The ceremonial commencement of draft season just occurred with Mel Kiper Jr dropping his mock draft 1.0 for the 2026 draft class.
4. Tennessee Titans
David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
Tennessee is going to be focused on two things this offseason: getting quarterback Cam Ward more help and improving the defense. It's a tough call on which direction the Titans will go here, but let's follow the board while also knowing new coach Robert Saleh is a defense guy. Bailey was outstanding this past season. His stats tell the story: 14.5 sacks, 20.2% pressure rate, 23 tackles for loss -- and all at least tied for a share of first in the FBS. Pairing Bailey with defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on the D-line could be a big step in the right direction.
As for offense, this is a pretty deep class of pass catchers. But if Saleh decides Ward's supporting cast is the first-round priority no matter what, then I'd expect Ohio State's Carnell Tate to get some attention here.
https://www.espn.com.au/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47661581/2026-nfl-mock-draft-kiper-32-picks-predictions-round-1-quarterbacks