbacks off the board by No. 15, but a dynamic edge rusher like LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. is available, the Titans could select him to boost their pass rush (which ranked 22nd in sacks in 2024). Perkins, a versatile defender who can play both edge and linebacker, would immediately upgrade the Titans’ defense and complement Compton. Staying put avoids the risks of trading up (losing picks) or trading back (missing out on a top talent), and it aligns with the Titans’ goal of building a balanced roster. “We’ve done our homework on every prospect in the top 20,” Carthon said. “If the right player is there at 15, we won’t overcomplicate it.” For the Tennessee Titans, this scenario is a safety net—ensuring they don’t walk away from the first round without a impact player, even if they don’t make a trade.

Wrapping up Draft Trade Scenarios Explored by the Tennessee Titans is the decision-making framework guiding the Titans—a focus on “win-now” while building for the future. The Titans have a window of opportunity with Levis (entering his third season) and veteran playmakers like WR DeAndre Hopkins, so their draft trades must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Whether they trade up for a lineman, trade back for more picks, or stay put, the Titans’ brass will prioritize moves that align with their core values: protecting Levis, strengthening the defense, and maintaining flexibility. “Every trade scenario we explore has one question at its core: Does this help us win games now and in the future?” Carthon said. With the draft fast approaching, the Tennessee Titans are poised to make strategic moves that could redefine their roster for years to come. Ultimately, Draft Trade Scenarios Explored by the Tennessee Titans highlights the team’s commitment to smart, purposeful roster building—key to returning to playoff contention in 2025.