Matt Miller of ESPN fame unleashed his first mock draft of the season last week, and it has interesting nuggets for Titans fans. Much like the LWOS midseason Mock Draft, this version features a trade for the Tennessee Titans that sets them up for the future. What does the esteemed Mr. Miller have to say about the Nashville franchise that needs a reboot after firing its coach?
ESPN: Tennessee Titans Reload For The Future In Mock Draft
Trader Mike (plus Chad?)
“Armed with two first-round picks and an additional second-round pick in 2026 thanks to the deadline trades of cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the Jets are moving up to Tennessee’s spot at No. 1 in this mock draft. Since the Titans used their 2025 No. 1 pick on quarterback Cam Ward, they could be persuaded to move down and accumulate draft capital to build around their young QB. In this deal, the Jets would send both of their first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 28) and their 2027 second-round pick to the Titans for the top selection.”
The quarterback class isn’t as hyped up as in years past due to ongoing failures by prospects to rise. Tennessee invested heavily in Cam Ward, using the first overall selection in 2024. It would behoove them to use their copious amount of resources this coming offseason to see what they have. Trading down from the first overall selection proves to be a wise move for GM Mike Borgonzi. The Jets have been the Jets of recent vintage this season and are terrible under new coach Aaron Glenn. While Glenn’s job status is safe for now, they badly need a new passer after Justin Fields flopped. Miller projected the Jets to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the latest addition to the quarterback graveyard diaspora in Gotham.
OK, So Now What For Tennessee?
4. Jordan Tyson / WR / Arizona State
“For the Titans to get a true evaluation of Ward, he needs a go-to receiver to throw to alongside emerging supporting players Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Tyson is the big-play deep threat Tennessee’s offense is missing, as he has 57 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns this season after catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. At 6-2 and 200 pounds, he doesn’t have hulking size, but Tyson elevates to play the ball in the air like a much larger player while still providing the speed to rip off big runs. With its young offensive line building chemistry, the best thing Tennessee can do for Ward is build up a cast of young receivers around him like Cincinnati did for Joe Burrow.”
The Titans need a top-tier receiver to take over a badly flagging receiver room that needs an alpha. Tyson can be the alpha WR1 they need. Calvin Ridley, once billed as the top receiver for Cam Ward, is injured and ending his Titans tenure with little fanfare. Rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike have been productive to varying degrees despite the heavy scrutiny. Arizona State has fallen back to the pack in the Big 12 in 2025 due to several injuries, including one to Tyson. He’s a talented prospect who scouts view highly across the board with his size and athleticism. Tyson plays like former ASU star Brandon Aiyuk. Tennessee would be an ideal landing spot for him to take over as the lead dog to grow up with Ward. The offensive line is largely set, so now the skill positions need replenishing.
28. Colton Hood / CB / Tennessee
Sep 27, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) scores a touchdown after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
“The Titans’ second pick from our projected trade nets them one of the nation’s most balanced coverage players. Hood is well-traveled, as Tennessee is his third school, but he’s producing Round 1 tape with the Vols. The 6-foot 190-pounder has one interception and 11 passes defensed this season while allowing only 5.3 yards per attempt when targeted. With the Titans addressing receiver earlier, Hood would bolster a pass defense that has allowed completions on 70.6% of pass attempts, the second worst in the NFL.”
Tennessee needs cornerback help after trading away both Jarvis Brownlee, Jr, and stalwart Roger McCreary this season. L’Jarius Sneed is in legal trouble and has been a disaster when healthy on the field. It’s very likely he’s played his last down in Tennessee, given numerous injuries and the pending legal fiasco. The Titans’ cornerback depth chart cannot maintain the status quo in 2026. They need fresh faces with talent to shore up a devastating weakness. Hood would be a great addition to the roster with a coverage grade of 84.0, according to PFF metrics. He has the size and athleticism to compete at outside corner. The cornerback class features multiple first-round prospects, and Hood is one of the best.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images