- Biggest roster hole: WR1
- Solution: Swing a big trade OR trade down from No. 4 overall
There’s a battle-tested formula when it comes to fostering growth at the game’s most important position: Team drafts a highly touted quarterback, who struggles through the first year or two. Team then acquires a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver, and the young QB breaks out. It happened with Josh Allen after the Bills traded for Stefon Diggs and with Jalen Hurts when the Eagles acquired A.J. Brown. The Titans should try that approach with second-year passer Cam Ward. They picked up Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency and restructured Calvin Ridley‘s contract, but neither player is a true WR1. And there isn’t one available to sign — Jauan Jennings is the top remaining name — so the Titans need to get creative.
There are a few oft-speculated trade options: A.J. Brown (whom they drafted back in 2019) or Brian Thomas Jr. — despite Jaguars GM James Gladstone’s insistence that Thomas isn’t being shopped. Tennessee could also pull off a surprise deal for a player like DK Metcalf, Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson. Another way to address this need is in the draft, trading down from fourth overall to snag Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, while scoring extra capital. If Tennessee can’t work out a trade, it could focus on scoring an “X” receiver with its second-round selection (No. 35). Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. and Washington’s Denzel Boston come to mind.
