The Tennessee Titans head into the Week 9 bye at 1-7. Following the Jeffer Simmons trade, general manager Mike Borgonzi is now equipped with a treasure trove of 2027 NFL Draft picks. Borgonzi has to draft difference makers for the Titans to successfully complete this rebuild.
Quarterback Cam Ward has begun playing better. There's hope surrounding this Titans franchise despite the current record. But the roster still has glaring weaknesses that must be addressed via the 2027 NFL Draft.
We've identified (and ranked) the Titans' five-most notable roster holes.
Titans bye week: Ranking their biggest needs in the 2027 NFL Draft
5. Defensive Tackle
Trading Jeffery Simmons obviously created a long-term need at defensive tackle. The defense has John Franklin-Myers under contract through 2028. Franklin-Myers has been underwhelming in 2026 as he battles through a back injury. The Titans desperately need more from him after Simmons' departure.
The 2027 NFL Draft class is expected to put forth stellar prospects at defensive tackle. Will Echoles (Ole Miss), Xavier Gilliam (Tennessee), A'Mauri Washington (Oregon), and David Stone (Oklahoma) are potential top-40 selections. The Titans are expected to have three picks in that range.
4. Left Tackle
Analysts were quick to criticize the Titans for signing left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million contract last offseason. In truth, the contract hasn't been nearly as bad as critics predicted. Moore was at least league-average last season, and he's been even better this season under new OL coach Carmen Bricillo.
Moore is signed through 2028, and his cap charges for 2027/2028 are actually lower ($22 million) compared to 2026 ($26 million). Borgonzi may not feel urgency to release him, but prior to 2028, the Titans should draft his long-term replacement. Potential candidates in 2027 include Zereoue Williams (Utah), Jordan Seaton (LSU), Trevor Lauck (Iowa), Lance Heard (Kentucky), and Trevor Goosby (Texas).
3. Running Back
How the Titans approach the Tony Pollard situation will be fascinating. Current indications are they prefer to retain him as opposed to trading him before the Nov. 10 deadline. Pollard has played fantastically in recent weeks, but the situation is complicated given his expiring contract.
Tyjae Spears is also on an expiring contract and almost certainly won't be back. Even if the Titans keep Pollard and re-sign him to a short-team deal, they absolutely need to draft at least one running back. Potential fits include Jadan Baugh (Florida), Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss), Ahmad Hardy (MIssouri), LJ Martin (BYU), and DeSean Bishop (Tennessee).
2. Cornerback
The Titans grossly miscalculated how cornerback Alontae Taylor would fit into their defense. Benched after five weeks after struggling at cornerback, the Titans are now playing him at nickel. That's not what they envisioned when they signed Taylor to a three-year, $58 million contract in free agency.
If Taylor is a full-time nickel moving forward, the Titans have a huge hope at cornerback opposite rising starter Cor'Dale Flott. Joshua Williams has performed admirably while replacing Taylor outside, but he probably isn't the long-term answer. Top-40 prospects include Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Ashton Hampton (Clemson), Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia), and Kelley Jones (Mississippi State).
1. EDGE Rusher
When the Titans hired Robert Saleh, they allowed him freedom to oversee the defensive line. They acquired several players he had previously coached. Reality is they're not talented enough across the line, and the Simmons trade was a calculated setback.
Jacob Martin is overachieving at EDGE, but he'd be better utilized as the No. 3 rotational guy. Jermaine Johnson is on an expiring contract and despite his familiarity with Saleh, he hasn't done enough to warrant a new contract. Femi Oladejo and Keldric Faulk are still developing. First-round prospects at EDGE include Colin Simmons (Texas), Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), Will Heldt (Clemson), Yhonzae Pierre (Alabama), and Boubacar Traore (Notre Dame).
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