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Titans 2025 draft needs, picks, best fits, history

Fri Apr 11 1:30pm ET
Field Level Media

Soliciting a package of top-100 picks and repeating the sentiment in media sessions that the franchise is "open for business" didn't bring a flotilla of trade offers to the Tennessee Titans.

So are the rebuilding Titans up a creek without a trade partner at No. 1?

Not exactly.

The franchise is armed with the top overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and most signs point to selecting Miami quarterback Cameron Ward, but nothing is diecast at No. 1 given the uncertain history of the new decision-makers in the Titans' power structure.

Options in the conversation beyond Ward, such as playmaker and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and pass rusher Abdul Carter, might be better fits for a team with a proven roster closer to contending.

Does Ward fit the pressing need at the QB position? Arguably, he does, rating as the only top 20 quarterback in the draft according to Field Level Media's composite rankings.

Head coach Brian Callahan lived what he said is NFL truth: Franchise quarterbacks are priceless. Callahan helped develop Joe Burrow, the No. 1 pick of the Bengals in 2020. He also has many points of reference as a QB coach and coordinator to help measure the potential for Will Levis to develop after an erratic first year together.

Burrow's only issues at the NFL level have been taking too many sacks (196 in his young career to date) -- pinned mostly on a fragile front five -- and the resulting injuries from the constant pounding (knee, calf, wrist).

General manager Mike Borgonzi was with the Chiefs when Patrick Mahomes was picked 10th in 2017 and experienced every season of his NFL brilliance before taking over in Nashville in January. The two most meaningful games Mahomes lost in his career were both blamed in large part on a leaky offensive line.

Borgonzi doesn't want to leave that possibility open.

Previous GM Ran Carthon didn't leave the cupboard bare. He selected two offensive linemen in the top 11 -- Peter Skoronski in 2023 (11th overall) and JC Latham in 2024 (seventh overall) -- and Borgonzi signed left tackle Dan Moore from the Steelers in free agency to solidify a group that could help keep the runway clear for Ward to lead a turnaround in Tennessee.

Team needs

Pass rusher

An interior pairing of 2024 second-rounder T'Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons serves as a solid foundation, but the Titans' 3-4 defense can't function without a pass rusher. Harold Landry was more technique and persistence than explosive and twitchy, which is the order of the day for coordinator Dennard Wilson.

Quarterback

Will Levis being on the roster is a thinly clipped insurance plan for the Titans receiving a Herschel Walker- or Ricky Williams-type offer in the days before the draft. The job will go to a rookie and Ward has the maturity, makeup and live arm to be a quality NFL starter.

Wide receiver

Playmakers are in short supply with no surefire No. 1 receiver, no matter how optimistic the team claims to be about Calvin Ridley.

Best prospect fits

QB Cameron Ward, Miami

OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State

Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia

DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

2025 draft picks by round

Total picks: 8

By round (pick in round, overall pick)

1: 1, 1

2: 3, 35

4: 1, 103

4: 18, 120 (from Seattle Seahawks)

5: 3, 141

5: 29, 167 (from Kansas City Chiefs)

6: 2, 178

6: 12, 188 (from Dallas Cowboys)

History Lesson

--The last time the franchise had the No. 1 pick was 1978. The then-Houston Oilers drafted Texas RB Earl Campbell.

--In three of the past five drafts and five of the past 10 years, the Titans used their first-round pick on an offensive lineman (2014, 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024).

--In 2015 with the No. 2 overall pick, the Titans drafted QB Marcus Mariota.

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Player Notes
Jack Cochrane Apr 11 11:50am CT
Jack Cochrane

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that they officially re-signed linebacker Jack Cochrane after he signed his right-of-first-refusal tender. Cochrane will make $3.263 million in 2025. The 26-year-old will return to Chiefs Kingdom for his fourth season after he originally went undrafted out of South Dakota. In his three seasons with the Chiefs, he has racked up 42 tackles (29 solo) and one pass breakup in 47 games (one start). In 15 regular-season games (zero starts) last year, Cochrane had only five tackles (three solo). His most productive season came in 2023, when he had a career-high 28 tackles (21 solo) and a pass breakup in 17 regular-season games (one start). Cochrane played 296 snaps on special teams last season and only nine on defense, so we should expect him to return to a similar role with the Chiefs in 2025.

