The Tennessee Titans are moving into the Spring with quiet efficiency. With Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley directing an aggressive, press-man defensive unit and a new offensive staff prioritizing shot-play efficiency for Cam Ward, the roster building has moved toward high-intensity specialists. Let's dive into two names to know, one on either side of the ball, that could be available in the middle to late rounds in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Defense: The Press-Man Enforcer
Saleh's defensive philosophy is built on one non-negotiable trait: aggression. He demands corners who can suffocate receivers at the line of scrimmage, refusing to give up free access yards while trusting his safeties to provide the over-the-top safety net.
- The Sleeper: Avery Smith (CB, Toledo). While casual fans may focus on the bigger schools, Smith is the technical twin to the lockdown corners Saleh and Bradley have historically developed. A standout at the East-West Shrine Bowl, Smith led the MAC in passes defended and possesses elite click-and-close twitch.
Why it works: Smith is a technician who plays with a chip on his shoulder larger than his MAC pedigree suggests. He thrives in press-man coverage, using violent hand placement to disrupt timing. In Saleh's scheme, Smith’s ability to erase his assignment on an island allows the Titans to remain aggressive with their blitz packages, making him a Day 3 sleeper with potential Day 1 schematic value. We expect him to outplay his draft slot quickly.
Offense: The Vertical Weapon
On the other side of the ball, the Titans' offense has pivoted to a vertical system -- a scheme that requires 'X' receivers who can win vertically to provide Ward with a reliable safety valve on deep shots.
- The Sleeper: Eric McAlister (WR, TCU). A massive riser after a 1,190-yard, 10-touchdown explosion in 2025, McAlister is the physical specimen this offense lacks. At 6-foot-3, he averaged over 16 yards per catch in 2025, serving as a walking highlight reel for explosive plays.
Why it works: McAlister is a ball-tracking specialist. His ability to high-point the ball in the red zone and separate on deep post routes fits perfectly into the Titans' desire for more shot-play connections. He isn't just a finesse burner, however, he is a physical blocker who isn't afraid to do the dirty work in the run game to earn snaps.
The Bottom Line
By targeting prospects like Smith and McAlister, Tennessee would provide its coordinators the specific tools needed to keep the AFC South off-balance. It's a focus on scheme-first players that moves the Titans away from static identities toward a roster that desires contributing, youth-infused talent on either side of the ball.