A Tough Year for the Titans
For the second consecutive season, the Tennessee Titans found themselves finishing fourth in the AFC South, a stark reminder of their ongoing struggles. The 2024 season was particularly brutal, with the team winning three fewer games than the previous year, resulting in a dismal 3-14 record. The season’s performance was a significant step back for a franchise that had been striving to return to its former heights. However, there is a silver lining to this dark cloud: the Titans have earned the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This high pick presents a pivotal opportunity for the team to reshape its future, but the decision of whom to select remains a topic of intense debate and speculation.
The Decision at Hand
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most critical in the Titans’ recent history. With the No. 1 overall pick, the Titans are in a unique position to make a significant impact. The question now is whether they will choose to draft a potential franchise quarterback, an area they have attempted to address in two of the last three drafts. In 2022, the Titans took a chance on Malik Willis in the third round, and in 2023, they selected Will Levis in the second round. Willis has since been traded, and Levis has not lived up to the expectations placed upon him. This history adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. With second-year head coach Brian Callahan and first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi at the helm, the Titans are under pressure to make the right choice. Over the past few weeks, mock drafts have shifted from projecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward to Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Each of these prospects brings unique strengths to the table, and the Titans must weigh their options carefully.
Defensive Tackle Jeffery Simmons Speaks Out
One voice that has weighed in on this decision is defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons, a six-year pro, has been a consistent presence and a standout player for the Titans. He earned an 80.2 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, ranking eighth among all defensive tackles. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Simmons recorded five sacks, six QB hits, and one forced fumble. In an interview on Deebo Samuel’s "Cleats and Convos" podcast, Simmons made it clear where he believes the Titans should focus their attention. "I’m going to start on the defensive side," Simmons said. "I think we need another edge guy. That guy from Penn State: Abdul Carter. He’s a dawg! He’s a dawg. So I for sure think we need an edge. I need an outside linebacker." Simmons’ endorsement of Carter is significant given his position and performance on the team. His input adds a practical, on-the-field perspective to the draft discussions.
The Case for Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter, the Penn State edge rusher, is a player who could potentially fit the "generational talent" description that General Manager Mike Borgonzi spoke about in his introductory press conference. Carter’s performance in college has been nothing short of impressive. He finished seventh in the nation in sacks with 12 and was third in pass rush grade among all edge rushers at 92.3, according to Pro Football Focus. The Titans, despite finishing with the No. 1 total defense, ranked 30th in scoring defense (27.1 points per game allowed), 30th in sacks (32), and 31st in pressure percentage (16.7%). Carter’s ability to generate pressure and disrupt opposing offenses could be a game-changer for the Titans, helping to address some of their most pressing defensive issues. Pairing Carter with Simmons could create a formidable defensive front that could finally start to turn the tide for the Titans.
The Path Forward
With the No. 1 overall pick, the Titans control the direction of the entire draft. They have the option to trade the pick for additional assets, a strategy that has been used by other teams in similar situations. However, given the team’s defensive struggles and the potential of players like Abdul Carter, it might be in their best interest to make a strong, immediate impact. The decision to draft Carter or another top prospect will be a critical one for the Titans. It could set the tone for the team’s future and potentially start a new chapter of success. The pressure on Callahan and Borgonzi is immense, but with careful consideration and a focus on long-term development, the Titans could be on the path to reclaiming their place among the league’s elite.
A New Era for the Titans
The 2025 NFL Draft represents a fresh start for the Tennessee Titans. The No. 1 overall pick is a valuable asset that could be used to address the team’s most critical needs. Whether the Titans choose to draft a quarterback, a star player like Abdul Carter, or use the pick to acquire additional assets, the decision will have far-reaching implications. The Titans’ past struggles highlight the importance of making the right choice. With the guidance of second-year head coach Brian Callahan and first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi, the Titans have an opportunity to rebuild and rebrand themselves. The future of the franchise is at stake, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come. The Titans are at a crossroads, and the path they choose will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
