Tennessee Titans Prepare for 2026 NFL Draft

The Titans have 9 total picks, including the 4th overall selection, as they look to address key needs in Robert Saleh's new defensive scheme.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Tennessee Titans football game or practice, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The Titans' draft plans take shape through a cubist lens, as the team seeks to build the right pieces for their new defensive scheme.Today in Pittsburgh

The Tennessee Titans are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh. The Titans have 9 total picks, including the 4th overall selection in the first round. General manager Mike Borgonzi says the team will draft the best player available, regardless of position, but inside linebacker appears to be a key need as the Titans transition to coach Robert Saleh's defensive scheme. The team has hosted Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson for a visit, and could also consider Ohio State's Sonny Styles, who fits the profile of the rangy middle linebacker Saleh's defense requires.

Why it matters

The Titans are coming off a disappointing season and need to make the most of their draft capital to rebuild their roster. Finding the right fit at inside linebacker to anchor Saleh's defense will be crucial, as that position is central to how the scheme operates.

The details

The Titans have 9 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 4th overall selection in the first round. General manager Mike Borgonzi says the team will take the best player available, but inside linebacker appears to be a key need as the Titans transition to coach Robert Saleh's defensive scheme. Saleh's defense requires a more rangy linebacker to roam the middle of the field, and the team has hosted Alabama's Justin Jefferson for a visit. Ohio State's Sonny Styles could also be an option, as he fits the profile of the 'Mike' linebacker Saleh's defense requires.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Titans started offseason activities on Tuesday, April 8.

The players

Mike Borgonzi

The general manager of the Tennessee Titans.

Robert Saleh

The head coach of the Tennessee Titans, who is implementing a new defensive scheme that requires a specific type of inside linebacker.

Sonny Styles

An inside linebacker prospect from Ohio State who could fit the profile of the 'Mike' linebacker Saleh's defense requires.

Justin Jefferson

An inside linebacker prospect from Alabama who the Titans hosted for a visit, though he may be better suited for a weakside linebacker and special teams role.

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What they’re saying

“The Mike linebacker, he's hook to hook. He's basically monitoring the hash marks. There are times where he has to expand a little bit based on the team we're getting.”

— Robert Saleh, Head Coach, Tennessee Titans

“We will draft the best player on our board regardless of premium position when we pick at No. 4 overall.”

— Mike Borgonzi, General Manager, Tennessee Titans

What’s next

The Titans will continue their pre-draft evaluation process, hosting more prospects for visits and workouts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Titans have a prime draft position and multiple picks to address key needs, but finding the right fit at inside linebacker to anchor their new defensive scheme under Robert Saleh will be crucial to their success in 2026 and beyond.