The Tennessee Titans traded star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears late last week. The return included two first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 NFL Draft's. Following an exciting Week 8 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, paired with the Simmons trade, Mike Borgonzi has shifted attention to April's draft.
The Titans' pass rush was inconsistent without Simmons against the Bengals. Jacob Martin was the defense's only pass rusher to disrupt the pocket with regularity. Luckily for the Titans, there could be a clear solution to this issue in the 2027 NFL Draft.
South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart is a name that Titans fans should get used to hearing. The Gamecocks' star player has dominated since his first snaps as a true freshman, earning Freshman All-American and First Team ALL-SEC honors in 2024. Since then, the dominance has only continued.
Dylan Stewart becomes an NFL Draft prospect Titans fans cannot ignore following the Jeffery Simmons trade
Most recently, Stewart further cemented his name at the top of this draft class. He recorded a crucial strip sack in the final seconds of the Gamecocks' 27-24 victory against the Tennessee Volunteers. The last-second turnover proved to be the game-winning play, allowing the South Carolina offense to take over in Tennessee territory.
The strip-sack that set us up!@Dylan1Stewart_ x @TomiwaDurojaiye pic.twitter.com/vhxcfy9m3C
— South Carolina Football (@GamecockFB) October 25, 2026
It's a common draft trend to describe prospects as "freaks of nature", but that almost seems like an understatement when referring to Stewart. Coming in at 6'5" and roughly 250 pounds, he brings ideal size to any defensive front. While his arm length has not been officially measured, his rumored 34-inch arms would immediately place him in elite territory.
The physical profile alone places him near the top of the class, but his play on the field is what solidifies his case as a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. As a taller EDGE, you might assume the height causes a stiff playing style, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
2027 NFL Draft: Dylan Stewart could transform Titans pass rush
Stewart can beat tackles in numerous ways, making him such a pain for offensive lines to prepare against. His impressive arm length and power allow him to bull-rush tackles and collapse pockets at a rapid pace. On the other hand, his speed also allows him to swiftly bend past tackles or perform nifty stunts through gaps.
Despite all the praise, there have been some alleged character issues throughout his time in Columbia, most recently getting into an alleged altercation with head coach Shane Beamer which resulted in a one-game suspension against Kentucky. Since his suspension, Stewart has been full steam ahead and continues to plead his case as a top draft pick.
Ultimately, this decision will come down to Titans GM Mike Borgonzi. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Titans front office decides to trust in Robert Saleh's culture and take a chance on a true game-wrecker in Dylan Stewart, especially after trading Simmons.
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