The Titans have seemingly found an answer to their issues at signal caller after multiple weeks of improvement shown by Will Levis. How can they build around the young man as they muddle about the fringes of the top ten of the draft order? Tennessee needs to rebuild certain positions desperately, and they have the financial means to do it. Can they find weapons and protection in this Fantastic Friday Titans Mock Draft?
Fantastic Friday Titans Mock Draft: A Strong Grey Line
Trade
Tennessee receives – 1.9, 3.73, 5.147, and 2026 3
Cincinnati receives – 1.7, 6.181, and 2026 6
1.9 Abdul Carter EDGE – Penn State
Carter is the next man up in the Penn State edge rusher to the NFL factory. He’s an ultra-talented athlete who should blow the pre-draft process out of the water. Despite the increased attention, the true junior has been productive throughout his career, posting ten sacks thus far in the 2024 season. Penn State’s star pass rusher is very well-rounded, with 54 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and three passes defended. He’s been nominated for multiple honors, including the Bednarik Trophy. Carter was also placed on the All-Big Ten first team after an excellent transition to EDGE from linebacker.
The Titans need an upgrade from Arden Key, who hasn’t lived up to his pay scale from a couple of seasons ago. Carter could provide an immense boost alongside standout veteran Harold Landry. PFF grades him as the 11th-best EDGE with an overall score of 90.2 and a pass rush grade of 91.5.
2.39 Grey Zabel OT – North Dakota State
Tennessee again visits the well in Fargo to snag a versatile offensive tackle. Zabel has had a standout career for the FCS power Bison. He’s a versatile swing piece that could settle down at right tackle, a glaring black hole for Tennessee. The lineman has experience across the line, with reps at center, guard, and tackle spots. PFF has rated Zabel highly with an overall score of 91.8, the highest for his position group. The well-balanced star tackle also sports a pass block grade of 89.4, good for fourth-best in the class. He has accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
3.73 Lathan Ransom S – Ohio State
Ransom is a spectacular player in his own right, playing next to the much-ballyhooed Caleb Downs. He’s the enforcer in the Buckeyes secondary, bringing a physical presence and top-level football IQ. The OSU star is one of the best safeties in the class and should be a Day 2 selection. Ohio State has used him as a versatile chess piece, logging reps at corner and free safety. While he isn’t a plus athlete, Ransom can turn and run with the quicker offensive skill players. The Titans have a significant need at the position that Ransom can fill, plus DC Dennard Wilson loves versatile safeties he can use all over the secondary. PFF ranked him as the fourth-best overall safety with a score of 90.6.
4.108 Tai Felton WR – Maryland
Felton is a two-year starter who has improved his production every year, culminating in a campaign that has doubled his reception total from 2023. He’s posted more than 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns this season as the WR1 for the Terps. His production and talent have netted him first-team All-Big Ten honors. The Maryland star is a route-running master who could shine at the Senior Bowl. He isn’t the fastest athlete but has enough athleticism and guile to get open for the quarterback. Tennessee needs a receiver or two behind star Calvin Ridley after it was revealed that Treylon Burks is dealing with a season-ending ACL injury. Burks will likely be no longer part of the team next season.
4.122 Oronde Gadsden II TE – Syracuse
Gadsden is an intriguing tight-end prospect. He’s a plus athlete who can run for days against any defender. Teams will be wary of his medical, as the tight end missed most of 2023 due to a foot injury. When healthy, he presents a great safety option for the passer. Syracuse relied upon him as they underwent a revival under new head coach Fran Brown. While the Titans don’t necessarily need a tight end, they need some depth at the position that could rise to the top. Gadsden does provide a fun chess piece for Brian Callahan to use in conjunction with Chig Okonkwo. He would be another threat for Levis to throw to. He has been invited to the Shrine Game.
5.143 Dorian Strong CB – Virginia Tech
The Titans cornerback room has been tested this season as L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie have missed significant portions of 2024. Strong is a talented Day 3 corner who would fit in with Dennard Wilson’s aggressive scheme. He’s a physical cornerback who could have the potential to show well in Mobile against talented receivers. The ballhawk has snagged five interceptions and 14 passes defended over the previous two seasons. He’s an above-average athlete who competes with every receiver he comes up against.
5.147 Braydn Swinson EDGE – LSU
Swinson is an Oregon transfer who broke out this season with 8.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss after transferring before the 2023 season. He is a solid athlete with enough twitch and speed to become a key contributor to a team needing EDGE help. The Titans are a team that needs to find some depth behind their starters so they double dip in this fantastic Friday mock draft. He has accepted his invitation to the Shrine Game.
5.166 Kurtis Rourke QB – Indiana
Rourke is the younger brother of Ohio standout Nathan, who has gotten some NFL looks before making his way to Canada. He was successful at Ohio before genuinely blossoming into a legitimate prospect in Indiana this season. His football IQ is top-notch, while his athleticism and arm aren’t the best. This season’s accuracy has gone up a notch under IU coach Curt Cignetti’s offense. While his arm isn’t the biggest, he does know how to manipulate the pocket and get throws to the receiver in the short to intermediate range. A team will take a Day 3 flier on him due to the absence of quality backups. Rourke has accepted an invitation to the Shrine Game.
While Tennessee has Levis as its current future, bringing in competition and an alternative should Levis show signs of regression back to his meme days is imperative. Finding a successor to Mason Rudolph would be good, as he’s currently on a one-year deal.
7.241 Teddye Buchanan LB Cal
Buchanan transferred to Cal from UC Davis for the 2024 season and has blossomed under Justin Wilcox’s direction. He has posted over 100 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, and four passes defended. Tennessee needs some linebacker depth behind presumptive 2025 starter Kenneth Murray. There isn’t much guaranteed for the inside linebacker position as Jerome Baker has been a bust, Jack Gibbens has been injured, and Cedric Gray is a rookie. The Cal star should fit in as a special team standout before transitioning to starter.
Main Photo: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
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