It didn't take the Tennessee Titans very long to identify the player they were going to select in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as Miami quarterback Cam Ward was selected with the No. 1 overall pick and deemed the next apparent franchise-savior in Nashville.
With the all-important quarterback box now officially checked, the Titans can work on addressing the other holes on a roster that was so putrid they ended up in a position to select Ward in the first place. Their top area of need shouldn't necessarily be on the offensive side of the ball.
The Titans' recent acquisition of Tyler Lockett means their biggest need is now officially pass rusher. Luckily for Tennessee, they won't be digging into the bargain bin to find players who can help contribute to Brian Callahan's defense.
The Titans starting Day 2 with a pass rusher right after landing someone who checks many of the hypothetical franchise quarterback boxes in Ward would be the best way possible for Mike Borgonzi to win over this fanbase and announce that the Ran Carthon days are well and truly over.
Titans must target pass rushers in 2025 NFL Draft Day 2
Not only were the Titans one of the worst teams in the league in terms of getting to the quarterback last year, but one of their best defensive players in Harold Landry decided to leave town and join the New England Patriots. This wound has festered for so long, and Borgonzi must fix it.
Some of the better pass rushers still available after the end of the first round include Marshall's Mike Green, Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Texas A&M's Nic Scourton. It's not an exaggeration to say that all three of those players would be instant starters for the Titans.
Green, in particular, could be the best possible target for Tennessee with the third pick of the second round. His speed off the edge and tremendous bend could help him challenge for double-digit sacks at some point in his rookie contract.
With the Titans out of a third-round pick in this Draft due to the L'Jarius Sneed acquisition last year, they need to come out of the first four rounds with an edge rusher and pass-catcher that can help Ward. However, the need on the defensive line might be more important, and this class has the depth to satisfy their quest for more defensive consistency.