New Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh will collaborate with general manager Mike Borgonzi this offseason. Though Borgonzi possesses full roster control after a change in organizational approach, he'll attempt to acquire players Saleh and his coaching staff will be excited about coaching. Landing the right prospects via the 2026 NFL Draft is a big part of that.
Saleh and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will work together in tandem to install the defense. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll possesses control over the offense. With the schemes in place, Borgonzi will attempt to draft prospects who fit the systems.
Avoiding prospects who are awkward fits is key to capturing instant success. Borgonzi must navigate those challenges. We've identified five prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft who aren't fit for Saleh's Titans.
5 NFL Draft prospects who do not fit Robert Saleh's Tennessee Titans
Arvell Reese, LB
More and more projections are shying away from Arvell Reese's once-projected move from off-ball linebacker to EDGE. Though Saleh would appreciate Reese's skill set at linebacker, the Titans are unlikely to take that non-premium position at No. 4 overall. Instead, Saleh will probably prioritize an athletic pass rusher with a straightforward path to success on the EDGE, like David Bailey.
Chris Bell, WR
If The Titans draft a wide receiver with a top-40 selection, it will be a prospect designed to experience instant success alongside franchise quarterback Cam Ward. Ward needs immediate help in Daboll's offense. Louisville's Chris Bell suffered a torn ACL injury in late November that might prevent him from contributing right away.
Akheem Mesidor, DL
It's been well documented that Saleh appreciates speed and athleticism at EDGE. Miami's Akheem Mesidor is more of a well-balanced prospect with power and inside-outside versatility. Mesidor projects as a good NFL player, but he's probably not what Saleh has envisioned for the revamped EDGE room.
Cashius Howell, EDGE
Saleh values arm length at EDGE. Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald, two first-round pass rushers drafted during his time with the Jets, had arms longer than 34 inches. Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell is expected to measure in with arms under 31 inches. That falls significantly short of Saleh's preferred thresholds.
Lee Hunter, NT
Analysts are already questioning how T'Vondre Sweat fits into Saleh's defensive scheme. Saleh prefers athleticism over gargantuan size. That probably means Texas Tech's Lee Hunter, who weighed in at 320 pounds at last week's Senior Bowl, isn't a fit.