Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management

For the Tennessee Titans management, future NFL Draft picks have evolved from mere roster-building tools to the cornerstone of their long-term competitiveness. As general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan guide the franchise through a transition period centered on quarterback Cam Ward, they’ve made it clear that hoarding and strategically utilizing future draft capital is non-negotiable. This shift isn’t just a reaction to short-term losses; it’s a deliberate plan to build a sustainable contender capable of competing for AFC South titles for years, even as key veterans age or enter free agency. Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management breaks down why management views these picks as invaluable, how they’re structuring trades to protect them, and which positions they aim to address in upcoming drafts. For Titans fans, this focus on future picks signals a commitment to stability—one that avoids the “win-now at all costs” pitfalls that have derailed other NFL franchises.

Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management begins with the core reason behind this strategy: securing long-term support for Ward. Entering his third NFL season in 2026, Ward has shown flashes of franchise quarterback potential, but he needs a more consistent offensive line, depth at wide receiver, and reinforcement on the defensive front to reach his peak. Management recognizes that relying solely on free agency to fill these gaps is risky—free agents often command premium salaries and can be inconsistent—and that draft picks offer a cost-controlled way to build around Ward. “Cam is our foundation, and future drafts are how we reinforce that foundation,” Carthon said in a recent interview. “When you draft well, you get young players who grow with your quarterback, learn your system, and develop loyalty to the franchise. That’s the kind of cohesion you need to win championships.” The Titans currently hold all their own first-round picks through 2029, a rarity in the NFL, and Carthon has repeatedly stated he won’t trade a future first-rounder unless it’s for a “transformative player” who can immediately impact Ward’s success. This protectiveness ensures the Titans have top-tier talent to add to their roster as Ward enters his prime.

Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management continues with how management is using trades to accumulate additional picks, rather than giving them away. In recent years, the Titans have resisted the temptation to trade future picks for veteran players—a move that cost them depth in the past. Instead, they’ve focused on “buy-low” trades, such as sending aging veterans (like former defensive end Bud Dupree in 2025) to teams in win-now modes in exchange for mid-round future picks. This approach not only frees up salary cap space but also bolsters the Titans’ draft capital. For example, the Dupree trade netted the Titans a 2026 fourth-round pick, which they plan to use to address depth at cornerback—a position that lacks depth behind starters Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting. “Trading veterans for future picks is about balancing the present and the future,” Callahan explained. “We don’t want to tank, but we also don’t want to sacrifice our long-term success for a shot at a wildcard spot. These mid-round picks let us add depth that can step in when starters get injured, which is crucial in a 17-game season.” Management also prioritizes acquiring compensatory picks by letting key free agents depart when their market value exceeds their on-field contribution—another way to expand their draft haul without giving up existing assets.

Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management shifts to the role of future picks in managing the salary cap, a critical concern for a team with several key players approaching free agency. Running back Derrick Henry, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons are all set to become free agents by 2027, and re-signing even two of them will likely require significant salary cap space. Management understands that future draft picks can help offset these costs by providing young, affordable replacements. For instance, if the Titans can’t re-sign Henry (who will be 32 in 2027), they can use a 2027 draft pick to select a running back who will earn a fraction of Henry’s salary while bringing fresh energy to the offense. “The salary cap is a puzzle, and future drafts are the pieces that let you solve it,” said Titans cap specialist Brandon Taylor. “When you have young players on rookie contracts, you can allocate more money to retaining your star players. If you don’t have those young players, you end up cutting corners elsewhere, which hurts your overall depth.” For the Tennessee Titans, this cap flexibility is especially important as they look to keep Ward motivated and supported—franchise quarterbacks expect their front offices to manage the cap wisely to build competitive rosters, and future picks are a key part of that equation.

Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management delves into which positions management plans to target with future picks, based on current roster needs and long-term projections. The top priority remains the offensive line—specifically left tackle and interior guard—after Ward was sacked 42 times in 2025. Management plans to use first or second-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to select linemen who can start immediately and grow alongside Ward. Next is defensive edge rusher: with Denico Autry entering the final year of his contract, the Titans need a young pass-rusher to pair with Simmons. Mid-round picks (third to fifth round) will likely be used to address depth at wide receiver, cornerback, and tight end—positions where injuries have exposed the Titans’ lack of depth in recent seasons. “We have a clear roadmap for future drafts,” Carthon said. “Every pick we make has to align with our two-year, three-year, and five-year plans. We’re not drafting for a single game or a single season—we’re drafting for a decade of success.” For the Tennessee Titans, this position-specific focus ensures that future picks aren’t wasted on “luxury” players, but rather on assets that fill critical gaps and support the team’s core. It also helps the scouting department stay focused, as they can dedicate more time to evaluating prospects at positions of need rather than casting a wide net.

Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management wraps up with how this strategy has already begun to pay off—and what it means for the franchise’s future. The Titans’ 2025 draft class, which included guard Lucas Miller (third round) and cornerback Jalen Thompson (fifth round), has already contributed as rotational players, with Miller stepping in for injured starter Nate Davis in three games and Thompson recording two interceptions. These early successes have reinforced management’s belief that drafting well is the most reliable path to sustained success. Looking ahead, the Titans have 10 picks in the 2026 draft (including three extra mid-round picks from previous trades) and are poised to add even more in 2027 if they let some free agents depart. “We’re in a strong position because we’ve protected our future picks and used them wisely,” Callahan said. “This isn’t a quick fix—it’s a long-term investment in the Titans’ legacy.” For the Tennessee Titans, prioritizing future draft picks isn’t just a strategy—it’s a promise to fans that the team will remain competitive for years to come, even as the NFL’s landscape shifts. It’s a commitment to building through stability, development, and smart decision-making—qualities that have defined the league’s most successful franchises. In the end, Future Draft Picks Prioritized by the Tennessee Titans Management is a story about patience, vision, and the belief that the best way to win tomorrow is to plan for it today.