NFL mock draft from ESPN has the Titans taking a non-quarterback No. 1 overall

The Tennessee Titans have an intriguing choice at No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft: they could take a quarterback to take over for Will Levis, or they could take the best player available and wait for a QB later (or next year?).

In the latest mock draft from our Christian D’Andrea, he’s got the Titans taking Miami’s Cam Ward to be the new QB in Tennessee. But in a new NFL mock from ESPN’s Matt Miller, he used the quotes about the Titans taking a “generational talent” and has them grabbing Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter instead.

What’s his reasoning? Here you go:

Titans president Chad Brinker said the team will not pass on a generational talent with the No. 1 pick. Carter is the closest thing to that. After showing situational pass-rush ability in his first two seasons, Penn State made him a full-time edge rusher in 2024. Carter turned in a dominant performance with 12 sacks, 61 hurries and an FBS-best edge pressure percentage of 19.6%.

If that sounds like Micah Parsons … well, it should. Like Parsons, Carter is a player you can build a defense around. And while Tennessee has needs at quarterback and right tackle, this might be a case where it’s better to draft the best player on the board versus reaching for need.

Intriguing! Make sure to check out our latest NFL mock draft from D’Andrea!