Jan. 21, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET

Even as teams remain busy with head coaching interviews and search processes, the rest of the offseason is moving forward across the league.

Beyond the chaos of the coaching carousel, attention is already turning to the 2026 NFL draft, which is now only months away. As a result, early mock drafts are starting to surface, offering a first glimpse at how April’s selections could unfold.

To that end, ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft on Wednesday, and he predicts the Titans will add defensive help with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech

Tennessee is going to be focused on two things this offseason: getting quarterback Cam Ward more help and improving the defense. It’s a tough call on which direction the Titans will go here, but let’s follow the board while also knowing new coach Robert Saleh is a defense guy. Bailey was outstanding this past season. His stats tell the story: 14.5 sacks, 20.2% pressure rate, 23 tackles for loss — and all at least tied for a share of first in the FBS. Pairing Bailey with defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on the D-line could be a big step in the right direction.

As for offense, this is a pretty deep class of pass catchers. But if Saleh decides Ward’s supporting cast is the first-round priority no matter what, then I’d expect Ohio State’s Carnell Tate to get some attention here. Speaking of Tate …

Kiper goes on to suggest that the New York Giants (5th overall pick) will grab Carnell Tate.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

The Titans likely select a defensive player with their first-round pick. The argument here is, will it be David Bailey or Rueben Bain (Miami)? Both are excellent edge rushers despite playing different positions. Both of their college teams went to the playoffs in 2025, with Miami making it to the National Championship.

Most draft boards have Bain ranked above Bailey, but not all of them, so it will be interesting to see what the Titans do with their 5th overall pick.