The Tennessee Titans are on a skid notching their third consecutive losing season after seeing success entering the 2020’s, and like any franchise that’s reaching rock bottom, it’s time for a No.1 Pick to revitalize this franchise and change the culture on and off the field.
This year's draft will mark the first time ever that the “Tennessee Titans” will be taking the first pick and only the 3rd time in the organization's history with both previous picks occurring during the “Houston Oilers” era in 1973 and 1978 being John Matuszak in ‘73 and Earl Campbell in ‘78 with very different results for both. Matuszak was a decent player later in his career but not for the Oilers after contract disputes, and certainly never what most expected of the first overall pick. The same however, cannot be said about Earl Campbell who was Offensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and 2nd in MVP voting all in his rookie season.
Campbell was the epitome of what a first Pick should be; a playmaker who can take the game over, and someone who can shift the culture of a franchise which is exactly what he did inciting the “Luv ya Blue” era for the Houston Oilers which led to 2 AFC title appearances in Campbell’s rookie and sophomore seasons in the league while also winning the MVP in the latter. When it comes to what the Titans need, it’s a lot.
Cam Ward -Miami- QB
In terms of gaps in the franchise, the biggest one is arguably the worst to have: a franchise quarterback. That has been a poison thorn in the side of the franchise since the last time the Titans picked number one with Marcus Mariota in 2015 who showed glimpses of promise but never evolved into what most thought he was capable of. Last year with Will Levis at the helm, the Titans came 29th in passer rating and 2nd in interceptions, making the passing game of the Titans a laughingstock.
Cam Ward is a great option to solve these problems; the Miami QB is a phenomenal passer averaging a collegiate passer rating of 149.8 and over a 4:1 touchdown ratio. Ward led the Miami Hurricanes to a 10-3 record and a Pop-Tarts Bowl berth, throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns with 7 interceptions in his senior season, while also taking home the Davey O’Brien award. Ward has played over 4 complete seasons of college football and adapted to 3 different offensive systems and has only ever improved. His experience makes scouts believe he would be a perfect fit for the Tennessee Titans.
As of this article posting, Ward is the betting favorite to be the Titans’ pick at No. 1 overall.
Abdul Carter -Penn State- Defensive Edge
One of Tennessee’s big losses this offseason was edge rusher Harold Landry III who was their leader in Sacks last season and a pillar of the defense. Coincidentally, one of the most impressive prospects in this year's draft Penn State’s Abdul Carter is an edge rusher. Even with Landry’s pressure on the line, the Titans were 30th in sacks last season tied with the Panthers at 32. They simply gave offenses far too much time in the pocket and if there is anyone who does not “give up” anything, especially time to get the ball off, it’s Abdul Carter.
The Unanimous All-American and 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year brings a lot the table. His ability as pass rusher is nothing short of elite even when he’s taking on larger guards and tackles. His speed around the outside to disrupt the opposing team stands out and he led Penn State in sacks two years in a row.
Travis Hunter -Colorado- WR/CB
As well as being arguably the best raw prospect, Hunter also fills a need with the Titans being in the bottom half of the league for interceptions, tackles, and opponent passer rating. That’s just what Hunter brings to the table as a defensive threat.
The Titan’s receiving core is depleted with a 30-year-old Calvin Ridley leading the way with 1,017 yards and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine being in a distant second with under 500 yards, so Hunter is a badly needed asset on the offensive side. The Heisman winner was one of the most fun players to watch in College Football, and he famously played both sides of the ball, even winning the Biletnikoff award for his receiving and the Bednarik award simultaneously.
As of right now it seems the Titans have saddled up with their prospective franchise QB in Cam Ward, but Hunter and Carter are both solid options as the 1st overall pick. The NFL Draft also brings surprises, but the Titans hold all of the cards heading into Thursday night.
