The Tennessee Titans earned themselves the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a 3-14 season under first-year head coach Brian Callahan.
With the question mark known as Will Levis at quarterback, Callahan and the Titans opted to use that first overall pick on Miami’s Cam Ward. The question now for the Titans is whether the top passer in the draft can lead the team to a quick turnaround.
Tennessee Titans address top needs:
While much of that turnaround will depend on how good Ward is, Callahan and the Titans had other areas to address entering the draft. In addressing their needs at defensive end, the secondary and adding more playmakers on offense, the Titans have infused young talent that could set a new tone in the Music City. Which rookies will step in and make an immediate impact with the Titans?
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Tennessee Titans:
Round 1, Pick No. 1 – Cam Ward, QB, Miami: Taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward will not only end the Will Levis experiment in Tennessee, but should also lead to him improving the Titans tremendously in his rookie season.
With his natural leadership and arm talent, Ward should continue the recent trend of first year quarterbacks leading their teams to great turnarounds. It’s hard to see the Titans making the playoffs in 2025, but Ward will add a level of excitement to the team that will have them making noise in the AFC South at the very least. Along with his ability to emphasize in the pocket, Ward should have success getting the ball down the field to Calvin Ridley. The Titans will need other playmakers to step up to help the rookie quarterback play to his strengths.
Round 2, Pick No. 52 – Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA: With the release of outside linebacker Harold Landry, the Titans filled their other big need in the draft by selecting UCLA’s Oluwafemi Oladejo with the No. 52 overall pick in the draft.
As an edge rusher who improved his draft stock with an eye-opening Senior Bowl performance, Oladejo will quickly make a name for himself with the Titans with his ability to get to the passer. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Oladejo is an aggressive defender who can explode around and through blockers with his instincts, power and athleticism. Although he is still in developmental phrase as far as an edge rusher, he’ll get plenty of opportunity Year 1 to grow. He’ll shine and make an impact as the season grows.
Round 4, Pick No. 120– Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas: Besides Ridley, the Titans need consistent playmakers to surround Ward with. Ward can recreate the strong connection he had with Elijah Arroyo at Miami with fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm.
At 6-foot-5, 241 pounds, Helm is a big target with soft hands who can serve as a quick to intermediate outlet for Ward in the Titans offense. His ability as both a pass catcher and pass blocker should earn him snaps immediately as he will be in the mix along with tight ends Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle. Coming off a final season at Texas in which he caught 60 passes for 786 yards and seven touchdowns, Helm could be one of those mid round picks who will be more successful in the NFL than projected. He’ll become a favorite of Ward right away.