One of the more underrated needs for the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft is at the linebacker position. New general manager Mike Borgonzi hasn't made any decisions regarding Kenneth Murray's future, the linebacker who was signed by Ran Carthon last offseason qualifies as a potential salary cap casualty. The Titans would save nearly $8 million against the cap by releasing the inconsistent defender.
Yet releasing Murray would lead to more questions than answers. Jack Gibbens and Chance Campbell are recovering from brutal season-ending injuries. Cedric Gray and James Williams will be sophomores in 2025, but they were drafted by the previous GM, and proved nothing as rookies.
The NFL Combine offered the Titans an opportunity to assess a quality class of linebacker prospects. Borgonzi will almost certainly draft at least one linebacker at some point. We've identified which off-ball defenders impressed the Titans the most in Indianapolis.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The unquestioned best off-ball linebacker in the 2025 NFL Draft did not disappoint. Jihaad Campbell displayed rare athletic abilities. The Alabama standout ran the 40-yard dash in a third-best 4.52 seconds, and he weighed nearly 15 pounds more than the two linebackers who ran slightly faster times. Campbell also finished second in the broad jump with a 10-foot-7 result. He's likely a first-round pick, but if he's available at No. 35 overall, the Titans may strongly consider pulling the trigger.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Another linebacker the Titans could consider with their early second-round selection is UCLA's Carson Schwesinger. A sideline-to-sideline defender, Schwesinger leaped the second-best vertical jump at 39.5 inches. He recorded 136 tackles this past season, and will star for an NFL defense in 2025.
Eugene Asante, LB, Auburn
Eugene Asante is an athletic specimen who needs to make some technical advancements in his game. Scouts weren't shocked when Asante ran a 4.48 40, the second-best result. His 21 reps on the bench press were also fairly impressive. Athleticism, speed, and coverage upside are evident on tape. The Auburn standout needs to rely less on his natural gifts, but moldable traits are present.
Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
The Titans could target a linebacker with the ability to play in pass coverage specifically in mind, and Jeffery Bassa is one of the better coverage 'backers available. He was true man-to-man upside versus tight ends, with instincts and range. Bassa also has disciplined eyes in zone coverage. At the NFL Combine, his 38.5 inch vertical placed third in the drill.
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
Demetrius Knight Jr. is athletic with a violent downhill trigger. The South Carolina standout ran a respectable 4.58 40, though his 31.5 inch vertical was a position-worst result. Knight Jr. recovered nicely in the 3-cone and shuttle, running a 7.12 and 4.25 respectively.