March 19, 2026, 1:30 p.m. ET

The Tennessee Titans have been active in free agency and have done a solid job at adding talent to both sides of the ball, and will have another opportunity to add even more in a month at the NFL draft.

The Titans could go many ways in April, and there is much debate across the fan base and media outlets on what direction they should take. The latest to weigh in is Joe Rexrode for The Athletic, who has the Titans going defense with their first pick in their latest beat writer mock. 

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

There’s a lot of buzz about the Titans using this pick to take Jeremiyah Love after a defense-heavy free-agency period, but most of those signings are solid, complementary pieces. It’s much more difficult to find a game-wrecking edge than it is a productive running back. The reigning Super Bowl MVP is a running back who just left his team. Yes, Cam Ward needs more skill around him, but the Titans can do that starting with the next pick (and preferably in the form of a pass catcher). Affecting the other quarterback is the move here. 

Bailey was often connected to the pick before the NFL Scouting Combine, but, like Rueben Bain, has been replaced by Jeremiyah Love in many recent mocks.

The Titans have focused on defense throughout free agency,  but have left themselves in a position to draft an impact player at any position come draft day. Bailey is a dynamic edge who could add even more to the rebuilt unit and could be in their sights. At this point, everything remains on the table. 

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