Tennessee’s offseason began in earnest several weeks ago with a protracted coaching search that landed a surprising head coach candidate. The Senior Bowl just concluded last week, with the Combine on the horizon later in February. It’s time to bust out the mock drafts! Fortunately for Titans fans, Matt Miller is the latest analyst to provide Tennessee with a couple of prospects. Who did the Titans land in the trenches from ESPN’s latest mock draft?

Tennessee Titans Land Pair Of Trench Kings From ESPN Mock

1.4 Rueben Bain, Jr / EDGE / Miami

“The Titans could go several directions: build up a supporting cast around second-year QB Cam Ward, address the offensive line or add to a defense that lacks threats outside of All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons. Defense is the smartest bet in this draft. After finishing in the middle of the pack with 42 sacks this season, the Titans hired defensive-minded Robert Saleh as coach and will likely use a base 4-3 defense where three-down defensive ends are needed.”

Miller speculates on the many paths that the Titans could take with the fourth overall selection. Before free agency decisions are made, Tennessee has the most wide-open path to make a sensible decision of any team in the top five. They could select a receiver like Jordan Tyson (Arizona State) or Carnell Tate (Ohio State) to take over WR1 duties as Calvin Ridley is likely a cap casualty. There are numerous pass rushers available at the fourth pick or lower, like Bain, David Bailey, T.J. Parker, and Keldric Faulk. Tennessee managed to finish 42 sacks as a team, which was good for the 13th-best in the league. The Titans need more pass rush help to support All-Pro and Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons. In this mock draft, additional help along the defensive line is on the way.

“Bain has the power at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds to stay on the field regardless of down or distance. With 9.5 sacks and an incredible 71 pressures last season, Bain showed the necessary determination to complement his athletic traits and be great on the edge. His shorter arm length might worry some teams, but Bain’s motor and speed-to-power skills make him worthy of being one of the top picks in this draft.”

Bain initially committed to participating in the Senior Bowl but ultimately didn’t make it, citing the lengthy season. The reasoning is understandable given that the Hurricanes were in the national championship game less than a month ago. The star defensive end has the size and versatility to play inside and outside, depending on the scheme. Some teams won’t see him as a fit because his measurables don’t meet their standards. He’s the type of player you draft and forget about the position for a half-decade or more. Tennessee needs such players along the defensive line to bolster its anemic pass-rush talent.

2.35 Kadyn Proctor / OT / Alabama

“The Titans have one supersized offensive tackle from Alabama in JC Latham, so let’s give them another. Proctor’s tape at the end of the season was much better than at the beginning, and he has immense potential as a starting left tackle.”

This is a head-scratching selection on the surface, given the massive investment in the current tackles in terms of picks and dollars. The Dan Moore, Jr signing was panned at the time and still doesn’t look promising after one season. OverTheCap indicates that the Titans could make a more palatable contract escape in 2027, with a post-6/1 release that results in a dead cap of $6 million and $15 million in savings. Latham hasn’t lived up to the billing just yet, either, so it might be time to press reset for Mike Borgonzi on the tackle situation. There is a possible scenario in which Tennessee drafts Proctor and slides Latham inside to right guard to recoup lost value since Kevin Zeitler is a free agent.

Proctor is a giant human being and a tremendous athlete, given his size. Alabama hilariously used him in a trick play as a receiver this season. He’s a road-grading mauler at tackle, and his physicality could see him move inside to guard. Could he move to guard for at least a season or two until Tennessee rectifies its tackle issues?