You can take a quarterback first overall, but you can’t expect to finish in first place immediately. That’s precisely what PFSN predicts the Tennessee Titans will do in 2025.
The Titans grabbed what they think is the most critical piece of any rebuild: a top-flight quarterback in Cam Ward. The problem is that they need to build everything else up around him.
What Do You Mean Everything? Cam Ward’s Rookie Prospects
Let’s start with the second most crucial part of a rebuild: the offensive line. Tennessee’s O-line was one of the worst in the NFL last season, ranking last or near-last in pass-block win rate and run-blocking grades. They signed guard Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million deal, but he allowed 12 sacks in 2024.
JC Latham is returning to his natural right tackle position, and Peter Skoronski is at left guard. Lloyd Cushenberry is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, and his availability is questionable.
Things don’t get much better at the skill positions. Neither Will Levis, Brandon Allen, nor Tim Boyle will push Ward for the starting spot at quarterback. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are solid but unspectacular running backs who will be running behind a patchwork line.
There’s nothing wrong with wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Treylon Burks, and Van Jefferson, but none are big playmakers or can significantly stretch a defense to the point of taking its top off.
The Titans also have a brutal schedule that will test their secondary. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will have to contend with Patrick Mahomes, Matt Stafford, CJ Stroud, Justin Herbert, and Brock Purdy in he first half of the season.
Their 2025 draft didn’t bring much in reinforcements as they only picked three defensive players: Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA), Kevin Winston Jr. (S, Penn State), and Marcus Harris (CB, California). Oladejo has the best chance to impact as a pass rusher, and Harris is an intriguing prospect at corner.
The front seven doesn’t have any true stars off the edge, on the interior pass rush, or on the run. It’s a middle-of-the-road group that can maybe keep them in games, but it will need outside help from the offense, which probably isn’t there.
Head coach Brian Callahan will understandably be focused on Ward’s development and performance. It’s well known that he needs to develop his mechanics and reads, and will do so at the highest levels.
The Titans are in the middle of a complete rebuild that will have to protect their most significant asset, Ward, while positioning themselves to build through the draft and free agency.
All things considered, two or three wins are in line for the Titans.