A pair of NFL Draft experts released their latest mock drafts this week, attempting to ascertain what the franchise will do with the top selection. Tennessee has had a free agency filled with major splashes and tiny ripples. What do these experts think the Titans will do in these dueling mock drafts? Could they pivot in another direction other than landing a franchise quarterback?
Dueling Mock Drafts Land Tennessee Titans A Playmaker
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah released the third version of his mock draft on the same day that longtime ESPN analyst Mel Kiper ($) did. What did each analyst have to say about the future of this selection? Who will prove correct as we inch closer to April’s draft? Both analysts revealed their mock drafts hours apart on Tuesday morning.
Daniel Jeremiah
Jeremiah follows the recent trend of mocking the ultra-talented Miami Hurricanes quarterback to the Titans. He briefly summarizes the Titans’ conundrum as such.
“As we inch closer to the draft, it’s beginning to look more and more likely that Ward will be the first overall pick, whether it’s to the Titans or one of the QB-needy teams that sit close behind them in the order, if one were to trade up to No. 1. In this case, Tennessee stays put and gets a fresh start at the position.”
Mel Kiper
Kiper also elected to go with the flow and mocked Ward to the Titans. What did he have to say about Tennessee’s situation?
“We’re still not 100 percent sure what the Titans will do. They could try to trade this pick to a QB-needy team such as the Giants. Tennessee could opt for one of the top two prospects in the class in Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Both players would fill holes on the roster. But it sure seems the stars are starting to align for Tennessee to draft its next franchise QB.”
“Will Levis is still under contract, but he ranked last in the NFL in QBR last season at 27.8. And the Titans’ only QB-related move in free agency was replacing Mason Rudolph with Brandon Allen. Ward’s ability to improvise under center, throw lasers to his receivers and pick up the occasional first down with his legs would be welcome in Nashville. He led the FBS in touchdown passes in 2024 with 39.”
The seasoned Godfather of draft analysts was more forthcoming in his closing arguments in defense of the Ward selection. Both analysts were forthcoming about how unpredictable the Titans could be. The franchise could pass on Ward for the raft of draft compensation or stick and pick. It’s quite unknown what they will do since they were largely out on the veteran quarterback derby. Will Levis isn’t the answer for this regime and the search is ongoing for a successor. Tennessee has fortified their offensive line to protect whoever their next franchise signal-caller is, can that individual make themselves a name behind them? Is it going to be this simple or will the Titans throw everyone a curveball that no one sees coming after weeks of Ward speculation? It will be interesting to play out in real-time in late April.
What About The Other QBs?
Interestingly, both of these dueling mock drafts have three quarterbacks in the first round. The much-discussed Shedeur Sanders joins the top five while a surprising entrant enters the fray. What separates Kiper from Jeremiah is the location of Dart’s new home. He has the Ole Miss passer going to the Big Easy to eventually replace Derek Carr while Jeremiah gets Dart to the Steel City. The Saints are in a weird situation with the enigmatic Carr and an ongoing cap situation best described as dire. Pittsburgh has talent littered through the roster but a quarterback issue after letting both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields go. Dart is an intriguing prospect who needs some time to get acclimated to the pro game and both situations may not provide that.
Main Photo: [Jasen Vinlove] – USA Today Sports
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