The Tennessee Titans entered this year's NFL Scouting Combine searching for EDGE prospects who can positively impact their defense in 2025. Dennard Wilson's unit recorded a third-worst 32 sacks throughout 2024. Amplifying the need for an EDGE, the Titans granted veteran defender Harold Landry permission to seek a trade.
The Titans have been linked to selecting EDGE Abdul Carter with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Alternatively, they could consider trading down with a QB-needy team while still targeting Carter.
Carter isn't the only exciting pass rusher in April's upcoming class. It's a loaded group that tested admirably at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Titans departed the combine impressed with several pass rushers. Carter did not partake in the testing portion due to shoulder and foot injuries. With the opportunity for others to shine, we've identified which EDGEs left a positive impression on Mike Borgonzi.
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
The freakiest athlete at EDGE was Texas A&M's Shemart Stewart. The Aggies standout recorded a 99th-percentile result when he leaped a 10-foot-11 broad jump. Stewart also possesses rare length with arms longer than 34 inches. His lack of production (1.5 sacks in 2024) has made him a divisive prospect, but the testing results likely confirmed his status as a top 10 selection. If the Titans trade down to No. 7 or further (the Las Vegas Raiders?), he could be an alternative to Carter.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Donovan Ezeiruaku opted out of certain testing drills, but his position-fastest 6.94 in the three-cone was truly elite. It's a drill that routinely predicts next-level success better than the 40-yard dash does, and Ezeiruaku displayed rare agility. The Boston College standout also led all EDGEs in the shuttle at 4.19 seconds. He's a speedy, athletic pass rusher who totaled 16.5 sacks this past campaign. If the Titans don't draft Carter, he should be a premier option at No. 35.
Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Landon Jackson leaped a position-high 40.5 inches in the vertical. Only one EDGE prospect did that last season, and it was first-round selection Dallas Turner. Jackson is a special athlete. On tape, he projects as a potential three-down lineman, equally impacting the run and pass.
Jah Joyner, Minnesota
Jah Joyner is among the most intriguing mid-round pass rushers. His sack production took a slight step backwards this season (4.5 versus 7.5 in 2023), but he was still productive, and he proved he's athletic, too. Joyner ran the fifth-fastest 40 (4.60) among edges. The Titans should consider the mid-round double-down.
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. had an up-and-down combine. We knew he was fast and athletic, and that was proven by his position-best 4.47 40 and 1.56 10-yard split. Pearce Jr. also struggled in the vertical, leaping one of the worst results at 31 inches. The Tennessee Volunteer looked incredibly smooth during the wave drill, backpedaling and changing direction flawlessly.