The Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the burning question remains: what should they do with it? President of Football Operations Chad Brinker and the soon-to-be-appointed general manager face several intriguing options. They could draft a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, target an elite non-quarterback talent such as Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, or even trade down to stockpile additional draft capital.
In The Draft Network’s latest mock draft, analyst Jaime Eisner projects the Titans will trade the top overall pick to the New York Giants. In this scenario, Tennessee would receive the Giants’ No. 3 overall pick, as well as Nos. 34 and 65 in the 2025 draft, and a 2026 second-round pick. While the Titans fail to secure a 2026 first-rounder in the deal—a potential shortcoming—gaining three additional premium selections, including two in the top 64 this year, could be a significant win for Tennessee.
The Giants, in this mock draft, use the top pick to select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward. With Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll urgently needing a franchise quarterback, this aggressive move aligns with their objectives. For the Titans, the trade indicates they likely aren’t sold on Ward, a decision that fits given his awkward compatibility with offensive coordinator Brian Callahan’s rhythm-and-timing scheme.
Following the Cleveland Browns’ selection of Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall, the Titans use their No. 3 pick to select Penn State outside linebacker Abdul Carter. Eisner’s mock draft also has Tennessee passing on Travis Hunter, the other top non-quarterback prospect. By trading down, the Titans still manage to land one of the top two overall prospects in the draft while acquiring valuable additional picks.
“Having a new general manager in Tennessee could change the Titans’ plans at the top of the draft,” Eisner writes. “Is the new GM sure they want to tie their legacy to Ward or Sanders? Or, would they prefer to take the player they deem the top option in the class while gaining additional future draft assets? I think it could be the latter. And if so, adding Abdul Carter would be a home run first pick of the new era. Carter is the best pass rusher in the 2025 class with a rare skill set that can make him an instant impact player.”
The Titans, in dire need of dynamic edge rushers to strengthen Dennard Wilson’s defense, would benefit greatly from Carter’s rare blend of athleticism and instinct, making him a force in disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Whether or not they land a franchise quarterback, exiting the draft with premium talent and additional assets would position Tennessee well for the future.
