The Tennessee Titans showed a lot of interest in defensive tackles throughout the 2025 NFL Draft process. Despite that, general manager Mike Borgonzi did not utilize a single of his nine selections on an interior defender. When it came to addressing the defense, Borgonzi instead chose EDGE Femi Oladejo, safety Kevin Winston Jr., and cornerback Marcus Harris.
The Titans will reportedly be adding four interior defensive linemen to the roster via undrafted free agency. That was the extent of their participation in the defensive tackle class. It ultimately makes sense, considering the defense has Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat at the position.
Rumors, possibly unfounded, continue to circulate around Simmons' future in Tennessee. Perhaps that's why ESPN's Jordan Reid is mocking a defensive tackle to the Titans in his way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft.
Titans trade down from No. 1 overall in 2026 NFL mock draft
According to ESPN BET, the Titans are the early favorites to possess the No. 1 overall selection for a second consecutive draft. This is a way-too-early projection, but something went horribly wrong with Cam Ward's rookie season if this forecast became reality.
Reid has the Titans flipping the top overall pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for No. 3 and a 2027 first rounder. The Titans then land Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with their top-three selection.
"If I were making a way-too-early rankings board, Woods would have an argument to be at the top," Reid writes. "At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, he has a nonstop motor and wreaks havoc. He has excellent hand power to stack, shed and disrupt plays. Woods had three sacks last season on the interior, and his pass-rush upside would be welcomed in Tennessee."
Scouts are projecting a big step forward from Woods after the Tigers standout recorded three sacks last season. Woods is a dominant interior defender who pairs initial first-step quickness with overwhelming power. He'll garner pro comps to Simmons, Quinnen Williams, and other elite three-techs around the league.
The Titans will almost certainly further invest in their defensive line next offseason. It remains a work in progress under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Woods would be a fantastic addition to Wilson's unit, and he'd be even better if he comes attached with a 2027 first-round selection.