By MIKE HERNDON, columnist
Every year, this is the piece I look forward to writing most. If you missed my picks for My Guys in the 2026 NFL Draft on offense, you are welcome to check that out here. I also invite you to go back and judge me on previous years:
2023 Draft | 2024 Draft | 2025 Draft Offense, 2025 Draft Defense
As usual, these picks are about fit with the Titans. These aren’t necessarily my top-ranked players, but guys I’m higher on than most. For example, I have Jeremiyah Love as the top running back and best overall player in the class, setting aside positional value — but that’s largely the consensus view.
The Titans did far more work in free agency on defense than they did on offense, adding high-dollar investments in John Franklin-Myers, Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor, as well as trading for starting defensive end Jermaine Johnson. They also added depth, particularly across the defensive front with Jacob Martin, Solomon Thomas and Jordan Elliott as well as at cornerback with Joshua Williams.
However, that doesn’t mean that they’re done stocking Robert Saleh’s defense. They still have relatively glaring needs at linebacker as an upgrade over Cody Barton is needed next to emerging star Cedric Gray, as well as a SAM backer who can play alongside Gray and the other starter when the team goes with base 4-3 personnel.
They could use an upgrade over 2025 sixth-round pick Marcus Harris in the nickel position and still lack a true starting rush end to start opposite Johnson in that wide-9 role that Saleh values highly.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of my favorite players for the Titans in the 2026 NFL Draft on defense.
The Titans’ needs on defense are clear. The right fits, and where to find them, are less obvious.