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Daniel Jones Apr 11 11:40am CT
Daniel Jones

ESPN's Matt Miller writes that tight end is the obvious first-round target for the Indianapolis Colts going into the 2025 NFL draft. The Colts had the fewest receptions from its tight ends in the league last year, so both Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland makes sense for Indy for both need and value at No. 14 overall. ESPN's Stephen Holder believes the Colts will build from the inside out in this draft after losing starting offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, who led the team's defensive line in snap counts in 2024. The Colts may go with a tight end with their first-round pick, but if they do, expect them to address the depth on both their offensive and defensive lines after that, starting with the No. 45 overall pick in the second round. The Colts definitely need a reliable target in the middle of the field for one of Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones at QB.

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Javon Hargrave Apr 11 11:30am CT
Javon Hargrave

ESPN's Nick Wagoner thinks that defensive line is the San Francisco 49ers' biggest priority heading into this year's NFL draft, and they arguably need three new starters on the defensive line next to edge rusher Nick Bosa. They need significant upgrades after releasing starting defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins and edge rusher Leonard Floyd this offseason. The good news is that this draft is deep on the defensive line, and it's why many pundits have San Fran projected to take Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Stewart early on. "This should be an all-trenches draft if [Kyle] Shanahan can resist picking skill players," said a rival NFC scout. It will be a pivotal draft for the Niners (they have 11 picks) after a disappointing and injury-riddled 2024 campaign that ended without a playoff berth.

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Aidan O'Connell Apr 11 11:10am CT
Aidan O'Connell

The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Geno Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason, but it's extremely team-friendly, and The Athletic's Vic Tafur thinks bringing in a young QB in this year's NFL draft to learn behind Smith makes sense. Tafur also thinks the Raiders might trade backup Aidan O'Connell on draft weekend. The Raiders have a clear out with Smith after 2026, as they guaranteed only $18.5 of his $26.5 million 2026 salary, and none of the $39.5 million he's due to make in 2027. Minority owner Tom Brady likes the idea of rookie QBs sitting and learning, and the Raiders will have some interesting options later in the draft in what is considered a down year for QBs. Tafur doesn't think it makes much sense to take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 overall, and a good number of QBs could be off the board by the team's second pick at No. 37 overall.

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Lamar Jackson Apr 11 10:10am CT
Lamar Jackson

The Washington Commanders have agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson. The veteran signal-caller is back with the organization after playing four games with Washington during the 2018 season. Most recently, Johnson played with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2024 season as the backup to Lamar Jackson. Now, Johnson is set to serve as the third string behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. The 38-year-old is mainly a veteran presence at this point in his career considering he hasn't started a game since 2021. Johnson has played with seven different organizations since being traded by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. He won't offer much value on the field, but can be a helpful mentor on the sideline.

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Mo Alie-Cox Apr 11 10:00am CT
Mo Alie-Cox

The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed tight end Mo Alie-Cox to a one-year deal on Friday. Alie-Cox is headed back to Indy for a eighth straight season. In 2024, Alie-Cox finished with 12 receptions for 147 yards and one touchdown in 17 games (13 starts) with the Colts. At this point, Alie-Cox is mainly depth as the Colts are likely to target a tight end during the upcoming NFL Draft. Regardless, it's hard to imagine Alie-Cox having fantasy value considering he hasn't posted a season with over 200 receiving yards since 2021. This appears to be a depth signing as Alie-Cox knows the system and the organization well.

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Jalen Pitre Apr 11 9:30am CT
Jalen Pitre

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre has agreed to a new deal with the organization on Friday. The two sides have agreed on a three-year, $39 million extension, including $29.1 million in guaranteed money. Pitre was set to enter his final year of his rookie deal, but the Texans decided to lock him up before he could enter free agency. Pitre recorded 147 tackles, eight passes defended, and five interceptions during his rookie year in 2022. Since then, Pitre has seen his stats take a dip, but he has still been an above average defender on the field. This isn't a blockbuster move, but a reasonable one to keep a valuable defender on the roster for a good price.

