The Tennessee Titans finished their 2024 season with a miserable 3-14 record and have already made some drastic moves in the aftermath by firing general manager Ran Carthon. With the search for his replacement in full swing, fans can fantasize what they are going to do with their No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft.
Fans not knowing the general manager allows them to debate this, and there is no consensus on what direction the team should take. Some say quarterback, others say edge, and others say best available player. There is really no clear-cut answer within the fan base.
Unfortunately, that is also the same question that is thrown about concerning the top prospects. Unlike past years, where there was consensus on a group of prospects, after Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, there is no clear-cut order in the player rankings. That’s not to say there isn’t talent; there is. That just means that the players this year and in what order they are selected will likely be more in line with scheme fit than a consensus draft board.
Then there is the pressure of having the No. 1 pick and how much impact it will have on a team with multiple needs and limited selections. There are so many questions, and that makes this a fun time. This draft will be exciting and polarizing, especially for fans who aren’t embedded inside team facilities to see the big board.
NFL draft expert Dan Brugler of The Athletic recently released his latest two-round mock draft and has the Titans making at least part of the fanbase happy.
Round 1
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The incoming general manager in Tennessee will inherit a great opportunity — either invest in a quarterback at No. 1 or trade the pick to a quarterback-needy team. Any other outcome would be surprising.
If the Titans opt not to take a QB, the ideal scenario would be to trade back two spots with the Giants. The Titans wouldn’t receive close to what the Bears scored in compensation from the Panthers for the No. 1 pick two years ago, but they would gain additional draft capital and still be in position to take Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter at No. 3.
However, in this mock, the Titans decide Ward is an upgrade over their current quarterback situation. His loose play style won’t be for everyone, but his ability to create explosive plays and the gradual improvements he has shown each year are promising aspects of his profile. Some scouts have compared Ward’s upside to that of Steve McNair, which would be music to the ears of fans in Nashville.
Round 2
35. Tennessee Titans: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
The Titans need more pressure from their defense and Sawyer is an interesting selection and could make an impact on the edge. A two-year starter, Sawyer flies around, has a high motor and makes plays. He has flashed some explosion off the edge and has some variety as a rusher, but also holds up against the run. Plus he has shown big play ability and is a leader., all elements that would likely endear himself to the fanbase.
There is no question that Ward and Sawyer would help fill voids on the roster in areas that definitely need upgrades. Is that who you would select for the Titans or would you go a different direction? Let us know your thoughts.
The Tennessee Titans are slated to select 2nd in the 2025 NFL draft and CBS Sports sees them addressing their offense.
