Titans Seek to Restore Franchise DNA in 2026 NFL Draft

New coach Robert Saleh looks to find 'clones' of past Titans greats to rebuild team

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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After a 3-14 season, the Tennessee Titans are at a crossroads. New head coach Robert Saleh is bringing his 'All Gas, No Brake' philosophy to Nashville, and he's looking to the 2026 NFL Draft to find players who can restore the franchise's identity. The article identifies three prospects - Arvell Reese, Bud Clark, and Beau Stephens - who the author believes can be '1-of-1 clones' of past Titans greats Robert Brazile, Kevin Byard, and Benji Olson, respectively.

Why it matters

The Titans have historically been at their best when they've had a 'blue-collar' identity - smart in the secondary, violent in the trenches, and led by versatile playmakers. Finding players who can embody that DNA is crucial for Saleh as he looks to rebuild the team and get them back to their winning ways.

The details

Arvell Reese is described as the '2026 evolution' of Robert Brazile, a pioneer of the 'standing' pass rusher. Reese's combination of size, athleticism, and versatility make him a perfect fit for Saleh's 'Wide-9' 4-3 defense as a 'LEO' or 'Hybrid Edge' player. Bud Clark is compared to former Titans star Kevin Byard as a cerebral ballhawk who can play 'over the top' and eliminate the deep ball. And Beau Stephens is seen as the next Benji Olson, a physically dominant guard who can anchor the interior offensive line.

  • In 2025, Reese earned Consensus All-American honors while splitting time between off-ball linebacker and a 'stand-up' edge role for Ohio State.
  • In 2025, Clark had a 89.8 PFF grade and 15 career interceptions at TCU.
  • In 2025, Stephens led the nation with a 92.5 PFF pass-blocking grade, allowing zero sacks all season.

The players

Robert Brazile

A 3-4 linebacker who played with the violence of a defensive end, redefining the position in an era of dirt and grit.

Kevin Byard

A smart, cerebral safety known for his elite play recognition and ability to bait quarterbacks.

Benji Olson

A dominant, physically imposing guard nicknamed 'The Roadgrader' and 'The Big Swede' who provided a foundation for the Titans' offensive line.

Arvell Reese

A 6'4", 243 lb prospect who was a Swiss Army knife for Ohio State in 2025, earning Consensus All-American honors.

Bud Clark

A cerebral ballhawk safety from TCU with 15 career interceptions and an elite 89.8 PFF grade in 2025.

Beau Stephens

A 6'5", 315 lb guard who led the nation with a 92.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, allowing zero sacks.

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What they’re saying

“Before the Lawrence Taylors and Micah Parsons of the league, there was Robert 'Dr. Doom' Brazile. He was the original pioneer of the 'standing' pass rusher.”

— Trey Morris, Author (musiccitymiracles.com)

“Kevin Byard wasn't the fastest safety on the field, but he was always the smartest. 'The Mayor' had a PhD in play recognition and an uncanny ability to bait quarterbacks into the wrong decision.”

— Trey Morris, Author (musiccitymiracles.com)

“Benji Olson wasn't just a guard; he was an institution. Nicknamed 'The Roadgrader' and 'The Big Swede,' Olson was 320 lbs of immovable muscle.”

— Trey Morris, Author (musiccitymiracles.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.