Still trying to recover from the three straight unproductive drafts of 2020-22, the Titans are hoping their nine-player 2025 draft will serve as an important building block moving forward.

Tennessee made six picks in the draft’s first four rounds in April, a total that had not been topped by the franchise since 2005.

So, what are the very early evaluations of the Titans’ 2025 draft picks?

Here’s a look at what the nine selections have shown through the offseason and the first two preseason games:

Name: Cam Ward

Position: Quarterback

Round picked: First (No. 1 overall)

What we’ve seen: Overall, Ward has had ups and downs so far, which is not all that surprising for a rookie quarterback. His stats through two preseason contests illustrate the trend, as Ward has gone 7-for-15 for 109 yards, with zero touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 71.3 NFL quarterback rating … Ward led the Titans on one scoring drive in five attempts over the first two contests, while going three-and-out three times. It didn’t help that Van Jefferson was unable to hold on to Ward’s most impressive looking pass of the preseason last Friday in Atlanta … A couple of interesting notes, though in a small sample size: One, Ward has taken on average 2.67 seconds to throw, per Pro Football Focus. That’s comfortably in the middle of the NFL pack, and it’s quicker than the 2.92 seconds he took last season at Miami, which was one of the slower times in the college ranks. Second, Ward isn’t scared to throw the ball downfield. Nine of Ward’s attempts have been thrown at least 10 yards downfield, including two unsuccessful attempts of 20-plus yards. He’s gone 4-for-9 on attempts of at least 10 yards downfield.

 

Name: Femi Oladejo

Position: Edge rusher

Round picked: Second (No. 52 overall)

What we’ve seen: Oladejo has delivered all kinds of energy and enthusiasm, but the pass-rush threat has not often been evident so far. That’s to be expected to some degree, considering the 6-3, 259-pound Oladejo was moved to the edge — from middle linebacker — only during his final season at UCLA. Oladejo has managed six tackles in a combined 34 snaps during the two preseason contests. But he’s yet to record a pressure or sack in 10 pass-rushing snaps, which is why Oladejo has a 51.7 PFF pass-rush grade.

Name: Kevin Winston

Position: Safety

Round picked: Third (No. 82 overall)

What we’ve seen: Winston was making an increasingly good impression in the early stages of training camp before he was sidelined with knee soreness —related to the ACL surgery he underwent last season. The former Penn State standout has missed about two weeks of practice, and has not played in either of the two preseason games. It’s a disappointing turn of events for Winston, who didn’t participate in offseason work because of the knee injury. It’s certainly possible Winston just needs a little more time than originally expected to fully heal, and that he’ll be fine soon enough. But his example does illustrate the concerns about drafting a player who already has an injury history.

Name: Chimere Dike

Position: Wide receiver

Round picked: Fourth (No. 103 overall)

What we’ve seen: Dike has flashed from time to time during practice, showing that 4.34 40-yard dash speed he recorded at the NFL Combine. He’s also done a nice job of learning both the slot and outside receiver positions. But Dike hasn’t produced much so far in the preseason, as he. has caught just one-of-four targets for six yards. The Titans have thrown two passes of more than 10 yards toward Dike, but neither has resulted in a reception. Dike has played a combined 43 snaps in the two preseason contests, which included 22 snaps as a starter against Atlanta. But his 50.5 PFF receiving grade through two games shows there’s still work to be done.

Name: Gunnar Helm

Position: Tight end

Round picked: Fourth (No. 120 overall)

What we’ve seen: What a great first impression for Helm, who had already moved to No. 2 on the team’s depth chart before the first preseason contest. He’s been a regular target over the middle during training camp, and Helm’s production has only picked up in the preseason games. He leads the Titans with five catches and 64 receiving yards, and Helm has recorded the team’s lone touchdown reception — an outstanding grab made through contact at the goal line vs. Atlanta … Helm has snared all five of his preseason targets, giving his quarterbacks a perfect 158.3 NFL rating when throwing his way. The former Texas star has a 90.6 overall PFF grade in the preseason, tops among all NFL tight ends. His 89.9 receiving grade ranks third among tight ends … One interesting note on Helm, who came in with a reputation as more of a pass catcher than blocker: In 16 run-block snaps, he has recorded a respectable 67.4 PFF grade in that category. If he can keep that up, it will mean even more playing time.

Name: Elic Ayomanor

Position: Wide receiver

Round picked: Fourth (No. 136 overall)

What we’ve seen: The 6-2, 206-pound Ayomanor is still a little bit raw, but he was a regular target during offseason practices — a trend that’s continued through training camp and the first two preseason contests. Here’s a sign Titans quarterbacks are looking for Ayomanor: In the game against Atlanta (which Ayomanor started), he was targeted on four of the 11 snaps for which he ran a route. Ayomanor caught two of those passes for 47 yards, including a nice run-after-catch that helped produce a 35-yard gain on the first reception … Each of Ayomanor’s two catches went for first downs against the Falcons, which helped atone for his zero catches on three targets in the first preseason contest. Overall, Ayomanor has a 68.6 PFF receiving grade through two games, which includes an 80.2 mark in the contest against Atlanta.

Name: Jackson Slater

Position: Guard

Round picked: Fifth (No. 167)

What we’ve seen: Slater hasn’t looked overwhelmed on the NFL level, which is a good development considering his FCS background at Sacramento State. One of the selling points for Slater was his versatility, as he played both guard and tackle in college, while getting snaps at all five positions while at Senior Bowl practices. That trend has continued on the NFL level, as Slater has played 36 snaps at left guard and 38 at right guard during the two preseason contests … In 40 preseason pass-blocking snaps, the 6-3, 311-pound Slater has allowed one pressure (a quarterback hit) and produced a PFF pass-blocking grade of 51.1. He’s fared better in 34 run-block snaps, with a 65.6 grade in that category.

Name: Marcus Harris

Position: Cornerback

Round picked: Sixth (No. 183)

What we’ve seen: It’s still very early, of course, but it’s starting to look as if the Titans may have found a contributor with this late-round pick. One illustration came just before the half against Atlanta, when Harris — initially beaten by Falcons wide receiver on a long pass attempt — used his 4.38 speed to recover and knock the ball away without committing pass interference … In the two preseason contests, Harris has allowed just two completions — on five targets — for 26 yards, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 57.1 NFL quarterback rating. He’s recorded a 79.3 PFF pass-defense grade through two games, second best on the Titans behind safety Kendell Brooks (91.9) …  Also encouraging: Some had questioned the size/strength of the 5-11, 188-pound Harris, but in 36 snaps against the run, he has a 76.1 PFF grade in that category. Harris’ six tackles rank ninth on the team.

Name: Kalel Mullings

Position: Running back

Round picked: Sixth (No. 188)

What we’ve seen: The 6-2, 226-pound Mullings wasn’t really able to show much during the offseason, as his strength and power weren’t much of advantage when the team was practicing without pads. But Mullings has started to make a solid impression in training camp and the preseason contests. It comes down to this for Mullings: When he hesitates before hitting the hole, things do not go well. When he plants his foot and runs decisively, he’s able to use his strengths and impose his will … Through two preseason games, Mullings is tied for the team lead in carries (15) and rushing yards (58). He’s gained 54 of those 58 yards after contact, meaning Mullings is averaging a very healthy 3.9 yards per carry after contact … Mullings’ challenge is to improve in pass protection, even though he may not play a lot in passing situations. In the first preseason contest, Mullings allowed a sack, and in the second, he took a holding penalty during pass protection.