The Tennessee Titans are coming off one of their worst seasons ever, with a 3-14 record. This shameful performance was enough to earn them the first pick in the 2025 NFL draft, which they used to address the quarterback position by selecting Cam Ward.
In the second and third rounds, the Titans used their picks to fill needs on the defensive side of the ball before surrounding Ward with playmakers in the later rounds. Wide receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, along with tight end Gunnar Helm, were all selected in the fourth round, giving Ward depth in a rebuilt receiver room.
The Titans quickly signed 16 undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL draft. Before OTAs started, they brought in several more undrafted players on a tryout basis. As mandatory minicamp wrapped up last week, a clearer picture is starting to emerge about the talent the team hopes to field this year. Despite the capital spent upgrading the team, it might be an UDFA that makes the biggest impact.
The biggest surprise from this year’s draft is undoubtedly how far Shadeur Sanders fell. Another surprise was the fact that Ward’s favorite target from Miami, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, went undrafted.
Restrepo was expected to go as high as the third round by some analysts. The Coconut Creek, Florida, prospect saw his draft stock plummet after a poor performance at his pro day, clocking a shocking unofficial 4.83-second 40-yard dash. While a few analysts argued that his game film, route running, and sure hands would ensure him still being drafted, day three came and went without a phone call.
Enter the Titans and Restrepo’s QB, Ward, who went to bat for his slot receiver. Ward himself publicly stated that he was immediately in Coach Brian Callahan’s ear about picking up Restrepo. To Callahan’s credit, he listened to his new franchise quarterback and added Restrepo to an increasingly crowded receiving room.
“I was real excited when we signed X. He’s somebody who was deserving of it. He’s worked hard every day. He is one of the most underrated players that was in the draft this year. I think every time he steps on the field, he remembers everything, and he is going to continue to prove it.” – Titans QB Cam Ward
The Titans’ offseason started on May 27th with voluntary OTAs. Ward, Restrepo, and many others from the offense were routinely in the building by 5 am watching film, just as the two Miami teammates did back in college.
The chemistry that Ward and Restrepo formed last season in college was evident immediately at practice. Restrepo routinely led receivers in number of daily catches throughout camp, and not just catches from Ward. He showed off the knack for finding open spots in zones and the excellent hands that led him to be First Team All-ACC two years in a row. He also finished as Miami’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, passing NFL greats Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, and Michael Irvin.
The question he’ll have to answer is whether his skills will translate to the NFL. Restrepo is a slot-only receiver, a position the Titans added two other players to this offseason. Veteran Tyler Lockett will likely start the season in the slot, with Dike using his speed at times there as well.
Callahan had the privilege of working with another pretty good college QB-WR tandem that was drafted one year apart. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Callahan was the offensive coordinator when the LSU alums took the league by storm. He, better than anyone, should know the level of security having that connection gives his young quarterback.
Callahan has often mentioned how the Titans are creating their offensive identity around what Ward did well in college. One of those things was connecting with Restrepo in key situations, like third down, to keep drives alive. The Titans need that connection on Sundays this season.
The Titans have struggled to have a run-stopping presence in the middle of their defense, finishing last season ranked 26th, giving up 133.9 rushing yards per game. They brought in linebacker Cody Barton this offseason, hoping to help stem the bleeding. Barton had over 100 tackles in each of the last three seasons. The question now is who will start beside him?
A pair of second-year linebackers are leading the way after minicamp. James Williams, another Miami product, put some good tape together over the last three games of the 2024 season. UNC’s Cedric Gray played primarily special teams last season after missing much of the early part of the season due to injury.
The inside linebacker position is one of the battles to keep a watch on as the offseason continues. One name to remember is UDFA David Gbenda. The Texas product had his best college season during his senior year, recording 61 tackles, including five for a loss. His six seasons with the Longhorns mean he has more experience than most entering the NFL. He brings strength, explosiveness, and one of the fastest linebacker 40-yard dashes at the combine at 4.74 seconds.
While Gbenda might have slipped through the draft due to his smaller size, like Restrepo, he’s been impressive early for the Titans. He excels as an early-down off-ball linebacker who fits well in zone coverage schemes, which is exactly what the Titans are looking for.
The Titans have a lot of holes to fill on this year’s roster, none bigger than at wide receiver and inside linebacker. While relying on UDFAs might not seem like a good idea, nearly 20% of UDFAs make a team’s initial 53-man roster. That number improves to 40% when you consider those that make it to the practice squad.
Restrepo’s chemistry with Ward, along with his ability to find open spots in zones and convert third downs, gives him a likely chance to be a big contributor this year for the Titans. Gbenda joins a position battle described as “extremely wide open” by Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson. Outside of Barton, no one has proven themselves.
As the Titans continue to rebuild on both sides of the ball, don’t be surprised if they build more through youth than through free agency. “My vision as a team-builder is to draft and develop,” new GM Mike Borgonzi stated during his opening press conference. If he’s serious about developing youth, you can’t rule out quality UDFAs like Restrepo and Gbenda as well.
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