New Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh will continue to add to his defensive front with an emphasis on youth, versatility, and physicality. Last week's 2026 Senior Bowl offered a clear look at a potential Day 3 contributor who fits Saleh's vision.
For Western Michigan's Nadame Tucker, he arrived at the Senior Bowl with questions about level of competition and pass rush productivity in isolation, but answered them quickly.
Tucker routinely pushed the pocket in one-on-ones with a power-laden approach, forcing offensive tackles to give ground early in reps. His ability to convert speed to power stood out, as did his comfort engaging physically at the point of attack. Titans scouts in attendance took notice.
2026 NFL Draft prospect Nadame Tucker checks boxes for Tennessee Titans at 2026 Senior Bowl
Tucker was also equally impressive against the run, showing up on early downs, setting the edge with authority and holding his ground rather than playing as a purely situational rusher.
When you take a look around many of the most fruitful college-to-NFL pipelines across the country, many will skip over the quaint university nestled into the town of Kalamazoo, Michigan. That's unfair. The Broncos of Western Michigan have quietly developed a reputation for sending NFL-ready defenders to the next level, and Tucker fits that lineage.
He’s a compact, powerful edge player with enough athleticism to move around the front and enough strength to survive in traffic. Tucker's versatility gives defensive coordinators flexibility, allowing him to line up wide, reduce inside on passing downs, or kick into hybrid looks depending on the call.
What makes Tucker particularly appealing for Tennessee is projection. He’s likely to land in the early Day 3 range -- fourth through seventh round -- where teams are looking for players who can contribute early while still offering developmental upside.
At the Senior Bowl, Tucker consistently flashed effort and execution, two traits that translate immediately to the NFL. He played with urgency, chased plays down from the backside, and didn’t fade when reps stacked up. That motor, combined with his physical profile, gives him a strong chance to carve out a role early, particularly in rotational packages.
For the Titans, Tucker represents exactly the type of calculated Day 3 investment that helps build sustainable depth. He wouldn’t be asked to carry the load right away, but within a developing defensive front, he could grow into a reliable edge presence who provides pressure, toughness, and energy.
Tucker may not arrive with national hype, but his Senior Bowl performance made one thing clear: he belongs. For Tennessee, that could make all the difference.