The 2025 NFL draft is just over two months away. We are no closer now to figuring out what direction the Tennessee Titans will go with the first overall pick than we were at the end of the regular season.
There are four prospects that are considered to be contenders to go in the top spot. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, Miami QB Cam Ward, Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, and Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter.
We already know that the Titans would consider trading their pick, especially if they determine that neither one of the quarterbacks are worthy of being selected first overall. While Tennessee needs a face of the franchise QB, the roster needs a facelift in more ways than one and new GM Mike Borgonzi will be looking to fix those problems one at a time.
As things currently sit, I'd probably lean towards predicting a trade out of the first overall pick. But if the Titans stick and pick, I definitely think it would be Abdul Carter.
But in the latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft released by ESPN, Field Yates has the Titans making an unprecedented pick and bringing in two-way superstar Travis Hunter.
"The Titans have made it clear they won't force the quarterback issue at No. 1 if they don't deem one of the passers worthy of the pick. Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders will be in the mix here, given Will Levis' struggles, but Tennessee could go another direction. And that opens the door for a spirited debate in picking between Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter," writes Yates.
"While there is little precedent for a prospect playing both sides of the ball in the NFL, Hunter has a rare skill set. Scouts have noted his determination and focus as reasons why he was able to play an astounding 1,458 snaps this past season. The Titans need help at both WR and CB, and Hunter -- whom I'm ranking at corner right now -- could boost either spot. He caught 15 touchdown passes and had four interceptions in 2024."
It's true that Hunter is an incredibly determined player and some NFL scouts believe he can play both sides of the ball at the next level. But I firmly disagree with Yates' assessment of the Titans that they "need help" at cornerback.
When healthy, cornerback is one of the strongest positions on the Titans' entire roster. They gave free agent contracts to L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie in 2024. Both players have a good bit of guaranteed money left on their 2025 deal and are expected to be back in a starting role next season.
Roger McCreary has been a solid nickel in Tennessee's defense for three years now. He still has a year remaining on his rookie contract. Then there's Jarvis Brownlee Jr., one the few pleasant surprises the Titans saw in 2024. Brownlee was drafted in the 5th round, but made 14 starts due to injuries and really shined at times.
The Titans' future is bright at cornerback. Hunter is ridiculously talented, but I definitely wouldn't consider it to be a team need. Especially when he is viewed as a better corner than he is a wide receiver (which Tennessee could us).
I'm sure the Titans analytics department is working relentlessly to try and crack the code for what value Hunter will truly bring to the team that drafts him. It's not impossible that Tennessee does end up going that direction, but I think Carter would be the far more likely choice if the Titans pass on a QB.
Elite edge rushers can transform a defense and the Titans' need for one could not be more clear. Adding Carter, who recorded 12 sacks in 2024 for Penn State, would give Dennard Wilson a weapon to anchor his defense around. We'd also see Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat be more productive as a result.
