The Tennessee Titans have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but will trade it if they can still get a “generational talent”. First year GM Mike Borgonzi explained the team’s draft philosophy at the NFL Scouting Combine on February 25, 2025. His comments suggest the Titans are open to trading down but won’t go too far unless the return is big and this could be good news for teams like the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants or New England Patriots.
Titans Will Trade Down—but Only Under Certain Conditions
Mike Borgonzi said the Titans won’t pass on “generational talents” just for extra picks.
“You don’t want to pass on one of those players,” Borgonzi said. “In an opportunity to trade back, it depends how far you can go back to get that player. There’s a strategy to it.”
This means they’ll weigh their options carefully. Moving down in the draft gets you more picks but the Titans seem to be focused on not sacrificing quality for quantity.
Who Qualifies as a “Generational Talent”?
NFL scouts agree two players are generational talents:
- Abdul Carter: A pass-rusher who can transform any defense.
- Travis Hunter: The cornerback/receiver hybrid who’s athletically and skill-wise unmatched in this class.
Plus, quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will rise up draft boards because of the weak QB class. But Borgonzi said the Titans might not view them as true generational talents despite the premium on the position.
Why This Could Benefit the Giants
For teams like the New York Giants, this opens up the possibility of getting the No. 1 pick—or at least moving up in range.
If the Titans trade down slightly (e.g. from No. 1 to No. 3), it allows the Giants to jump over the Browns or another team for a franchise quarterback like Cam Ward. Or if the Titans are dead set on staying in range of Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, the Giants might be in better position to get one of those guys if they stay put at No. 3.
Borgonzi said the Titans have already had interest in the top pick.
“We’ve had some calls, yeah,” he said. “Anytime you trade the No. 1 pick, you’re gonna get a big return. I think that’s our expectation.”
Historically, trading the No. 1 pick requires multiple first-round picks or other high-end assets. Teams like the Giants who have 10 picks in the 2025 draft might be in a position to make that kind of deal.
Titans’ Quarterback Dilemma
One of the biggest questions for the Titans is what to do at quarterback. With starter Will Levis struggling last season, they are actively looking at options in free agency and the draft.
“If we decide taking a quarterback is the most important thing right now then we’ll do that,” Borgonzi said. “You can have Superman back there but if you don’t have the protection up front to protect and run the football, that’s the most important thing.”
Borgonzi said signing a veteran quarterback in free agency wouldn’t rule out drafting a QB and creating competition. That means they are prioritizing flexibility over committing to one way.
But if they decide neither Cam Ward nor Shedeur Sanders is a generational talent then they may go after other needs – like O-line or defense – with the #1 pick and be more likely to trade down.
FAQs About the Titans’ Draft Strategy
Why would the Titans consider trading the No. 1 pick?
Trading down allows the Titans to accumulate more draft capital, which they desperately need to rebuild one of the NFL’s weakest rosters. However, they won’t trade down too far unless they’re confident they can still land an elite prospect.
Who are the top candidates to be selected No. 1 overall?
Pass-rusher Abdul Carter and cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter are widely regarded as generational talents. Quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders could also be in play depending on how the Titans value the position.
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