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Joe Flacco Apr 11 9:20am CT
Joe Flacco

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco on Friday. They've agreed on a one-year, $4 million contract, including incentives that could earn up to $13 million for the upcoming season. The 40-year-old threw for 1,761 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts last season. Before that, Flacco went 4-1 with the Browns while throwing for 1,616 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions during the 2023 campaign. The Browns already have Kenny Pickett and the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. That being said, it's unclear where Flacco is going to fall on the depth chart once the season begins. For now, Flacco is looked upon as a veteran presence who might still have a little bit left in the tank on the football field.

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Caleb Williams Apr 10 9:50pm CT
Caleb Williams

Despite the Chicago Bears being aggressive in acquiring offensive linemen this offseason, ESPN's Courtney Cronin isn't ruling out the team addressing their offensive line at No. 10 overall in this year's NFL draft, especially since incumbent starting left tackle Braxton Jones (ankle) is expected to be limited at the start of training camp this summer after having ankle surgery. It's unlikely that Kiran Amegadjie will be without legitimate competition at the position while Jones recovers. General manager Ryan Poles talked about "short-term versus long-term thinking" at the league meetings, potentially signaling Chicago will use their first-round pick on a left tackle to start grooming him for the future. After drafting quarterback Caleb Williams first overall last year, protecting him for the long term will be of utmost importance.

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Justin Fields Apr 10 9:40pm CT
Justin Fields

ESPN New York's Rich Cimini thinks the chances are good that the New York Jets go offense with the No. 7 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, taking either a plug-and-play right tackle like Missouri's Armand Membou or a much-needed aerial target for new quarterback Justin Fields like Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Jets have holes on their offensive line and at receiver, as their only current dependable pass-catcher is Garrett Wilson. Receiver, right tackle and cornerback should be New York's primary focus on Days 1 and 2 of the draft. ESPN's Matt Miller says that there has been some chatter about the Jets potentially drafting a running back -- maybe Boise State's Ashton Jeanty if the Raiders pass on him at No. 6 -- but they definitely have more pressing needs.

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Rashaad Penny Apr 10 9:20pm CT
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ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that cornerback could be a position that the Las Vegas Raiders target early in this year's NFL draft, especially if they trade down from No. 6 overall. University of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is an option for Vegas if they trade back, according to multiple league sources. ESPN's Ryan McFadden also wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders go with an offensive lineman or cornerback with their first-round selection. The most obvious pairing, though, is for the Raiders to take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up. Vegas could use another instant-impact offensive threat to pair with second-year tight end Brock Bowers, and new head coach Pete Carroll is no stranger to taking a RB in the first round -- Seattle took Rashaad Penny 27th overall in 2018. During Carroll's 14-year tenure in Seattle, he took six offensive players in the first round.

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Trevor Lawrence Apr 10 9:10pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Although nothing is set in stone, ESPN's Matt Miller writes that there is an expectation that the Jacksonville Jaguars will take Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall pick in this year's NFL draft. However, a scout recently told Miller not to rule out Jacksonville going with an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. New general manager James Gladstone comes from the Los Angeles Rams, who have used high picks to bolster the trenches on both sides of the line in recent seasons. ESPN's Michael DiRocco thinks a best-case scenario would be Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter being available when the Jaguars are on the clock, but that's unlikely to play out. Adding Hunter to an offense that already includes Brian Thomas Jr. would be extremely helpful as quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks to bounce back in 2025.

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Drake Maye Apr 10 9:00pm CT
Drake Maye

ESPN's Matt Miller writes that Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou could be in play for the New England Patriots at No. 4 overall in this year's NFL draft, as they've done a lot of homework on him as they look to improve their offensive line in front of quarterback Drake Maye. Scouts have also said the Patriots would be happy with either Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter if they are available. ESPN's Mike Reiss believes New England would consider a trade down if both Hunter and Carter are off the board. "If somebody has an offer for us, I think we'd be willing to listen," head coach Mike Vrabel said. It sounds like the Pats are open to a variety of possibilities, including LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.

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Cam Ward Apr 10 8:50pm CT
Cam Ward

ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that there seems to be three potential outcomes for the New York Giants at No. 3 overall in this year's NFL draft, assuming the Tennessee Titans take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall. There three options are Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. The offseason additions of veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston give the Giants flexibility to add the best player available when they are on the clock, and general manager Joe Schoen stressed at the league meetings recently that the team would only go with a signal-caller "if the value was right." Carter could help a lethal pass-rush trio with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Hunter would give the G-Men intriguing possibilities on both offense and defense. As things currently stand, Sanders could be looking at all fall outside of the top three picks.

