The Tennessee Titans held the first overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, entering the extravaganza in Green Bay. After a trying season that saw them tumble down the standings, it was time to rebuild the roster in a new GM’s likeness. How did the first-year general manager, Mike Borgonzi, fare in his first draft as the head honcho? Are there any “A” grades in the Tennessee Titans’ 2025 draft class?
Tennessee Titans 2025 NFL Draft Grades: A New Regime
1.01: Cam Ward / Quarterback / Miami
The Titans made the selection official on Thursday night with the least talked-about first overall pick in recent memory. Ward was the favorite to go first in the draft for months after the Titans met with him multiple times and fell in love. Hall of Fame quarterback and Houston Oilers legend Warren Moon was in attendance for the young man’s introductory press conference and graciously allowed him to wear his retired #1 jersey. The former Miami signal caller has all the physical traits to be a successful quarterback in the league, but can Ward corral the “hero ball” play? As the draft played out, he was one of two first-round passers. Tennessee will now hope to retool its offense around the precocious young passer. It has been quite the journey for the former zero-star recruit who climbed the mountaintop to become the top selection.
Titans Draft Grade: B+
2.52: Oluwafemi Oladejo / EDGE / UCLA
Tennessee originally held the 35th selection but elected to trade down with Seattle for the rights to the 52nd and 82nd picks. The organization’s scouts must have bought into his potential, as there were more polished pass rushers available, such as Nic Scourton, Landon Jackson, Kyle Kennard, and Josaiah Stewart around the pick. OO converted to EDGE this past season, having previously played in a traditional off-ball role. He possesses the size and athleticism to become a contributor over time, but his production has been lacking. Oladejo stated in his press conference that he feels confident about his ability to translate, as UCLA ran a similar system to DC Dennard Wilson’s. Time will tell on this selection, so check back in two seasons. There’s significant upside if he can continue his ascension, but in the moment, it can only merit a “C”.
Titans Draft Grade: C
Oluwafemi Oladejo Scouting Report
3.82: Kevin Winston, Jr / S / Penn State
Winston was denied the opportunity to showcase his premier talent after suffering a torn ACL early in the 2024 season. He has all the prototypical physical traits that teams look for in a safety. The former Penn State product is an instinctive safety in run defense, but is adapting his athleticism to the pass game. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban heaped high praise on the youngster, stating that if he were healthy, he would’ve been a first-round selection. Reports indicate that he will be a full participant in training camp and reportedly ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at Penn State’s Pro Day. Tennessee’s safety depth isn’t as dire as other positions, but with both starters free agents in 2026, it could be helpful for Winston to get meaningful reps in 2025.
Titans Draft Grade: A
Kevin Winston, Jr Scouting Report
4.103: Chimere Dike / WR / Florida
Dike was a surprising selection at the top of the fourth round, but he has the potential to be mined for a receiver room that needs to boost its speed and athleticism. Although the production isn’t great, Dike contributed almost 800 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. Despite the quarterback issues that Florida has endured over the past several seasons, Dike has found ways to improve the team. He’s an emerging talent who could battle for WR3 and WR4 reps along with special teams duties. The fact that fans clamored for a receiver selection and the Titans didn’t deliver one until the fourth round slightly reduces the grade. Florida’s star receiver ran a blistering 4.34 40 and posted a vertical jump of 38.5 inches. He transferred to the Gators after spending four seasons at Wisconsin, where the passing game is less emphasized.
Titans Draft Grade: C+
4.120: Gunnar Helm / TE / Texas
Helm is a great value selection in the fourth round for a team that needs upgrades in the tight end room. He’s a better athlete than given credit for, as he suffered an ankle injury at the Combine but pushed through it. While the Longhorns’ star won’t blow anyone away with speed, he’s a reliable target for Cam Ward in the short to intermediate game. Blocking isn’t his forte, but he has time to work on it behind Josh Whyle and Chig Okonkwo. Tennessee set off a small tight end run after this selection, as four were taken in the fifth round. Also, the meme potential of Helm making a play and Helm’s Deep playing is off the charts.
Titans Draft Grade: B
4.136: Elic Ayomanor / WR / Stanford
Tennessee landing Ayomanor is essentially a steal at this juncture, given his talent projects him much higher. His 2023 season was excellent, including a domination of 2025’s second overall selection. Tennessee traded up with the Ravens to acquire Ayomanor. He has the size and speed to compete against all defensive backs. Ayomanor is a sub-4.5 40-yard dash receiver with the power to box out smaller defensive backs like a power forward. Stanford has had a tumultuous time at the quarterback position, but Ayomanor has produced regardless. The Cardinal receiver declined his invitation to the Senior Bowl. Tennessee has rebuilt its receiver room to help Ward develop in the league.
Titans Draft Grade: A
5.167: Jackson Slater / OL / Sacramento State
Slater is a small-school prospect who earned a Senior Bowl invitation and performed well against bigger competition. He’s a serviceable athlete who will likely back up the veteran Kevin Zeitler or Peter Skoronski. Tennessee upgraded its offensive line during the offseason, and Slater is another piece in that revamp. The former Sac State star lineman was the best available option at the point he was taken. Did he do enough to merit a future starting role and a good draft grade for the Tennessee Titans?
Titans Draft Grade: B+
Jackson Slater Scouting Report
6.183: Marcus Harris / CB / Cal
The well-traveled cornerback started his career at Oregon State before starring at FCS Idaho and finishing at Cal in 2024. Harris is ultra-productive and has a nose for the ball, with 35 passes defended and six interceptions in his career. He has the athleticism and tackling ability to keep up with any manner of receiver. Cal has a reputation for developing defensive backs for the next level, and he’s the latest in a long line of them. Harris will come in immediately and compete for playing time as a nickel corner with Tennessee’s young corners. It was a good value pick in the sixth round, but the Titans could have addressed the need earlier. Harris was acquired in the aforementioned trade with the Ravens that saw each team move up and down five spots in each round.
Titans Draft Grade: B
6.188: Kalel Mullings / RB / Michigan
Running back was a sneaky need for Tennessee, and the Day 3 run was hot and heavy. A total of 19 went on the last day of the draft, including six in the fourth round alone. Interestingly, the Titans did not draft Ward’s college teammate, a similarly styled Damien Martinez, and instead went with Mullings. The Michigan runner played linebacker for the first three seasons in Ann Arbor before transitioning to running back in 2023. He broke out in 2024, rushing for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns, outshining NCAA CFB 25 cover athlete and teammate Donovan Edwards. He’s a bigger back that runs like a linebacker, something the organization needs over the more finesse style of Spears and Pollard. Mullings seals the deal for the Tennessee Titans’ class and draft grades portion.
Titans Draft Grade: B-
Kalel Mullings Scouting Report
Overall Thoughts
The 2025 class for the Titans, led by Mike Borgonzi, will set the tone for the culture and build the foundation for year two. There were some surprising decisions to bypass certain positions at specific points in the draft, but overall, it was a solid debut class. The Ward selection will define Tennessee’s present and future, and the front office did a good job of helping him develop by surrounding him with weapons. Can they quickly elevate themselves back to the level of the late 2010s, when they were surprising contenders?
Overall Grade: B+
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – Imagn Images
The post Tennessee Titans 2025 NFL Draft Grades appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.