The NFL offseason is in full swing, and teams are heading to Indianapolis for the scouting combine.
The Tennessee Titans will have the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft after finishing with a 3-14 record, but what they will do is still shrouded in mystery. The Titans have a ton of needs and with so many questions about the strength of the class, it may be better for them to trade back and increase their draft capital with them not having a third-round selection. But for this exercise, there will be no trades.
In this pre-scouting combine mock draft, we will simulate what the draft could look like if a team decided to take edge Abdul Carter and sign a veteran bridge-type quarterback.
We used the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator for this exercise and left all settings on default. There were no trades, and we only controlled the Tennessee Titans and limited the draft to four rounds.
Here’s how things could play out:
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Titans decided to pass on a quarterback and grab the highest-rated defender at a needed position. Abdul Carter is rising. After dominant performances in the college football playoffs, he solidified his position at the top of many draft boards.
This selection may not be the name many hoped for, but he fits the mold of player new general manager Mike Borgonzi has outlined in his press availability.
Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) catches a pass in warmup before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
The Titans go with Elic Ayomanor, who should instantly upgrade their receiving corps. He is a complete wide receiver with the size, speed, and overall skill set that would be a perfect complement to Calvin Ridley. A big receiver, he has enough speed to threaten teams deep while being a constant red-zone threat. Ayomanor may have to work on his drops, but he comes into the NFL ready and is one of the easier players to project.
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) gets ready to play the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
If the Titans take Carter at No. 1, they may decide to go with a bridge quarterback in 2025 and roll the dice on a player with raw tools and tremendous upside. Milroe has immense athleticism, a strong arm and outstanding deep ball accuracy. Unfortunately, he struggles with short to intermediate passes and needs work to develop that part of his game. By working behind a veteran, Milroe has the chance to develop into a game-changer. This is a high-risk, high-reward pick, but worth it in the fourth round.
Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (65) celebrates with offensive lineman Jason Zandamela (50) after a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson enters this draft as an experienced starter with positional flexibility. During his time in Florida, he flashed the size, strength and athleticism to make him an intriguing prospect. He does need to work on his technique but offers potential as a swing tackle early in his career as he catches up with the speed of the game.
