The Tennessee Titans are expecting instant contributions from their 2025 NFL Draft class. No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward is being hailed as a franchise savior by fans. Second-round pick Femi Oladejo is expected to impact the defense. A trio of rookie wide receivers, Elic Ayomanor and Xavier Restrepo included, could play their way into offensive roles.
One rookie who hasn't received much buzz from the fanbase is cornerback Marcus Harris, understandably so. Harris was a much more lowkey pick for new GM Mike Borgonzi, who selected him with his second-last overall selection, at 183rd overall in the sixth round.
Titans rookie CB Marcus Harris won't be ignored at minicamp
Harris has been afforded extra opportunities to make an impression this summer, first throughout OTAs, and now during mandatory minicamp. Two of the Titans' top three boundary cornerbacks, Darrell Baker Jr, and L'Jarius Sneed, are nursing injuries. Harris has taken full advantage of his reps while endearing himself to his defensive coaching staff.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan held his first of three minicamp practices earlier this week. Harris consistently received reps in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 team periods, according to Hot Read Podcast host JT Ruhnke.
Marcus Harris continues to get a lot of work in 7s and 11s, seems like they really like the 6th rounder from Cal
— JT Ruhnke (@jt_ruhnke) June 10, 2025
Ward hit Helm on a nice seam route, Jacobs in coverage
Elic Ayomanor looks fluid on his routes, connected with Levis on a deep ball, coverage by Brownlee
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson hopes to start Sneed and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. at outside corner this season with Roger McCreary playing the nickel. If any of those cornerbacks suffer an injury, there'll be competition to decide who enters the lineup. Baker Jr. was the next man up in 2024, but offseason shoulder surgery has allowed Harris make his mark. There are also a slew of undrafted cornerbacks vying for back-end reps, including Iowa's Jermari Harris.
Marcus Harris was ranked throughout the pre-draft process by NFL scouts for his inside-outside versatility. Harris played his best football in 2024 after transferring to California from Idaho, recording seven pass breakups and two interceptions. He also accumulated 46 total tackles.
Harris also enjoyed a big-time athletic showcase at pro day, with the Titans in attendance. The former Golden Bears standout ran the 40-yard dash in approximately 4.39 seconds after leaping a 10-foot-10 broad jump. The performance left an impression.
The Titans drafted Harris and sources indicate they've been pleased with his showing at OTAs and minicamp. Harris is probably the least-talked about Titans rookie. That may not be the case during the 2025 season.