The Benchwarmer Team Grows: Introducing Smidge and his Tennessee Titans Draft Takes
48 hours later, and I feel much better about the ’26 draft class the Titans put together. Originally, I was upset about a few picks, but thanks to “X”, I was able to see why Borgonzi and Saleh did what they did.
- Carnell Tate was the only option at 4 after the Cardinals spitefully picked Love. Tate is the big-body receiver Ward needed. Instant boost to the offense.
- At first, I didn’t understand the Faulk pick. I just saw an underdeveloped edge rusher and no second-round pick (at the time). The guy is super talented and looks like he can already be a run-stopper on day one.
- Anthony Hill Jr. was well worth losing the picks in rounds 3 and 4. Saleh found his Fred Warner and made sure he got him. It might take half a season for him to get the hang of it, but the Gray, Hill Jr. combo will be electric.
- Fernando Carmona will come in and automatically compete for right guard and center. With over 3,100 college snaps, he has a chance.
- I was so mad at the Nicholas Singleton pick. I couldn’t understand why we would need a 5th-round running back. I also didn’t know much about him. Crazy athletic with multiple broken records at Penn State. Could possibly be RB1 by end of season.
- Jackie Marshall is the only pick I’m not completely on board with yet. He will be depth and rotational piece on the defensive line but doesn’t offer much beyond that.
- Pat Coogan will be the starting center. He’s not the most athletic but makes up for it with technique. Absolutely love this pick.
- Jaren Kanak is the attempt at replacing Chig. Simple as that.
The 2026 Tennessee Titans will be much improved from last year. New coaching staff, solid free agency, draft, and with plenty of cap space left. We still have to be reasonable, though. Would a playoff spot be nice? Absolutely. I just want to see improvement. Compete, make games close, and show improvement consistently. Contention begins in 2027, folks. Titan Up!
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