The Tennessee Titans introduced new general manager Mike Borgonzi last week. Together, Borgonzi, head coach Brian Callahan, and president of football operations Chad Brinker are hitting the 2025 NFL Draft all-star circuit while laying down plans to rebuild the franchise. That began with a visit to the East-West Shrine Bowl, before breaking for the Senior Bowl later this week.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is at the East-West Shrine Bowl, though he's not physically participating. He's being "coached" by Titans' assistant wide receiver coach Payton McCollum, adding intrigue to the Titans' time spent in Frisco, Texas. Over the weekend, Sanders met with Tennessee's contingent, marking his first in-person meeting with the Nashville-based club during this important pre-draft process.
Director of football operations Chad Brinker, GM Mike Borgonzi, HC Brian Callahan and OC Nick Holz among those who spoke with Sanders. #Titans https://t.co/RtJPgBxX1V
— Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 (@benyarthur) January 24, 2025
"It was truly exciting," Sanders told Jim Wyatt about his pre-draft meeting with the Titans. "I was able get in and meet everybody (with the Titans) and they were able to ask questions and understand me.
Owners of the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans are clearly in the market for a quarterback after Will Levis and Mason Rudolph failed to meet Callahan's expectations throughout 2024. If the Titans decide to draft a quarterback, Sanders is one of two players at the position, alongside Miami's Cam Ward, to garner consideration.
Sanders was electric for the Buffaloes throughout the college football season, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. He's certainly made a positive impression on Callahan during the East-West Shrine.
"You can tell he's been raised right," Callahan told Wyatt regarding his first impression of Sanders. "He's mature, he has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he's a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself, he's been paid money, so he has a financial perspective. It was a really good first impression."
When the Titans head to the Senior Bowl later this week, they'll see other intriguing quarterback prospects such as Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart and Alabama's Jalen Milroe. Ward unfortunately won't be there after allegedly declining an invite to participate. The Titans will have to wait for the NFL Scouting Combine to meet with Ward, where they'll likely meet with Sanders again.
The Titans are rightfully going through the scouting process. Meeting with Sanders at the East-West Shrine all-star game checks a necessary box. If the Titans end up drafting Sanders, remember the groundwork for their relationship was built in January.