Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, Mike Borgonzi’s plan to rebuild the franchise is starting to come into focus.
The Titans spent heavily on offense in this draft, beginning by taking Ohio State’s Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. In bypassing Tate’s Buckeye defensive teammates Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, both of whom had been mocked to the Titans and other teams in the top five, the Titans sent a signal that finding a potential No. 1 receiver to help maximize Cam Ward’s talents was a focal point in this draft.
Sure, the Titans drafted three defenders and two of those – defensive end Keldric Faulk, whom they traded back into round one for, and second-round linebacker Anthony Hill – should find roles early. But even if they don’t shine as rookies, the Titans have made enough additions defensively that they should still be able to survive any growing pains the defensive rookies might have early on.
Borgonzi seems to be trusting that by bringing in free agency guys Coach Robert Saleh has familiarity with – and finding a few extra parts that he can weave into the rotation – the Titans defense can be good enough to carry the load while the offense works to get up to speed.
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s core group is mostly made up of young draft picks with a few veterans sprinkled in around Ward.
While there’s still a question as to how much of the load Ward can carry now and in the future for the Titans, the clear signal is that he needs immediate help as he works his way toward being the team’s long-term starting quarterback.
Giving Ward weapons
It was evident last year that, early on, there were many times when Ward was overwhelmed and undersupported. It really wasn’t until the last third of the season – when the Titans finally decided that running the football wasn’t a negative thing – that Ward began to improve and show why Borgonzi drafted him No. 1 overall in 2025.
Ward didn’t have many weapons to work with in his rookie season. The offensive line was inconsistent, with only Peter Skoronski establishing himself as reliable. His primary targets were fellow rookies Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor and Gunnar Helm. And the coaching staff – especially for the first chunk of the season – either was unwilling or uncommitted to the running game.
Now, Borgonzi, Saleh and Daboll appear committed to helping their young quarterback grow and succeed. They drafted Tate, regarded as the best receiver in the draft, and added in the later rounds guys like running back Nick Singleton, who can find a role coexisting with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears in the backfield, and two interior linemen in Indiana center Pat Coogan and Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona.
If everything works as planned, the Titans could be looking at draft picks competing to start or contribute at every position on offense except left tackle where Dan Moore will presumably fill that role for one more season.
Granted, there are some veterans who will contribute and likely start in Pollard, free agent receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, tight end Daniel Bellinger and holdover receiver Calvin Ridley. There also are journeymen who can hold down the offensive line as stopgap solutions.
But the foundation is starting to be laid on offense with first and second-year players being counted upon to develop and grow as Ward grows into the position.
Familiarity breeds success?
That sounds good until you realize it can be hard to compete in the NFL with mid-round draft choices in starting positions. We all saw Ward’s growing pains, as well as those of rookie receivers, and how the Titans struggled to win three games.
How is Borgonzi’s grand plan going to change that trajectory? Last year, while Ward and the offense struggled to find an identity, there really wasn’t much defense to rely on. It was basically Jeffery Simmons having an All-Pro year and a bunch of filler almost everywhere else. Then, once injuries started to hit, the Titans had to find filler for the filler.
That’s where Borgonzi’s faith in Saleh comes in.
By bringing on board no fewer than six players who have crossed paths with Saleh either in San Francisco or with the New York Jets, the Titans are gambling those players can meld with Simmons to form a cohesive, competitive defensive front that can keep the team afloat until the offense develops.
The Titans have imported Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Jacob Martin, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott and Tony Adams – all of whom have played for Saleh. In addition, the Titans added defensive backs Allontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott and Joshua Williams, plus front seven depth in Earnest Brown and Malik Herring to add competition in camp.
The Titans have tried plenty of plans over the past three or four seasons, trying to get back to winning. Part of the problem has been too many changes of direction. Players, coaches and front office people really haven’t had much of a chance to see any of these plans through to fruition.
Now, with what Borgonzi is putting together through the draft on offense and what Saleh is hoping will jell quickly on defense, the Titans appear to have finally found some direction.
The key now is to implement it and show enough patience to see if it will work.
Terry McCormick also covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com