Draft Scenarios Favor Protection for the Tennessee Titans

The 2025 NFL Draft presents the Tennessee Titans with a critical opportunity to protect their long-term competitiveness—whether by shoring up weak spots on the roster, preserving draft capital, or ensuring key positions are secured for years to come. For a team building around young quarterback Will Levis and looking to rebound from a playoff-missed season, draft scenarios that prioritize “protection” are essential: protecting Levis with a stronger offensive line, protecting the defense with impact pass rushers, and protecting future flexibility with smart pick management. Draft Scenarios Favor Protection for the Tennessee Titans breaks down these strategic scenarios, explaining how each safeguards the Titans’ core goals and sets them up for sustained success.

Draft Scenarios Favor Protection for the Tennessee Titans begins with the “Offensive Line Priority” Scenario—a focus on protecting Levis by selecting a franchise-caliber lineman in the first round. The Titans’ offensive line allowed 42 sacks in 2024, the eighth-most in the NFL, and Levis was under pressure on 38% of his dropbacks—limiting his ability to make plays downfield. If top offensive tackle prospects like Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. or Alabama’s JC Latham fall to the Titans’ projected first-round pick (No. 15 overall), they’ll likely pounce. Johnson, a 6’6”, 310-pound tackle with elite footwork, has the versatility to play left or right tackle—filling a need that could persist for a decade. Latham, a physical run-blocker, would complement running back Derrick Henry’s style while still providing pass protection. “Protecting our quarterback is non-negotiable,” Titans GM Ran Carthon said in a pre-draft presser. “A top offensive lineman in the first round isn’t just a pick—it’s an investment in Levis’ development and our offense’s consistency.” This scenario protects the Titans’ most valuable asset (Levis) and ensures their offense can function at full potential, whether running or passing.

A second protection-focused scenario is the “Trade Back to Accumulate Picks” Scenario—a strategy to protect the Titans’ future flexibility by avoiding overcommitting to a single prospect. If the first round unfolds with no top offensive linemen or pass rushers available at No. 15, the Titans could trade back to a later first-round spot (e.g., No. 22–25) with a team eager to select a quarterback or wide receiver. In exchange, they’d gain additional mid-round picks (a second or third rounder) to address multiple needs. For example, trading back with the Denver Broncos (who need a QB) could net the Titans No. 23 overall plus a 2025 third-round pick. At No. 23, they could still select a high-impact player like Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse (to boost their pass rush) and use the third-round pick to add depth at cornerback or tight end. “Trading back protects us from reaching for a player we don’t need,” said a Titans scouting director. “More picks mean more chances to add talent and cover gaps—whether that’s a backup for Henry or a young corner to develop behind our starters.” This scenario safeguards the Titans from wasted draft capital and ensures they can address short-term depth needs while still landing a first-round talent.

A defining scenario in Draft Scenarios Favor Protection for the Tennessee Titans is the “Defensive Edge Rush” Scenario—protecting the Titans’ defense by adding a dynamic pass rusher to pair with Will Compton. The Titans’ defense ranked 22nd in sacks in 2024, and Compton (who had 9 sacks) was often double-teamed, limiting his impact. If a top edge rusher like LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. or Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat is available at No. 15, the Titans would likely prioritize this pick to strengthen their pass rush. Perkins, a 6’2”, 240-pound linebacker-edge hybrid, has the speed to beat tackles off the edge and the strength to stop the run—providing versatility the Titans’ defense lacks. Sweat, a powerful defensive tackle, could collapse the pocket from the interior, freeing up Compton to get to the quarterback. “Adding a pass rusher protects our secondary by forcing quarterbacks to get rid of the ball faster,” said Titans interim defensive coordinator Ryan Crow. “It also takes pressure off Compton, letting him focus on making plays instead of beating double teams.” For the Tennessee Titans, this scenario protects their defense’s ability to compete with high-powered offenses in the AFC South (like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans) and ensures their defense can close out games in the fourth quarter.

Another protection-focused scenario is the “Future Quarterback Insurance” Scenario—protecting the Titans from the risk of Levis suffering an injury or regressing by drafting a developmental QB in the mid-rounds. While Levis is the clear starter, having a reliable backup with upside is critical—especially in a league where quarterbacks get injured frequently. The Titans could use a third or fourth-round pick on a prospect like Oregon’s Bo Nix or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.—QBs with NFL-ready arm strength but room to develop. Nix, a former Heisman finalist, has experience in a pro-style offense and could learn behind Levis for 1–2 seasons, while Penix’s accuracy (67% completion rate in 2024) makes him a viable backup. “Drafting a developmental QB protects us from disaster,” Carthon explained. “If something happens to Will, we don’t want to be stuck with a journeyman backup who can’t win games. Having a young QB to develop gives us security.” This scenario safeguards the Titans’ most critical position and ensures they have a plan B if Levis’ progress stalls or he faces a long-term injury. For the Tennessee Titans, this isn’t just about backup insurance—it’s about building a pipeline of quarterback talent to avoid future first-round QB picks.

Wrapping up Draft Scenarios Favor Protection for the Tennessee Titans is the “Coach-Aligned” Scenario—protecting the Titans’ new head coach (whoever is hired) by drafting players that fit their system. If the Titans hire an offensive-minded coach like Mike Kafka or Lincoln Riley, they’ll need to draft players who thrive in their scheme—whether that’s a fast wide receiver for a spread offense or a mobile lineman for a zone-blocking run game. If they hire a defensive-focused coach like Jim Schwartz or DeMeco Ryans, they’ll prioritize players who fit a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. For example, a Schwartz-led defense would need physical defensive tackles and quick edge rushers, while a Riley offense would benefit from a versatile tight end who can catch and block. “Drafting for the coach’s system protects their ability to succeed,” said Titans team president Burke Nihill. “A new coach can’t implement their scheme if they don’t have the right players. This scenario ensures we’re building a roster that aligns with their vision.” For the Tennessee Titans, this scenario protects the investment they’re making in a new head coach and ensures the team can hit the ground running in 2025. Ultimately, Draft Scenarios Favor Protection for the Tennessee Titans shows that the best draft strategy isn’t just about picking talent—it’s about picking talent that safeguards the team’s core, its future, and its ability to compete. Each scenario is designed to protect what matters most: Levis’ development, the defense’s strength, and the Titans’ long-term path to the playoffs.