Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images After 15 years climbing the ranks with the perennial Super Bowl-contending Kansas City Chiefs, Borgonzi left for Nashville to provide a spark to a Titans franchise that has had more misses than hits this decade. Former general manager Ran Carthon left the team in a less-than-advantageous position on offense, trading away franchise wideout A.J. Brown and drafting Will Levis, who has not shown franchise-level capabilities.
For Borgonzi, it’s time for a rebuild. This is the blueprint.
Step 1: Solve the quarterback problem
The Titans’ current quarterback room is led by last year’s starter, Will Levis. Levis showed some tools in college but never found a rhythm in Tennessee’s offense. Trade rumors have been sparked as it became clear change is ahead.
Enter Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes quarterback and the best choice for the Titans with the first overall pick.
Levis consistently struggled with accuracy and poise—two traits Ward brings in spades. His 67.2% completion rate only tells half the story; tape shows his live arm and timing are what help Ward get the ball in the right position as quickly as possible. The Titans don’t need to overthink this one: quarterback is the most important position, and Ward’s combination of arm talent, raw athleticism and potential make him the best option in the draft.
Step 2: Finish the trenches
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) prepares to block against Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Titans have taken a strong approach to set up their future quarterback for success, securing Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler in free agency after the previous regime drafted prospects early to help win the battle at the line of scrimmage. That includes offensive linemen JC Latham and Peter Skoronski, both first-round picks, and 2024 second-round defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat holding down the fort on defense. The only position left to solve is edge rusher. With the No. 34 pick, the Titans could secure a number of talented players.
The first suggestion would be Nic Scourton, who has slipped down boards recently in favor of his hyper-athletic teammate Shemar Stewart. Scourton is no slouch. He brings impressive power and athleticism, as well as proven production—something Stewart doesn’t have on his résumé. Other possibilities could be Marshall’s Mike Green, who is technically polished but has other questions on his draft report card, or J.T. Tuimoloau, a high-floor power rusher who could bring some stability to the unit.
Step 3: Give Ward weapons
Nov 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Day Three of the draft should be spent giving Ward a crew of rookie receivers and skill talent to see what sticks.
Pairing Ward with Xavier Restrepo, his most productive receiver from Miami, could be appealing. Restrepo could fill the slot role for the Titans.
For an outside weapon, the Titans could look to Kyle Williams out of Washington State. He has strong ball skills and a twitchy movement style that could give outside corners fits. Even a tight end could be in the picture, like Jalin Conyers out of Texas Tech, who could bring size to a room with Chig Okonkwo. A rookie quarterback deserves to be supported with a cast that can grow with him, and snagging these weapons could supercharge Ward’s development.
The Titans have a bright future with Borgonzi and could quickly climb to be contenders in the AFC South. But there is something the Titans must remember that Borgonzi cannot control: Rome can’t be built in a day. The last general manager only got two years of his vision in place in a period where things were already going downhill. To put the Titans in position for stability, letting Borgonzi build a team fully will be important.
The franchise already knows the alternative is being stuck in constant rebuild mode.
