NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The 2025 NFL draft kicked off Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and with the No. 1 pick, the Tennessee Titans got their quarterback of the future. Follow here for all of the Titans' picks in the three-day event.
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 1 overall: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
My take: The Titans needed a quarterback who can help elevate their offense. That's exactly what Ward did for each of the three programs he played for in college. Titans coach Brian Callahan gets to work with a No. 1 pick again after finding success with Joe Burrow as the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator. The heat will be on Callahan to get the most out of Ward quickly after a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024 and struggling with quarterbacks Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Even though Levis is still on a rookie deal, the Titans could look to deal him in the latter part of the draft. If not, Levis will battle with veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle for the backup role.
Key stat for this player or the need he's helping fill: The Titans struggled when it came to the vertical passing game in 2024. Tennessee had only 43 passes of 20 yards last season, tying them for the sixth lowest in the league. Ward is a precise deep passer who will take shots and help effectively stretch the field. When the ball is thrown 20 yards or more down the field, Ward produced 12 touchdowns to only one interception. His ability to read the field and willingness to throw it deep should help make the Titans passing game more dynamic.
Will he start as a rookie? Ward probably will start right away for the Titans. That's not an overly competitive group for Ward. Ward has played plenty of games in college (38) so he should be well prepared to take over immediately. Pair that with Callahan's previous experience helping develop quarterbacks will need to pay off with Ward.
What's next: Now that the Titans have their quarterback in Ward, they'll need to add more playmakers for him. Tennessee signed veteran free agent Tyler Lockett, but that shouldn't scare them away from considering one with the 35th pick or later in the draft to play opposite Calvin Ridley. The Titans could also use help in the pass-rushing department. None of their current defensive players have a double-digit sack season on their resume. Pass rusher should absolutely be a consideration in the second round as well.
Round 2, No. 52: Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA
My take: The Titans continue to add to their pass rusher group with Oladejo. Although he played both inside linebacker and edge rusher at UCLA, Oladejo will likely be used more as a pure pass rusher in defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's offense. Oladejo made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl as a defensive end during the week of practices and had two sacks in the game. His attacking style of play should fit how Wilson wants to aggressively go after the quarterback.
Will he start as a rookie? Tennessee released outside linebacker Harold Landry III in a cost-cutting move. Oladejo will compete with outside linebacker Arden Key and defensive end/outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones for a starting spot in the Titans' defense. Oladejo said he had a great meeting with Wilson and feels he already knows a lot about the scheme because he played in a similar system at UCLA. That should allow him to hit the ground running when he gets to Nashville.
Round 3, No. 82: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
My take: Winston played three games last season before suffering a knee injury. Altogether, Winston played 25 games over his three-year career and was a team captain the final year he played. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Winston can be used to cover bigger receivers and move tight ends. This is an interesting pick considering the Tennessee's need at wide receiver with some solid options still available in the third round. Winston didn't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine but was timed in the 4.45-4.5 second range in the 40-yard dash at Penn State's pro day.
Ties to the team to know: Winston went to DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. That is the same high school as Wilson.
Round 4, No. 103: Chimere Dike, WR, Florida
My take: The Titans finally selected a wide receiver after going defense in the second and third rounds. Dike will help make Tennessee a faster team, as shown by his 4.34-second time in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He could develop into a solid vertical threat for No. 1 pick Cam Ward who loves to take shots down the field. Dike also has experience as a punt returner, which is a major need for the Titans.
Round 4, No. 120 (from Seattle): Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
My take: Helm will push incumbent tight ends Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle for time. The Titans like how he developed as a route runner during his time at Texas. It showed last season when he jumped from 14 receptions to 60 for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. There's still more development to go for Helm. That's similar to the emphasis the Titans are placing on prospects with traits that have upside such as Chimere Dike and Oluwafemi Oladejo earlier in the draft.
Round 4, No. 136: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
My take: Ayomanor gives the Titans another big, developmental downfield threat for Cam Ward. The Titans are betting on wide receiver coach Tyke Tolbert to get the most out of the two fourth-round receivers with upside. Tennessee will probably use him on the punt team initially as well. Ayomanor's best collegiate game came against Colorado in 2023 when he had 294 yards. That was his first time seeing Travis Hunter, who was the No. 2 pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville plays the Titans twice a year.
Round 5, No. 167: Jackson Slater, G Sacramento State
My take: Slater offers a coveted ability to play both guard and center at good value in the fifth round. The Titans like how he came from a smaller school like FCS Sacramento State and leveled up to tougher competition at the Senior Bowl. Slater figures to be a depth addition, but has a good chance to make the roster.
Round 6, No. 178: Marcus Harris, CB, Cal
My take: Harris adds depth to the Titans' defensive backfield after they released 2024 starter Chidobe Awuzie. With Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and L'Jarius Sneed set to be the starters and Roger McCreary handling slot duties, Harris probably won't start immediately. But he could be a special teams contributor. When he is on defense, Harris will probably work mostly as a nickel back to match up with the quick, shifty slot receivers on opposing offenses. That's not a bad impact for a sixth-round pick.
Round 6, No. 188: Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan
My take: At 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, Mullings gives the Titans the bigger-sized running back they've been looking for over the past two seasons. The former linebacker turned running back can help out on all special teams units in addition to carrying the ball in short-yardage situations. Mullings will compete with fourth-year veteran Julius Chestnut for a role behind Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard. He should be able to get settled in quickly in Nashville. Mullings was teammates with Titans outside linebacker Jaylen Harrell at Michigan.