2026 NFL Mock Draft: Titans Projected to Prioritize Elite Pass Rusher with Top Pick

The Tennessee Titans are firmly in control of the No. 1 overall selection for the 2026 NFL Draft. Early mock drafts reveal a surprising consensus. The team is not expected to target a quarterback. Instead, analysts project a major investment in their defensive front.

This strategic pivot follows their 2025 selection of quarterback Cam Ward. With the franchise QB secured, attention turns to building a dominant defense. The move aims to revitalize a unit that struggled significantly this season.

Consensus Points to Defensive Reinforcements

Leading sports analysts from ESPN and CBS Sports are aligned on the Titans’ direction. Their latest 2026 NFL mock drafts consistently pair Tennessee with a top-tier edge rusher. The team’s pass rush was a notable weakness throughout the year.

Two names dominate the conversation: Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. Both players offer a blend of size, power, and proven production. Faulk, standing 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, is particularly praised for his scheme versatility.

Why a Pass Rusher Makes Strategic Sense

The logic behind this projection is straightforward. A franchise’s building blocks start with a quarterback. The Titans believe they secured theirs in Cam Ward. The next step is to protect that investment by building a formidable defense.

An elite pass rusher can single-handedly change a game’s momentum. This pick would immediately pressure opposing offenses. It would also create more opportunities for the rest of the defensive unit.

Ultimately, this is a long-term vision for sustainable success. A strong defense complements a developing quarterback. It takes pressure off the entire team.

Thought you’d like to know

Who are the top edge rusher prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft?

Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. are the two most frequently mocked players to the Titans. Both are considered elite, physically dominant prospects who can contribute immediately at the professional level.

Why aren’t the Titans taking a quarterback first?

The team used its first-round pick on quarterback Cam Ward in the 2025 draft. The current front office appears committed to building the roster around him, making a defensive cornerstone the higher priority for 2026.

What was the Titans’ record this season?

Tennessee finished the regular season with a 1-10 record. This last-place finish secured them the top overall selection in the upcoming draft order.

How would a top edge rusher help the Titans?

It would instantly upgrade a struggling pass rush, creating more sacks and turnovers. A dominant defensive front also helps the secondary by forcing quarterbacks into quicker, often poorer, decisions.

Could the Titans trade the No. 1 pick?

While always a possibility, early indications suggest they are more likely to use the selection. The chance to add a transformative defensive player like Faulk or Bain may be too valuable to pass up.