The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Tennessee Titans are on the clock. All signs point to them locking in top QB prospect Cam Ward with their first pick. Why not? After all, Ward’s got that playmaker spark – cool under pressure, quick on his feet, and creative when it counts. He’s easily one of the most exciting quarterbacks in this year’s class. So yeah, Brian Callahan and the Titans might finally land their player – a real solution under center. But, does snagging a quarterback fix everything? Or is there still a long road ahead?
As Mike Florio and Chris Simms pointed out on NBC, Brian Callahan and the Titans have more pressing needs than just quarterback in this draft. So, who else is on their radar? Let’s be real – last season was rough, with just three wins. And no, that wasn’t all on the quarterback. The struggles ran deep across the roster. It’s clear that this team needs help – real, game-changing help. So now, it’s time to bring in some serious talent and start a new chapter in Nashville. The question is who they’re gonna be?
According to Florio, “They’re going to need some pass catchers too. Calvin Ridley is by far the best guy they have. Nick Westbrook-Aquini is going to be a free agency. If you’re going to have a quarterback that you want to build around, you better have guys who can catch the ba–l.” That’s true! A QB can help lead the team with accurate throws, but giving him that opportunity, as well as resulting in scores, needs more solid players.
Mike Florio and Chris Simms discuss the Titans’ biggest needs outside QB in the draft. pic.twitter.com/G6Exs2Kt3W
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) April 10, 2025
Hence, Simms too chimed in saying, “Edge, pass rusher. That’s where I look at. And that’s where we’ve talked about there could be seven guys in the first round. Off the edge, there could be five. And there are two left at the top of the second round to get. That’s the one pressing area you look.”
In addition, the former NFL player also highlighted a piece Brian Callahan’s squad lost – Harold Landry. That was a big hit to their defense. Now, looking at what’s left, Draymond Jones is there on one side. But he didn’t really shine last year in Seattle. So yeah, people are starting to wonder – maybe he’s slowing down?
On the other side, there’s linebacker Arden Key. No doubt, he’s solid and had a decent career. But Simms “don’t think any offensive tackles or offensive coordinators are staying up late the night before the game….I think that’s an area I look at where they can definitely give a little uptick to their defense for sure.” Brian Callahan’s team’s defense is good, ranking second in total yards allowed per game (311.2) last year. However, we can’t forget they struggled with sacks, ranking 29th in the league.
Hence, the team needs to work on the issues at present, because only drafting Cam Ward will not help the team achieve big wins. Meanwhile, Mel Kiper also talked about who Brian Callahan and the team should draft at the 35th overall pick.
Mel Kiper pressed on Brian Callahan’s need for defense!
The Titans will have their chance to pick someone solid at the 35th overall in the draft. So, which position will Brian Callahan and the team look for at that time? Well, as per Mel Kiper, it could be a pass rusher. As Chris Simms highlighted, they require adding a pass rusher after the team cut long-tenured member, Harold Landry III (who has been with the team since 2018), earlier this offseason.
As per analyst Chad Reuter, “The Titans have a few mid-level edge rushers but need a difference-maker.” Hence, Kiper suggested a few names for pick No. 35, especially focusing on UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo in the second round. This unpolished prospect has versatility and burst off the edge abilities. Hence, he could be the perfect choice for Brian Callahan’s team. Isn’t it?
Giving a couple of more options, Kiper added, “Whether it’s Oladejo from UCLA, whether it’s a guy like (Donovan) Ezeiruaku from Boston College, who had a great year. I think there’s going to be an opportunity for (Texas A&M)’s Shemar Stewart to slide down, I don’t think he will, but do you ga–ble on the talent over the lack of production?” These players can bring heat off the edge.
Continuing on it, the analyst stated, “So, I think there’s going to be some opportunities from guys – Nick Scourton from A&M, didn’t have the year expected, but some think he could go early second as well. So the edge rusher, when you look at their needs on paper right now, obviously they have the quarterback at 1, edge and certainly add a wide receiver at some point early on.” And that receiver could be either Emeka Egbuka, whose timing & precision are perfect, or Luther Burden, whose explosiveness after the catch becomes the delight of the show. So, all in all, Brian Callahan’s Titans are in dire need to build a strong roster besides bringing in the quarterback.
The post Tennessee Titans Biggest Draft Concerns Revealed as Mel Kiper Pitches Solution at 35th Overall Pick appeared first on EssentiallySports.
