The Tennessee Titans could explore multiple draft-night trade scenarios, including a move back into the first round that would give them another chance to address a major roster need.
Up to this point, most of the conversation around the Tennessee Titans making a draft-day trade in the 2026 NFL Draft has centered on the No. 4 overall pick.
If the Titans don’t love their options at that spot and have a strong offer on the table—whether from a team targeting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or an edge rusher who unexpectedly slips—they could always move back within the first round. There’s a scenario where Tennessee still lands Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles or one of the top wide receivers in the class while adding extra draft capital for the future.
The Titans could also be impacted by a trade depending on what the Arizona Cardinals do at No. 3 overall. Former Titans executive Monti Ossenfort is now the Cardinals’ general manager, and while Arizona could stand pat and select Jeremiyah Love, there’s significant buzz around a potential trade-down scenario—one that could ultimately shape which players are still on the board when Tennessee is on the clock.
But there may be another trade scenario that isn’t getting enough attention.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Titans are among the teams, along with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, that have had pre-draft discussions about moving back up into the late first round.
This particular draft class has a fairly steep drop-off over the final 10 or so picks on Thursday night. Teams generally have between 18 and 24 players graded as first-round talents, though evaluations vary widely across front offices.
The Titans have multiple needs to address, and for that reason, you might not want to turn off your TV after Tennessee makes its selection at No. 4.
Whether it’s Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles, or one of the top edge rushers, it’s very possible the Titans look to jump back into the first round—especially if a team at the back end is eager to move down.
Positions like edge rusher, linebacker, and wide receiver should still offer viable options later in the round, making a move back into the first a logical play depending on how the board falls.
If it’s a wide receiver, keep an eye on someone like Denzel Boston out of Washington. If it’s an edge rusher, UCF’s Malachi Lawrence or Missouri’s Zion Young could be in play. And at linebacker, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez is another name to watch.
All of them profile as realistic targets for the Titans, certainly at the top of the second round if they stay put at No. 35, but also as options late in the first round if Tennessee ultimately finds a way to trade back in.
Draft night is always unpredictable, but this class feels especially volatile. That should set the stage for a chaotic—and entertaining—night in draft rooms across the league. Buckle up, Titans fans.