The Tennessee Titans kicked off the 2025 Draft with the No. 1 overall pick, selecting Cam Ward. The pick is universally regarded as a great pick, and the young quarterback is expected to have a bright future in Tennessee. However, he was just the start of what experts are calling a really good draft class for the Titans.
The team made a total of nine selections, addressing all of its top needs. While Ward rightfully carries the headlines as the No. 1 pick, Tennessee made six day three selections, and analysts believe the team may have found some steals in those mid-to-late rounds.
Draft analyst Chad Reuter recently released a piece on NFL.com naming 16 day-three picks who could compete to start as a rookie. Typically, day three selections are just fighting to make the roster, but Reuter believes these players have a chance to start. The Titans had two selections on the list: tight end Gunnar Helm and cornerback Marcus Harris.
Titans have two day-three picks that could become rookie starters
Helm was selected in the fourth round with the 120th-overall pick, and Reuter believes the former Texas Longhorn will be in the mix to immediately start for Tennessee since Nick Vannett is no longer with the team.
"Helm's receiving skills, coverage awareness and toughness after the catch should get him on the field with Chigoziem Okonkwo in 12 personnel early in the year and possibly make Helm a starter by mid-October."Chad Reuter (NFL.com)
Helm is coming off a productive season at Texas, catching 60 passes for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. If he can quickly build a rapport with fellow rookie Cam Ward, he’ll have the chance to get on the field and help turn the Titans offense around.
The other player Reuter highlighted is on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback Marcus Harris was selected in the sixth round with pick No. 183, but Reuter believes he has tools that will tempt coaches to play him. Reuter didn’t argue that Harris will be in an outright training camp battle, but he did say the rookie corner could find his way onto the field due to inconsistent play or an injury from a starter.
If Harris, Helm, and any other rookies in the Titans’ 2025 Draft class can deliver like analysts think they can, the group has the chance to quickly turn things around in Tennessee.