By Mike Patton
The Titans have a myriad of options with the first overall pick. They could draft a quarterback like Cam Ward from Miami or Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. They might go after a dynamic athlete like cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, also from Colorado. Or they could bolster their defense with an edge rusher like Penn State’s Abdul Carter. All of those choices are enticing, but there’s another path that remains very much on the table for a team with multiple needs and a desire to rebuild its depth and talent: trading the number one pick.
In his introductory press conference, Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker said, “I would love to have 30 picks over the next three years, and 12 of those picks come from the top 100.” Trading the top pick could be the spark that starts that process.
Courtlandt Griffin, draft analyst and writer for The 3 Point Conversion, sees the vision clearly.
“Trading back for the Tennessee Titans is as viable an option as any. The historical data of how many picks a team can accrue is enticing, especially when involving the number one pick.”
Still, Griffin acknowledges the team’s dilemma.
“The only issue is the Titans have a glaring need at multiple premium positions that can be addressed at the top of this class.”
So what’s the move? Do the Titans trade out of the top spot and risk missing out on a franchise quarterback—rolling with Will Levis or a veteran in 2025? Or do they stay put and choose from one of the four standout prospects?
Griffin offers one strategy that could thread the needle: stay at number one but trade back from pick 35 in the second round.
“The Titans could move down from the 35th pick in the second round and get a very good haul of picks. Tennessee doesn’t have a third-round pick this year, so dropping back in the second could yield that—and then some—in a loaded class.”
Getting this decision right is the challenge that lies ahead for Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi. No matter which direction they choose, criticism is inevitable. All eyes will be on how it unfolds as draft day approaches.
