{"id":869292,"date":"2026-04-18T17:00:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/869292\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T17:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:00:31","slug":"titans-execute-2026-nfl-mock-draft-stunner-with-bold-first-round-twist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/869292\/","title":{"rendered":"Titans execute 2026 NFL Mock Draft stunner with bold first-round twist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jeremiyah Love has a cult following in the Tennessee Titans fan base, and that following is convinced that the best way to help Cam Ward is by adding an offensive weapon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Love is a fantastic prospect and everyone agrees he would upgrade the team at running back, but what if the best way to help Ward wasn’t just to add any weapon, but to add a first-round caliber receiver instead? There is a lot of buzz around Ohio State receiver<\/a> Carnell Tate, and big names like Todd McShay, Daniel Jeremiah, Mina Kimes, and others have started to push for him to be viewed as a real option in the top-five.<\/p>\n

If the Titans want to give Ward another weapon in the passing game, and agree that the most obvious solution is oftentimes the best solution, then why not give their franchise quarterback a wide receiver who everyone agrees is a first-round caliber prospect, even if they think he should be in the top-10 instead of the top-five?<\/p>\n

This is a mock draft<\/a> that shows how Mike Borgonzi could pull off a move like that, and still manage the NFL Draft in a way that doesn’t force them to reach for a need. <\/p>\n

Round 1, pick 4: Carnell Tate WR, OSU<\/p>\n

With this move, the Titans would get a high-floor, sure-handed receiver who can attack the middle and deep portions of the field. Is he a low-tier WR1 or a high-tier WR2? That will be the question, but either answer would still be a boost to the Titans’ receiver room. <\/p>\n

TRADE: Round 2, pick 57: Treydan Stukes CB, Arizona<\/p>\n

The Titans trade the 35th pick for the 57th and 60th picks from the Chicago Bears.<\/p>\n

Stukes is a cornerback that the Titans have shown interest in during the predraft process<\/a> and he would round out a new and improved cornerback room that includes Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor as the boundary corners. <\/p>\n

TRADE: Round 2, pick 60: Cashius Howell EDGE, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Howell gives you a similar burst and explosion to what David Bailey would have in the first round, but he has some size limitations that will push him down the board. If he makes it here, he would be a perfect fit for the Titans, especially since they might be focusing on a DPR instead <\/a>of a full-time EDGE.<\/p>\n

Round 3, pick 66: Jake Golday LB, Cincinnati<\/p>\n

Golday had a formal visit with the Titans at the Combine, and Robert Saleh could do wonders with a player like Golday, who is 6’4, 240 lb. with a 9.85 RAS.<\/p>\n

Round 4, pick 101: Kyle Louis LB, Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

This will be a theme, but last year Borgonzi solved the problems at wide receiver by attacking it multiple times on Day 3, and this year he would be smart to give Saleh as many intriguing, aggressive, athletic linebackers as he can.<\/p>\n

Round 5, pick 142: Brian Parker iOL, Duke<\/p>\n

Parker will be a converted tackle who will play somewhere inside in the NFL. If the Titans bring back Kevin Zeitler, Parker could sit and learn the nuances of the position while he gets a little stronger, and he could be a starter in 2027 while providing versatility and depth as a rookie.<\/p>\n

Round 5, pick 144: Anez Cooper iOL, Miami<\/p>\n

One of Ward’s best friends when they were together in college, Cooper, would be another great depth piece for this interior offensive line, and this would give the Titans three first- or second-year offensive linemen, which is a cheap and high-upside solution to the problem. <\/p>\n

Round 6, pick 184: Rayshaun Benny DT, Michigan<\/p>\n

The Titans need more depth on the inside, but they don’t just want space-eaters, which is one reason why they traded T’Vondre Sweat. Benny would be a nice option on Day 3 to fill a hole in that rotation.<\/p>\n

Round 6, pick 194: Jakobe Thomas S, Miami<\/p>\n

Safety is a minor need for the Titans, but Thomas has the perfect mentality for an aggressive defense like the one that Saleh will run in 2026, so it is a great marriage of play style and best available player. <\/p>\n

Round 7, pick 225: Travis Burke OT, Memphis<\/p>\n

Burke has a lot of interest around the NFL, and if he makes it to the seventh round, the Titans would be smart to use a pick on him instead of trying to be the most attractive suitor for him as a UDFA.<\/p>\n

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