The Tennessee Titans may have finally chalked up another box in the win column for rookie quarterback Cam Ward, but they still are in possession of one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with the need to help Ward, the Titans might use that pick on a defensive player.
Marcus Mosher and Ryan Fowler of FanSided both subscribe to the notion that the Titans may need to take the best player available when they have to make their selection, but they differ on which player will be designated as the de facto new leader of their defense.
Mosher had the Titans selecting the player many believe they will end up with in Ohio State linebacker/pass rusher Arvell Reese. While Reese looks like someone who should start piling up the Pro Bowls immediately in the NFL, he might not be a lock to join the Titans.
Fowler believes the Titans may need to improve the secondary by taking another Buckeye in safety Caleb Downs. While it might be risky to use a selection this early in the Draft on a safety, the appeal of adding someone like Downs would tempt any GM out there.
Titans split between Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Reese is going to get some Micah Parsons comparisons due to how similar of a role they played in college, but the combination of speed, versatility, and technical refinement as a pass rusher that Reese is bringing to the table makes him someone who should have no trouble cementing himself as a top-three pick.
Downs' floor is as high as any player in this class thanks to his zone coverage skills, leadership, and willingness to hit. The only debate he comes from a positional value standpoint, as some are not going to like the idea of a safety like Downs being taken in the top three selections.
While the Titans' roster is so bereft of talent that it might behoove Mike Borgonzi to trade back and stockpile as many picks as possible, there's an equally valid school of thought that would suggest Tennessee would be foolish to pass up the chance to add a sure-fire starter to the mix.
The Titans hold the keys to the 2026 Draft, as their decision to either stay put and take a star like Reese or Downs or trade out of the pick will have major ripple effects.