How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future

For the Tennessee Titans, the NFL Draft represents more than just a chance to add new talent—it’s a critical tool for reshaping the franchise’s future, especially as the team navigates a transition period marked by aging core players and recent playoff misses. How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future is a story of strategic decision-making: every pick, from first-round stars to late-round sleepers, has the potential to fill longstanding positional gaps, inject youth into a veteran locker room, and align the roster with head coach Brian Callahan’s offensive vision. With key players like running back Derrick Henry entering the latter stages of their careers and questions at quarterback and offensive line, the draft isn’t just an annual event for the Titans—it’s a lifeline to sustained competitiveness in the tough AFC South. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 draft and beyond, the choices they make will define whether they rebuild quickly or face a prolonged rebuild.

How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future begins with addressing the team’s most pressing need: the offensive line. For years, the Titans’ offensive line has struggled to protect quarterbacks and create consistent running lanes—issues that were amplified in 2025, when the team allowed 48 sacks (10th-most in the NFL) and saw Henry’s yards per carry drop to a career-low 3.8. A high first-round pick in the 2026 draft could target a franchise left tackle or interior lineman, like Alabama’s Tyler Booker (a dominant guard with NFL-ready strength) or Oregon’s Jonah Miller (a versatile tackle who excels in both pass and run blocking). Securing a elite lineman would not only protect whoever plays quarterback but also revitalize Henry’s running game or ease the transition to a new running back. “Our offensive line has to be a priority,” Callahan said in a post-season press conference. “You can’t win in this league without a line that can both block and open holes. The draft is where we’ll fix that.” For the Titans, a strong offensive line pick isn’t just about immediate improvement—it’s about building a foundation that can support the offense for the next five to seven years.

A defining factor in How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future is the team’s quarterback situation, which has been uncertain since Ryan Tannehill’s decline in 2024. With Tannehill entering free agency in 2026 and backup Malik Willis failing to seize the starting role, the Titans may need to use a high draft pick to select a franchise quarterback. Prospects like USC’s Caleb Williams (a dual-threat QB with elite arm strength) or North Carolina’s Drake Maye (a pocket passer with excellent decision-making) could be on the board when the Titans pick, offering a chance to reset the position. Drafting a young quarterback would allow the Titans to develop him slowly—either by sitting him behind a veteran or letting him start immediately—ensuring they don’t face a crisis when Tannehill departs. However, the decision carries risk: drafting the wrong quarterback could set the franchise back years. “Quarterback is the most important position in sports,” said Titans general manager Ran Carthon. “We have to get this right. We’ll do our homework, watch every tape, and make sure we pick a guy who fits our scheme and our culture.” For fans, the quarterback draft pick will be the most closely watched in years, as it will determine the Titans’ offensive identity for the next decade.

How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future also hinges on the Tennessee Titans’ ability to use mid-to-late round picks to build depth and find hidden gems—an area where the team has struggled in recent years. In 2025, the Titans’ defense ranked 22nd in points allowed, largely due to injuries and thin depth in the secondary and at linebacker. Late-round picks could target players like Georgia’s Javon Bullard (a hard-hitting safety with ball skills) or Clemson’s Barrett Carter (a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside), who may have fallen due to size concerns or limited college production but have the potential to contribute as role players or starters. The Titans have a history of finding late-round success—like drafting Henry in the second round in 2016—but have struggled to replicate that in recent years. “Mid-to-late rounds are where you build a championship roster,” Carthon said. “You can’t just rely on first-round picks. You need guys who are willing to work, learn, and contribute in any role.” For the Tennessee Titans, these picks will be critical to avoiding the injury-related collapses that derailed their 2025 season, ensuring they have capable replacements when starters go down.

Another key element of How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future is aligning draft picks with Callahan’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes a balanced attack with a strong running game and play-action passing. Callahan’s system, which he adapted from his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, requires specific types of players: linemen who can pull on zone runs, wide receivers who excel at route-running and blocking, and a quarterback who can execute play-action fakes. When drafting, the Titans will need to prioritize players who fit these roles—like a running back with patience and vision (to replace Henry) or a wide receiver with strong hands and blocking ability (to complement star receiver DeAndre Hopkins). For example, a late-round pick like Oklahoma’s Eric Gray (a running back with excellent vision) could thrive in Callahan’s system, even if he isn’t a first-round talent. “Scheme fit is everything,” Callahan said. “We don’t just draft the best player available—we draft the best player available who fits what we do. That’s how you build continuity and success.” For the Tennessee Titans, this approach will ensure that draft picks contribute quickly, rather than spending years learning a system that doesn’t suit their skills.

Looking ahead, How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future is a reminder that the NFL Draft is more than just a one-day event—it’s a long-term investment in the franchise’s success. The Tennessee Titans have a choice: they can either patch holes with free agents and hope for short-term success, or they can use the draft to build a young, talented roster that can compete for AFC South titles for years to come. With the right mix of high-round stars (offensive line, quarterback) and late-round gems (secondary, linebacker), the Titans can transition from a team reliant on aging veterans to a dynamic, youthful squad that embodies Callahan’s vision. For fans, the draft offers hope—a chance to see the team rebuild smarter, not just faster. “This is a pivotal moment for our franchise,” Carthon said. “The draft will define who we are for the next 10 years. We’re ready to get to work.” How the Draft Could Shape Tennessee Titans Future isn’t just about picks and prospects—it’s about the Titans taking control of their destiny and building a team that can make Nashville proud for decades.