In Indianapolis, first-year Tennessee Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi found himself in high demand at the NFL combine thanks to holding the coveted No. 1 draft pick. While it’s still early days, team insiders suggest the Titans are yet to settle on their direction for that selection.
With free agency on the horizon, a veteran quarterback acquisition could hint at their draft intentions. Nevertheless, the Titans leadership firmly believes that there are strong prospects at the draft’s pinnacle in multiple positions.
Tennessee is among five teams with top-10 picks needing a quarterback, and only Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Miami’s Cam Ward appear worthy of that billing. The Titans have already engaged both quarterbacks in conversations in Indianapolis and are planning in-depth visits to further assess their compatibility with the team’s staff.
The Titans are charting a careful course, considering potential concerns like Abdul Carter’s injury when evaluating options for the prime pick. Head Coach Brian Callahan has even pondered how the versatile Travis Hunter might juggle offensive and defensive demands should he be chosen.
With the draft looming, Borgonzi’s squad faces choices that could reshape their future. Here’s the latest scuttlebutt on what the Titans might do:
Within the buzzing halls of the NFL combine, the Titans’ draft strategy was a hot topic among scouting and coaching circles. Consensus places Ward as the frontrunner among quarterbacks, though Sanders’ skills in the pocket attract interest, particularly given Callahan’s offensive style in Tennessee.
The Titans seem to be weighing a few paths: drafting Ward, Carter, or possibly trading away their top slot. Most league insiders believe Tennessee is inclined to swap picks, with potential suitors like the New York Giants and Jets keen on climbing the ranks if a favorable player emerges.
Despite having ample time to finalize decisions, the Titans are poised to conduct a meticulous evaluation to make a sound call. Building with a young, promising quarterback could hasten a rebuild, but so could acquiring more draft assets. The Titans aim to amass around 30 choices in three years, including 12 from the upper echelons of selections.
Currently, with only two top-100 picks — 1st and 35th — trading back would bolster their count. Borgonzi has signaled readiness to negotiate appropriately advantageous offers, particularly from teams eyeing quarterbacks for significant trades.
Interestingly, the buzz indicates that a team like the Giants might entertain exchanging a second-rounder and a Day 3 pick to advance from third to first. Relinquishing first-round futures could be a steep ask for entities already on unstable ground for forthcoming drafts.
What happens in free agency might reveal the Titans’ draft direction. Should they nab a quarterback like Sam Darnold, it may reduce their draft day quarterback urgency. Available veterans like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson could also play crucial roles in Tennessee’s plans, and who they sign might shape their draft narrative regarding Levis and others.
Cam Ward’s prowess is capturing attention, alongside his character and leadership qualities, illustrated during Miami’s near-comeback against Georgia Tech that showcased his competitive edge and poise.
Amongst interested parties, teams like the Cleveland Browns and the Giants are on alert too, each considering how Ward fits into future rosters. Cleveland’s draft motivations stem from a balancing act of shedding Watson’s financial load with the controlled costs of drafting a new quarterback, while the Giants continue to scout promising replacements.
Aaron Rodgers might find an interesting venture with the Giants, offering continuity from his New Jersey base and a potential mentor role for the next generational talent as the Giants consider future drafts.
Tennessee’s leadership shift has aligned GM Mike Borgonzi at the helm, with Brian Callahan coaching following last year’s three-win outcome. These structural dynamics are in focus as the Titans determine whether the aim is to support Callahan immediately or embark on a more patient rebuild.
For Callahan, selecting a quarterback involves a mix of patience for development and the urgency of present success in light of his tenure expectations. Borgonzi’s experiences with the Chiefs’ handling of Mahomes provide a template of belief in potential over immediate practicality, capturing the wisdom in nurturing raw talent.
Both Sanders and Ward have made lasting impressions in meetings, with traits aligning well to Callahan’s quarterback criteria. Tennessee’s decision could pivot on maximizing talent over merely fitting an ideal system, as multiple factors are at play in steering the draft conversation.
For now, the Titans are deliberate, recognizing the complexities of resolving roster deficiencies swiftly versus crafting a cohesive team through judicious selections. Their strategy remains clear-minded, emphasizing smart decision-making over hasty resolutions to incomplete roster puzzles.
