The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Tennessee Titans are on the clock. All signs point to them locking in top QB prospect Cam Ward with their first pick. Why not? After all, Ward’s got that playmaker spark — cool under pressure, quick on his feet, and creative when it counts. He’s easily one of the most exciting quarterbacks in this year’s class. So yeah, Brian Callahan and the Titans might finally land their guy — a real solution under center.

But does snagging a quarterback fix everything? Or is there still a long road ahead?

As Mike Florio and Chris Simms pointed out on NBC, Brian Callahan and the Titans have more pressing needs than just a quarterback in this draft. So, who else is on their radar? Let’s be real — last season was rough, with just three wins. And no, that wasn’t all on the quarterback. The struggles ran deep across the roster. It’s clear this team needs help — real, game-changing help. Now, it’s time to bring in serious talent and start a new chapter in Nashville. The question is: who’s it going to be?

According to Florio, “They’re going to need some pass catchers too. Calvin Ridley is by far the best guy they have. Nick Westbrook-Akine is going to be a free agent. If you’re going to have a quarterback that you want to build around, you better have guys who can catch the b—.” That’s true! A QB can lead the team with accurate throws, but turning those into scores requires solid players around him — especially reliable pass catchers.

Simms also chimed in, saying, “Edge, pass rusher — that’s where I’m looking. We’ve talked about how there could be seven guys going in the first round. Off the edge, there could be five, and then two more at the top of the second round. That’s the one pressing area you have to look at.” In addition, the former NFL player highlighted a key piece Brian Callahan’s squad lost — Harold Landry. That was a major blow to their defense.

Looking at what’s left, Draymond Jones is still there on one side, but he didn’t really shine last year in Seattle. So yeah, people are starting to wonder — is he slowing down?

On the other side is linebacker Arden Key. No doubt he’s solid and has had a decent career, but as Simms put it, “I don’t think any offensive tackles or offensive coordinators are staying up late the night before the game.… I think that’s an area where they can definitely give their defense a little uptick.” The Titans do have a solid defense, ranking second in total yards allowed per game (311.2) last year. However, we can’t ignore that they struggled with sacks, finishing 29th in the league.

Hence, the team needs to work on the issues at present because only drafting Cam Ward will not help the team achieve big wins. Meanwhile, Mel Kiper also talked about who Brian Callahan and the team should draft at the 35th overall pick.

Mel Kiper pressed on Brian Callahan’s need for defense!

The Titans will have their chance to pick someone solid at the 35th overall in the draft. So, which position will Brian Callahan and the team look for at that time? Well, as per Mel Kiper, it could be a pass rusher. As Chris Simms highlighted, they require adding a pass rusher after the team cut long-tenured member Harold Landry III (who has been with the team since 2018) earlier this offseason.

As per analyst Chad Reuter, “The Titans have a few mid-level edge rushers but need a difference-maker.” Hence, Kiper suggested a few names for pick No. 35, especially focusing on UCLA edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo in the second round. This unpolished prospect has versatility and burst-off-the-edge abilities. Hence, he could be the perfect choice for Brian Callahan’s team. Isn’t it?

Giving a few more options, Kiper added, “Whether it’s Oladejo from UCLA or a guy like Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College, who had a great year — I think there’s going to be an opportunity for Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart to slide down. I don’t think he will, but do you gamble on the talent over the lack of production?” These players can bring serious heat off the edge.

Continuing, the analyst stated, “I think there are going to be some opportunities for guys like Nick Scourton from A&M — he didn’t have the year people expected, but some think he could go early in the second round as well. So, when you look at their needs on paper right now, obviously, they have the quarterback at 1. But edge rusher and wide receiver are certainly areas they’ll want to address early on.” That receiver could be either Emeka Egbuka, known for his timing and precision. Or Luther Burden, whose explosiveness after the catch is a showstopper.

All in all, Brian Callahan’s Titans are in dire need of building a strong roster beyond just bringing in a quarterback.