The Tennessee Titans traded up to select quarterback Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL Draft. One year later, the new-look front office could be responsible for moving on from Willis and drafting a new franchise-caliber quarterback.
Tennessee fired general manager Jon Robinson during the 2022 season, cutting ties with the person most responsible for selecting Willis. While the second-year quarterback remains on the roster, it’s evident that Tennessee is heavily interested in the 2023 rookie quarterback class.
Holding the 11th pick in the first round, the Titans don’t have a realistic shot at the top four passers if they stand pat. It’s why NFL Draft rumors are circulating about Tennessee’s interest in moving up. With both the third and fifth overall picks available, there are a few options for first-year general manager Ran Carthon.
Related: Tennessee Titans draft picks 2023
Using PFF’s 2023 NFL Draft simulator, we’ll evaluate three trade-up scenarios for the Tennessee Titans to acquire a quarterback.
Tennessee Titans trade up to No. 3 for C.J. Stroud
A few weeks ago, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was favored to be the first overall pick for the Carolina Panthers. It meant Bryce Young would be drafted second by the Houston Texans, with the top quarterbacks going off the board in back-to-back picks.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft picks by team
However, the Panthers now seem to be focused on drafting Young. As rumors of the former Heisman Trophy winner being favored by Carolina circulate, there is increased reporting. that Houston would then not take a quarterback at No. 2 overall. If that’s the case, Tennessee must act quickly to strike a deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
- Tennessee Titans trade: 11th overall pick, 147th overall pick, 2024 1st, 2024 3rd
- Arizona Cardinals trade: 3rd overall pick
Related: Tennessee Titans evaluating Ryan Tannehill trade market, 3 ideal landing spots
It’s the rare instance where the Titans should be willing to trade their 2024 first-round pick. Stroud is ready to start in Week 1 and he is a more polished passer than Will Levis or Anthony Richardson. He provides Tennessee with the new face of its franchise and it can immediately begin building around him. Plus, a move like this opens the door for the Titans to trade Ryan Tannehill in an effort to recoup some of the picks they lost trading up for Stroud.
Titans strike fast for Anthony Richardson
If the Titans can’t get Stroud or Young at the third pick, they are better off protecting their 2024 first-round selection. The current roster isn’t good enough to compete for the playoffs, especially if someone like Levis or Richardson is the immediate starter. However, there might be a way for Tennessee to still snag a quarterback via trade-up without sacrificing what could become a top-10 pick next year.
Related: Tennessee Titans may trade up in 2023 NFL Draft
- Seattle Seahawks trade: 5th overall pick
- Tennessee Titans trade: 11th overall pick, 72nd overall pick, 2024 2nd
The Seattle Seahawks have teased the possibility of drafting a quarterback with the fifth pick, but some believe that’s a campaign to increase trade interest. It’s a reasonable conclusion and could open the door for Tennessee to jump ahead of the Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders.
In this proposed deal, the Titans move up to No. 5 overall and keep the future 2024 first-round pick. It allows them to have more control over their future, all while landing the quarterback with the highest upside in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson could spend the season learning from Ryan Tannehill and then eventually take over for him when Tennessee is out of playoff contention.
Related: Tennessee Titans mock draft 2023
Tennessee trades back into Round 1 for Hendon Hooker
Trading up for a quarterback doesn’t necessarily mean moving into the top 10. Carthon is coming over from the San Francisco 49ers, an organization that knows talent can be found throughout the draft. It leaves the door open for a possibility that might make fans happy.
- Tennessee Titans trade: 41st overall pick, 72nd overall pick, Malik Willis
- Philadelphia Eagles trade: 30th overall pick, 94th overall pick
Related: Tennessee Titans not high on Malik Willis a year after drafting him
Hendon Hooker almost single-handedly led the Tennessee Volunteers to their best season in decades. Before his ACL tear, the Volunteers were in the running for a College Football Playoff spot and he was favored to win the Heisman Trophy after beating Alabama.
ACL surgery will sideline Hooker for a majority of the 2023 season, but the Titans can start Tannehill. He would be an excellent mentor for the rookie and create an easy transition plan for the organization to follow.
Trading up for Hooker late in the first round provides the Titans with the fifth-year team option that every organization wants for its young quarterback. Just as important, Tennessee could use the 11th overall pick on an offensive tackle or wide receiver to help improve the offense.
