Titans draft: Pair of pass rushers dominate in College Football Playoff

The Tennessee Titans will almost certainly enter the 2026 NFL Draft needing to address their pass rush. Though free agency comes first, there aren’t any legitimate impact EDGEs scheduled to hit the open market. The list could include Trey Hendrickson, Kwity Paye, and Boye Mafe. Hendrickson is an aging asset, and Mafe/Paye are quality football players at best.

The draft represents the Titans’ best opportunity to upgrade the EDGE position. Other positions could garner first-round consideration, especially wide receiver. But The Titans don’t have a single starting-caliber defensive end under contract for next season.

With Mike Borgonzi and his scouting staff evaluating the ongoing College Football Playoff closely, two potential top-10 picks have thrived at pass rusher. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Texas Tech’s David Bailey were outstanding in their respective games. The Titans should have both Bain on Bailey on their shortlist.

There’s been so much debate over Bain’s true NFL Draft stock. The Athletic analyst Dane Brugler recently claimed some NFL scouts see Bain as a defensive tackle instead of the EDGE spot he’s currently playing, prompting some Day Two (Round 2/3) grades.

Bain has responded to that national criticism by putting forth two incredible performances in back-to-back CFP wins. He helped his Hurricanes upset No. 2 Ohio State on Wednesday. Bain had a sack and multiple tackles for loss. He helped Miami control the line of scrimmage and stifle the Buckeyes offense.

Bailey was all over the field for Texas Tech against Oregon. With Bain and Arvell Reese facing positional questions, his evaluation is far clearer. Bailey is an athletic pass rusher with long arms and first-step speed and explosiveness.

The Titans had to be impressed with both Bailey and Bain. They’ll continue scouting them closely throughout the pre-draft process. Both prospects are potential first-round picks for Borgonzi.