How the Senior Bowl and Robert Saleh Could Shift the Titans’ 2026 Draft Strategy
For most of the past year, it felt like the Tennessee Titans' 2026 NFL Draft plans were already written in ink-EDGE rusher in the first round, no questions asked. After selecting quarterback Cam Ward with the top pick in 2025, the next logical step was to bolster the pass rush.
The roster math backed it up: Arden Key, Jihad Ward, and Dre’Mont Jones (who was traded) are all heading into free agency after the 2025 season. That’s a lot of production potentially walking out the door.
But then came a game-changing hire. Enter Robert Saleh.
Saleh, known for his defensive acumen and ability to get the most out of his units regardless of star power, has a track record of building tough, disciplined defenses that punch above their weight. Give him a couple of high-end players, and he’ll build the rest with grit, scheme, and development. That kind of coach changes how you approach roster construction-and it could be reshaping the Titans’ draft board as we speak.
Titans Hold No. 4 Pick, But EDGE Depth Is Creating Options
With the fourth overall pick in hand, the Titans are in prime position to grab one of the top three EDGE prospects in the class-Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain, or David Bailey. That trio has been widely viewed as the cream of the pass-rushing crop. But here’s the twist: none of them were at the Senior Bowl, and yet, EDGE was still one of the most impressive position groups down in Mobile.
That’s not a knock on the top guys-it’s a testament to the depth of this class.
Players like T.J. Parker, Derrick Moore, Romello Height, Gabe Jacas, and Zion Young turned heads throughout the week.
They flashed quickness, power, and polish-traits that suggest they’re more than just rotational depth. And when you factor in other top-50 talents who weren’t in Mobile, like Cashius Howell, Akheem Mesidor, R.
Mason Thomas, and Keldric Faulk, the EDGE pool starts looking deep enough to dip into on Day 2 or even Day 3 and still come away with a legitimate contributor.
Draft Value vs. Draft Need
This is where things get interesting. If Tennessee’s front office believes one of those top three EDGE prospects has All-Pro upside, then the decision is simple-take the swing and don’t look back. But if they think they can get 85-90% of that production from a player later in the draft, at a fraction of the cost, that opens the door to a different strategy.
What if the value at EDGE later in the draft allows them to target a different position with that No. 4 pick? What if Brian Daboll, the team’s new offensive coordinator, sees a wide receiver he believes can transform the offense?
This is a strong receiver class, and Daboll’s history suggests he knows how to maximize weapons. Or maybe he sees Jeremiyah Love as a game-breaking back in the mold of a young Saquon Barkley.
If the Titans want to give Cam Ward every chance to succeed, surrounding him with dynamic playmakers might take priority.
Then there’s the defensive side. Could Saleh see a cornerback like Mansoor Delane as his next Sauce Gardner? A shutdown corner can redefine a defense just as much as a dominant pass rusher, especially in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Saleh’s Influence and the Bigger Picture
Robert Saleh’s presence on the sideline changes the calculus. He’s shown he can elevate a defense without needing a war chest of first-rounders at every level. That doesn’t mean the Titans will ignore EDGE early-it just means they don’t have to force it.
The Senior Bowl gave Tennessee a glimpse of just how deep this EDGE class runs. It’s not just about the headliners anymore. There’s talent to be had on Day 2 and Day 3, and if the Titans play their cards right, they might walk away with a pair of impact players-one on defense, one on offense-without having to compromise either side of the ball.
The draft is always about balancing need with value, and with Saleh steering the defense and Daboll shaping the offense, the Titans have the kind of coaching infrastructure that allows for flexibility. They don’t have to chase a position-they can chase the best football players.
And that’s a good place to be.