Titans Face Crucial Decision on No. 1 Draft Pick

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the NFL Draft approaching on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Tennessee Titans are weighing their options for the coveted No. 1 overall pick. A recent poll of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts indicates a strong inclination that the Titans will likely trade the pick instead of keeping it.

According to the survey conducted by ESPN reporters, five votes were cast in favor of trading the pick, compared to three support votes for retaining it. Those favoring a trade argue that the Titans lack the necessary roster depth to make a franchise-altering decision at this juncture.

“The Titans’ roster has a lot of holes,” said an AFC personnel executive. “They need more than just a quarterback. I mean, who would [the Titans’ quarterbacks] throw to if they take them? They need help!”

This analysis holds merit as the Titans finished the 2023 season at 3-14, ranking 31st in quarterback rating (37.3) and 27th in pass-block win rate (56.1%). They also struggled defensively, ranking 21st in run defense and tied for 30th in turnover margin, allowing 4.5 yards per carry.

Chad Brinker, the Titans’ president of football operations, stated that the team is open to trading out of the first pick to acquire additional assets. “They want more picks, so I think they’d come off that first pick,” said an AFC scout. “But it takes two to tango; someone has to fall in love with one of these quarterbacks enough to give up a ransom.”

Furthermore, there’s no consensus among evaluators whether the Titans will use their top pick to select a quarterback or a player at another position. Out of nine evaluators surveyed, three predicted a quarterback selection, while four expected a top pick at another position. Two respondents expressed uncertainty about the situation.

“Not a year you’d be pumped about having a top-five pick,” an NFC South executive noted, reflecting the concerns about this year’s quarterback class.

Cam Ward from Miami and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado are highlighted as likely candidates to be the first quarterback selected. Ward recently set the NCAA record for career touchdown passes and finished the previous season with 39 touchdown passes at Miami.

“I think he has a nice package, and overall, I think he’s the top prospect,” said an AFC area scout who favored Ward. Conversely, a coach noted concerns about Ward’s decision-making under pressure, which underscores the risks of selecting a quarterback in this draft.

Defensive end Abdul Carter and wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter also stand at the forefront of potential top picks. An informal poll ranked Carter slightly ahead of Hunter for defensive positions, driven by Carter’s explosive performance that earned him the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year title.

Hunter, celebrated for his dual-threat capability, finished last season with impressive stats on both offense and defense, creating a potential dilemma for teams considering his positioning. “You just really don’t want to stifle his development,” said an NFC executive. “It’s typically harder to find a cornerback of his talent.”

As the draft rapidly approaches, the Titans face a critical decision. Should they trade the pick for a wealth of selections to bolster their roster, or should they aim to draft a potential franchise quarterback to lead their future?