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4 veterans Titans could put on notice with early 2026 NFL Draft choices

Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

After months of speculation, the Tennessee Titans will finally make their decision with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft this week. General manager Mike Borgonzi held his annual pre-draft press conference to discuss the options. The Titans are in a prime position to add a blue-chip player like running back Jeremiyah Love, linebacker Sonny Styles, or an EDGE rusher like David Bailey or Arvell Reese.

The Titans are well-positioned to acquire an excellent prospect. Building the team for head coach Robert Saleh and around franchise quarterback Cam Ward is the priority. Adding young talent is the goal as the Titans attempt to reach contender status after back-to-back 3-14 seasons.

Whoever the Titans choose at No. 4 overall will immediately alter the depth chart at that respective position. The same sentiment is accurate with the Titans' second-and-third-round (Nos. 35 and 66) picks. We've identified four veterans whose roles could change significantly following the NFL Draft.

The Tennessee Titans could create competition and depth at key positions in the 2026 NFL Draft

Tony Pollard, RB

The Titans have strongly been linked to selecting Love at No. 4 overall. If Borgonzi drafts a running back that highly, it goes without saying that he'd become the offense's lead ball carrier. Veteran Tony Pollard has enjoyed consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in the Titans' backfield, but he's entering a contract year and probably doesn't have a future with this regime. If Love is the pick, Pollard would immediately be placed on notice.

Dan Moore Jr., OT

The Titans overpaid Dan Moore Jr. last offseason to be a temporary solution at left tackle. His contract becomes moveable next offseason, with potential cap savings if he's released. That could influence Borgonzi to draft a potential successor in this year's class. Giving that prospect a year to develop and prepare would be smart. A cluster of second-wave offensive tackles could be available at No. 35 overall, including one-plus of Kadyn Proctor, Blake Miller, Max Iheanachor, and Caleb Lomu.

Cody Barton, LB

Saleh is a defensive minded coach who inherits Cody Barton as one of his starting linebackers. Saleh used to coach the position before being promoted to defensive coordinator, putting together an impressive resume of developing linebackers at each of his coaching stops. Whether the Titans draft a prospect like Sonny Styles early, Kyle Louis in the middle rounds, or Justin Jefferson late, Barton could be at risk of being replaced.

Bryce Oliver, WR

Former undrafted free agent wide receiver Bryce Oliver has been a fan favorite, but a costly injury prevented him from making the desired impact last season. Oliver will enter training camp with Calvin Ridley, Wan'Dale Robinson, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike ahead of him on the depth chart. If the Titans draft a receiver in the first four rounds, Oliver will find himself firmly on the roster bubble heading into camp.

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