GM Borgonzi hints at a draft philosophy prioritizing coach buy-in, signaling a strong defensive focus for Robert Saleh's vision.
The Tennessee Titans held their predraft press conference for General Manager Mike Borgonzi on Thursday.
Several topics were discussed, including Cam Ward's recovery, Robert Saleh's experience with linebackers, and whether the Titans would consider a trade. Borgonzi also shared some insight into the team's draft approach.
Borgonzi already hinted at what the Titans' draft philosophy is at the NFL Owners Meetings. He stated that the team is planning to take the best player available, signaling that it would pursue Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Love is a versatile prospect who can beat you on the ground or even line up as a receiver, which is not something every running back can have success with.
However, after Borgonzi spoke about the struggle in finding a player your head coach likes, it paints a different picture, and one that benefits Saleh.
Borgonzi noted that you want to find a player who likes the coach so you can secure their buy-in, per ESPN's Turron Davenport.
"You never take a player the coach doesn't want," Borgonzi said. "You need buy in when it comes to players. You don't force a player onto a coach that works with him. If you can't come to an agreement on the player, it's not good for the player, it's not good for the coach."
It's no secret that Saleh is a defensive head coach.
His most recent stop before the Titans was the San Francisco 49ers. He was the defensive coordinator there for the second time in his career, after previously serving in that role from 2017-20.
Saleh has also served as a defensive assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-16) and the Seattle Seahawks (2011-13). Even during his time as head coach with the New York Jets, his defenses consistently ranked in the top 15 in multiple metrics.
The best defensive season of his time with New York was in 2022, when his defense allowed the fourth-fewest yards (311.06) and points (18.6) per game.
This flips the script based on what Borgonzi said at the NFL Owners Meetings. It seems like the Titans are focused on giving Saleh all the tools he needs on defense.
Luckily, the Titans are in need of an edge rusher, a cornerback, and a linebacker.
Edge rusher is one of the more important needs for the defense. Femi Oladejo played six games last season, and Jacob Martin doesn't have the level of production you would want from a starting edge rusher.
The Titans have two of their starting corners set in place, with Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott set to be on the outside. Slot corner is interesting because Marcus Harris is set to start there, but like Oladejo, he had limited minutes played there as a rookie.
Tennessee could benefit from bringing in another corner through the draft.
Saleh is still searching for a linebacker with a similar skillset to Fred Warner at the 49ers. There are many options the team could go with, as Sonny Styles has been mocked to the Titans, and there's even a late-round alternative with TCU Kaleb Elarms-Orr as a substitute.
Offense is important in football, but everyone knows that defense wins championships. Borgonzi is giving Saleh the tools he needs to succeed in the draft, it seems.