The Tennessee Titans will be in somewhat unfamiliar territory for the 2024 NFL Draft, April 25-27. Since the move to Nashville, the franchise has drafted in one of the top-seven positions just four times.
The Titans own the No. 7 overall selection in this year's draft. First-year general manager Ran Carthon will oversee that decision.
AllTitans.com reviewed Tennessee's mixed record when drafting in the top seven. Have a look:
Adam Jones, Defensive Back (No. 6 in 2005)
Following a 5-11 campaign in 2004, the Titans looked to add talent to the secondary by drafting two-time All-Big East selection Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Jones shined as a rookie in 2005. He earned PFWA All-Rookie honors after totaling 54 tackles and 11 pass break-ups. He also established himself as a special teams threat, accounting for 1,127 yards on kickoff returns and 272 yards and a touchdown on punt returns.
His 2006 season was even better: 63 tackles, 12 pass break-ups, and four interceptions that included a pick-six. Plus, Jones scored three times on punt returns.
But Jones' promising future with the Titans essentially ended there. The defensive back had numerous off-the-field legal issues, ultimately resulting in a year-long suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in 2007 for violation of the league's conduct policy.
In 2008, Tennessee traded Jones to the Dallas Cowboys for a couple draft picks. Jones spent one year with Dallas (2008), then played 8 years, including an All-Pro season, with the Cincinnati Bengals (2010-17) before ending his career with the Denver Broncos (2018).
Vince Young, Quarterback (No. 3 in 2006)
When injuries ended Steve McNair's long run at quarterback in 2005, Tennessee began searching for its next franchise quarterback in the 2006 NFL Draft. There was no hotter name than Vince Young, who had led Texas to a BCS National Championship.
Young was the first quarterback selected in the draft, going No. 3 to the Titans. His time in Nashville was a roller coaster ride.
In 2006, Young was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection. He was 8-5 record as a starter, threw for 2,199 yards and 12 touchdowns, and rushed for 552 yards and seven additional scores.
In 2007, Young was 9-6 as the starter, leading the Titans to a playoff berth -- a remarkable outcome considering Young threw just nine touchdown passes with 17 interceptions.
Young missed most of the 2008 season because of an injury in the season opener. In 2009, coach Jeff Fisher named Kerry Collins the starter, saying Young would need to earn his job again. But that's what he did.
After an 0-6 start, the Titans put Young back under center. Tennessee won eight of its final 10 games, finishing with an 8-8 record. That success was enough to earn Young his second Pro Bowl selection.
In 2010, during a Week 11 game against the Washington Commanders, Young sustained an injury and was held out, despite wanting to return. He then got into a confrontation with Fisher, which essentially ended his time in Nashville.
Marcus Mariota, Quarterback (No. 2 in 2015)
Tennessee was desperate for a quarterback in 2015. Coming off a 2-14 campaign and with a room that included Zach Mettenberger, Jordan Palmer, and Charlie Whitehurst, the Titans needed to find some talent at the position.
Who better than the reigning Heisman Trophy winner? Tennessee picked Mariota with second overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft
Mariota's best season in Nashville came in 2016, his second year in the league. That season, he threw for 3,426 yards and 26 touchdowns with just nine interceptions.
The following year, he led Tennessee to a playoff berth, despite throwing more interceptions (15) than touchdown passes (13).
In 2018, Mariota threw for just 2,528 yards and 11 touchdowns, both career lows at the time. His 2019 season wasn't much better, as the former Oregon standout was benched in Week 6, with Tennessee moving forward with Ryan Tannehill.
Corey Davis, Wide Receiver (No. 5 in 2017)
Corey Davis proved to be a big-time playmaker during his time at Western Michigan. In the 2017 NFL Draft, Tennessee picked up the receiver, adding an important skill position player to the roster.
Davis provided the Titans with consistency in passing attack, especially after his rookie season. In 2017, he tallied 34 catches for 375 yards. The receiver made a big leap from Year 1 to Year 2, totaling 891 yards and four touchdowns in 2018.
In 2019, Davis saw a dip in production, ending the year with 601 yards and two touchdowns on 43 catches. He followed that up with the best season of his career, catching 65 passes for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
Despite that production in 2020, Tennessee declined Davis' fifth-year option. He signed with the New York Jets.
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