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Kaleb Johnson Apr 10 8:10pm CT
Kaleb Johnson

University of Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson visited with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday after visiting with the New York Giants on Wednesday, sources told The Bergen Record's Art Stapleton. The Bengals currently have the 49th and 81st overall picks in this year's NFL draft in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively, and it seems clear that they want to give Chase Brown help in the backfield via this year's draft. Cincy has brought in multiple RBs for visits during the pre-draft process, including Ohio State star Quinshon Judkins. They are scheduled to meet with Judkins' teammate, TreVeyon Henderson, as well. Johnson had a whopping 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024 and added 22 catches for 188 yards and two more TDs. If the Bengals like the 21-year-old enough, they may have to trade up in the draft to select him.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Apr 10 8:00pm CT
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Per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter's (foot, shoulder) medical recheck in Indianapolis on Thursday showed that the stress reaction in his foot is healing. There has been improvement and no surgery will be needed. "It should be a non-factor with the teams at this point," Rosenhaus said. In addition to a foot injury he's recovering from, a shoulder injury also prevented him from working out at the scouting combine and his school's Pro Day. However, the 21-year-old defensive end plans to host a private workout for NFL teams later this month before the draft. The reigning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year shouldn't have his draft stock affected by the two injuries, and there's still a chance he could go as high as No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is expected to take either Carter or Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter at second overall.

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Shedeur Sanders Apr 10 7:50pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said on Wednesday that he thinks Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' camp doesn't want him to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns or the other teams that have the top three picks in this year's NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans hold the top pick, but they are expected to take Miami QB Cam Ward. The Browns and New York Giants hold the second and third picks, respectively. There is momentum for the Browns to take Sanders' Colorado teammate and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall, leading to speculation of how far Sanders might fall in the top 10 later this month. If Sanders falls outside the top three picks, the Raiders at No. 6, the Saints at No. 9 and the Steelers at No. 21 could all be good landing spots for him. The Steelers are expected to sign Aaron Rodgers eventually, but Sanders would become their long-term plan at the position.

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Deshaun Watson Apr 10 6:50pm CT
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) posted an Instagram video this week of him working out in Browns gear with a message for the doubters. "Everyone don't think I can get back to where I was. But I know...I'm gonna be way better than before." Watson's time as a Brown has been forgettable, with injuries and off-field issues marring his tenure with the team, and we'll have to wait longer than expected to see him again. After re-rupturing his Achilles tendon in early January, the 29-year-old is slated to miss significant time in the 2025 campaign. The Clemson product was once on an early-career superstar trajectory with the Texans. However, he's yet to recapture even an iota of his former success since holding out with Houston in 2021. Whether Watson will be a viable fantasy asset again remains to be seen, and he'll have some work to do before getting another shot on the field. It wouldn't be surprising if we didn't see him return to action in 2025.

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Haason Reddick Apr 10 6:20pm CT
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Haason Reddick told reporters that he's entering 2025 with a new mindset and is focused on what he can bring to his new team. "I know that everybody is worried about last year, but last year is last year, right?...just ready to put the past behind me and continue to move forward, and what better place to do it than here?" The 30-year-old was unproductive last season, limited to just ten games with the New York Jets following a training camp holdout. Reddick produced a career-low 14 tackles and one sack, a stark contrast to the 54.25 tackles and 12.63 sacks per year he averaged over the prior four seasons. Amid the controversy, it's possible the Bucs got a steal in the veteran's one-year $14 million deal. The Temple product could be in store for a resurgent season with Tampa Bay as they bolster their defensive front.

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Terrace Marshall Jr. Apr 10 5:40pm CT
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The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with free-agent wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. on an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Marshall will not be anywhere near the fantasy radar as he looks to provide depth at the position behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The 24-year-old is coming off a 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders in which he had only three receptions on six targets for 41 yards and no touchdowns in seven games played (one start). The former second-round pick (59th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in 2021 out of LSU caught a combined 64 passes for 767 yards and just one touchdown on 110 targets in his three seasons with the Panthers from 2021-23. Marshall will be competing with the likes of Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson, among others, for a 53-man roster spot.

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