The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX. With the 2024 NFL campaign officially concluded, the offseason begins for all 32 teams now. Of course, the Tennessee Titans have been there since Week 18, having finishing with an abysmal 3-14 record en route to clinching the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tennessee's offseason began with a new general manager as Mike Borgonzi was appointed in Ran Carthon's place. A massive offseason looms large. With the Titans planning to build their roster through the draft, what they achieve throughout April's seven-round festivities is highly important.
With so many roster holes to fill, we've conducted a brand new seven-round mock draft that addresses the premier needs.
Round 1 (No. 1 overall): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Titans could opt for a quarterback like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders here, but we're projecting they'll take the patient approach and take the best overall player in the draft at a premium position of need. Abdul Carter is an elite talent who would address a major hole. Tennessee's pass rush was extremely lackluster throughout 2024. Carter would immediately fix that, presenting a skill set that marries instincts with athleticism. The Titans would need to add a veteran quarterback in this scenario, with Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, and Derek Carr potentially hitting the open market.
Round 2 (No. 35 overall): Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Right tackle is arguably Tennessee's biggest offseason need. The 2025 tackle class is deep, allowing the Titans to identify a potential instant starter at No. 35 overall. Minnesota's Airetontae Ersery is big, long, and powerful. Ersery is a natural left tackle, so he'd either have to learn right tackle, or the Titans would move JC Latham to the right side, where he played at Alabama.
Round 4 (No. 102 overall): Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Tyler Boyd and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are scheduled for free agency. The Titans should re-sign Westbrook-Ikhine, or pursue another receiver to play the "X" boundary role in the offense next season. Drafting a slot player to replace Boyd in Brian Callahan's 11 personnel offense is another necessity. Jaylin Noel is a slot-best pass catcher with short-area quickness and route creativity. The Titans watched him closely at the Senior Bowl.
Round 4 (No. 119 overall): Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Veteran safety Quandre Diggs is hitting free agency after suffering a season-ending injury. The Titans don't have any in-house candidates to start opposite Amani Hooker. The safety market in free agency is loaded with quality talent available at discounted prices, but in case Borgonzi prefers to draft one, Billy Bowman Jr. would be a nice addition. He's an experienced ball-hawk with proven production under his belt (11 interceptions).
Round 5 (No. 142 overall): Caleb Rogers, IOL, Texas Tech
The Titans have some underrated needs across the interior of their offensive line. Dillon Radunz, Daniel Brunskill, and Corey Levin will see their contracts expire in March. Starting center Lloyd Cushenberry is recovering from a serious injury. The Titans should sign at least one starting lineman in free agency, but depth and versatility should also arrive via the draft. Caleb Rogers displayed legitimate five-position capability in Mobile at this year's Senior Bowl.
Round 5 (No. 169 overall): Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
The Titans could expect movement at off-ball linebacker this offseason. Kenenth Murray Jr. is a potential cap casualty and Jerome Baker will depart in free agency. Jack Gibbens also suffered a gruesome season-ending injury. Young defenders like Cedric Gray and James Williams haven't earned trust yet. Adding another player to the mix, especially a coverage-specialty one like Georgia's Smael Mondon Jr., makes sense.
Round 6 (No. 180 overall): Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers
The defense is well-positioned at cornerback, but you can never have too much depth, especially considering the injury issues L'Jarius Sneed and Chido Awuzie faced this past season. Furthermore, Darrell Baker Jr. is scheduled to reach the open market. Robert Longerbeam is a competitive corner who shined at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Round 7 (No. 241 overall): Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
Doubling down at EDGE makes sense. Ahmed Hassanein recorded 22 sacks across the previous two campaigns at Boise State. He's another East-West Shrine standout, and will become the first Egyptian ever drafted into the NFL.