The Tennessee Titans are expected to take Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. That's exactly what happens in ESPN's latest two-round mock draft from long-time draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
"Tennessee certainly has options, especially if another team calls GM Mike Borgonzi with a massive trade offer," Kiper writes. "But the Titans don't have a franchise quarterback, and they have a chance to get one in Ward. To win in the NFL, you have to take those opportunities when they present themselves. It's time to upgrade, and Ward would bring to Nashville a big arm, an ability to create outside of structure and good accuracy."
The real storyline of Kiper's mock occurs in the second round. The Titans could take the No. 35 overall selection in several directions. They have a massive need at EDGE after parting ways with 2024 sack-leader Harold Landry earlier this offseason. Alternatively, general manager Mike Borgonzi could opt to draft a receiver to help ease Ward's transition to the next level.
Kiper has the Titans opting for the former, passing on wide receiver prospects like Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III to draft UCLA pass rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo.
Titans pass on WR in Mel Kiper Jr.'s two-round 2025 NFL mock draft
"Here's the Titans' Harold Landry III replacement," Kiper continues. "Tennessee was tied for 29th in sacks last season (32) and then cut its top sack getter in Landry (nine). Oladejo had only 4.5 sacks last season, but he had 29 pressures, and his tape shows burst and potential."
The Titans have an in-person 30 visit scheduled with Oladejo, so they clearly possess interest in his services. Oladejo made the midseason switch from off-ball linebacker to EDGE defender in the middle of the 2024 season. Despite lacking an offseason to make a proper position change, he still recorded 4.5 sacks and 29 pressures while showcasing high-end athleticism and burst.
Oladejo leaped a 36.5 inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump at the NFL Combine. He also posted 20 reps on the bench press. The Titans didn't achieve much at the edge position in free agency, signing veteran rusher Dre'Mont Jones to a one-year contract. Selecting a pass rusher like Oladejo at No. 35 is well within the realm of possibility, but fans may be disappointed if they pass on a receiver to pair with Ward.