The Tennessee Titans made nine total selections during the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager Mike Borgonzi is rebuilding the roster with a draft-and-develop mantra. With Borgonzi and Chad Brinker taking a patient approach, expect the Titans to have a ton of rookie contributors in 2025.
Brian Callahan will expect some first-year players to contribute right away. Others will play rotational roles on offense and defense, and lower-level rookies may be limited to special teams. With that in mind, we've ranked all nine Titans rookies from the biggest projected contributors onward.
Cam Ward, QB
Cam Ward was drafted to be the Titans' franchise quarterback. The overwhelming expectation is that he'll start against a tough Denver Broncos defense in Week 1. The Titans have placed their complete trust in Ward, even going as far to make tweaks to the offense that make him feel more comfortable with Brian Callahan's playbook.
Elic Ayomanor, WR
It's rare for fourth-round receivers to possess such a clear pathway to immediate snaps, but that's the case for Elic Ayomanor. The 6-foot-2, 206 pound wideout is a big-bodied boundary playmaker who can play the "X" position. The Titans currently have underwhelming free-agent signing Van Jefferson and first-round bust Treylon Burks at that spot. Ayomanor could play himself into a role.
Kevin Winston Jr., S
Third-round safety Kevin Winston Jr. is recovering from a partially torn ACL, but the Titans expect him to be full-go at training camp. Dennard Wilson has Amani Hooker and free-agent addition Xavier Woods at safety. Winston Jr. projects as a sub-package player in certain nickel/dime concepts. The Titans had a second-round grade on the former Penn State DB, who should play his way onto the field rather quickly.
Femi Oladejo, EDGE
EDGE Femi Oladejo was the Titans' second-round pick, but his pathway to the field completely relies on his ability to quickly acclimate to the NFL. Oladejo began his senior season at UCLA at off-ball linebacker, but made a successful midseason switch to EDGE. He's a natural pass rusher with power and extension. The Titans don't have much proven production at the position, with Arden Key, Dre'Mont Jones, and Lorenzo Carter presumably opening camp ahead of him.
Gunnar Helm, TE
It'll be interesting to monitor how the Titans deploy their three tight ends this season when all parties are healthy. Fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm is a similar player to Josh Whyle, but Whyle has dealt with recurring head injuries. Helm is versatile enough to play an in-line blocking role, but also athletic enough to make passing-game plays in space.
Kalel Mullings, RB
Former Michigan running back Kalel Mullings is the No. 3 ball-carrier behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. At best, Mullings is a short-yardage power runner. The former Wolverines standout climbs this list due to his projected role on special teams. He arrived at Michigan as a linebacker before switching to running back, indicating he'll play a keynote role for new special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel.
Chimere Dike, WR
Chimere Dike was the first receiver the Titans drafted, ahead of Ayomanor, who ranks second on this list. Dike ranks lower because of the Titans' projected role for him. Though Callahan has said the ex Florida Gator is versatile enough to play all three receiver positions, he'll primarily start at "Z," backing up Calvin Ridley, the best pass catcher on the team.
Jackson Slater, IOL
Jackson Slater projects as a potential 2026 starter. The former Sacramento State standout will begin the campaign backing up Peter Skoronski and Kevin Zeitler at guard. His chances of seeing the field as a rookie increase if he's the primary reserve center as well, but the Titans have veteran players vying for that spot too, in Corey Levin and Sam Mustipher.
Marcus Harris, CB
Sixth-round cornerback Marcus Harris is probably a nickel-only defender. The Titans have a good one in Roger McCreary at that spot. McCreary has also been incredibly durable throughout his three seasons in Tennessee. Harris has to make an initial impact on special teams.