NFL Draft 2026: 5 Must-Target Prospects for the Tennessee Titans in Round 3

The 2026 NFL Draft has already been a whirlwind for the Tennessee Titans. After selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick, General Manager Mike Borgonzi stunned the league by trading back into the first round to snag Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk. It’s a bold strategy that signals a win-now mentality for head coach Robert Saleh. But here’s the reality: the Titans won’t pick again until 66th overall in the third round. That’s a long wait, but the beauty of this draft class is its depth. With two premium picks already in the fold, Tennessee needs to nail these middle-round selections to build a sustainable contender. Let’s break down five prospects who should be squarely on their radar when Day 2 concludes.

1. Chase Bisontis, OL, Texas A&M: Plug-and-Play Solution for the Interior

The Titans’ offensive line remains a work in progress, and the interior is the glaring weak spot. While the team has invested in tackles, the guard position—specifically right guard—needs a long-term answer. Enter Chase Bisontis, a borderline first-round prospect who inexplicably slid into Day 2. The Titans hosted him for a pre-draft visit, and for good reason.

Why Bisontis fits:

• Immediate starter: At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Bisontis has the frame and power to anchor the run game. He’s a plug-and-play right guard from Day 1.
• Versatility: He started games at both tackle and guard for the Aggies, giving the Titans flexibility if injuries strike.
• Technical refinement: Bisontis excels in pass protection, using quick hands and a solid base to neutralize interior rushers. This is critical for protecting whichever quarterback Tennessee rolls with in 2026.

Expert analysis: If Bisontis is still on the board at 66, this is a no-brainer. The Titans cannot afford to ignore the trenches. Pairing him with veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry III and left tackle JC Latham would transform this offensive line from a liability into a strength. Expect Borgonzi to sprint to the podium if Bisontis is available.

2. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech: A Dynamic Weapon for Robert Saleh’s Defense

Linebacker isn’t the Titans’ most pressing need, but Jacob Rodriguez is the kind of prospect who elevates an entire defense. Head coach Robert Saleh is known for deploying aggressive, athletic linebackers who can blitz, cover, and chase sideline-to-sideline. Rodriguez checks every box.

Why Rodriguez is a target:

• Elite athleticism: The Texas Tech product posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) near the top of his class. He ran a 4.52 40-yard dash and showed explosive burst in drills.
• Recent production (2024-25): Rodriguez recorded 112 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks in his final season. He’s a proven playmaker who thrives in space.
• Scheme fit: Saleh’s defense requires a second high-end linebacker to pair with Cedric Gray. Rodriguez can play the “Will” linebacker role, allowing Gray to roam in the middle. This duo would instantly become one of the most athletic linebacker tandems in the AFC.

Prediction: Rodriguez could go as early as the late second round, but if he slides to 66, the Titans should jump. Saleh’s defense needs speed and instincts at the second level, and Rodriguez brings both in spades.

3. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona: The “Big Nickel” Specialist

The Titans invested heavily in cornerbacks during free agency, signing veteran starters and adding depth. But the nickel corner position is still a question mark. Unproven sophomore Marcus Harris is currently penciled in, but that’s a risky bet. Enter Treydan Stukes, a prospect the Titans hosted for a pre-draft visit who has been described as a surefire second-round pick by multiple NFL insiders.

Why Stukes is the answer:

• “Big Nickel” versatility: Stukes plays the hybrid role that modern defenses crave. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he can cover slot receivers, blitz off the edge, and support the run. He’s a matchup eraser.
• Ball production: Stukes intercepted 5 passes in his final two seasons at Arizona and broke up 14 more. His instincts in zone coverage are elite.
• Saleh’s scheme: The Titans’ defensive coordinator loves to disguise coverages and rely on versatile defensive backs. Stukes can play press-man or drop into deep zones, making him a perfect fit for a defense that prioritizes flexibility.

Expert take: If Stukes falls to 66, it’s a steal. The Titans would be getting a second-round talent in the third round, and he would immediately compete for the starting nickel job. Marcus Harris would then develop as a rotational piece.

4. Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy: High-Upside Pass Rusher

With Keldric Faulk already on board, the Titans’ edge rush room looks solid. But you can never have too many pass rushers in the AFC South, where quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud demand pressure. Javon Solomon is a pure speed rusher who offers immense upside.

Why Solomon intrigues:

• Production machine: Solomon led the FBS in sacks (16.5) and tackles for loss (22) in 2024. He has a relentless motor and a knack for getting home on third downs.
• Twitchy athleticism: His first step is explosive, and he uses a variety of pass-rush moves to beat blockers. He’s a potential rotational superstar who can learn behind Faulk and veteran Harold Landry III.
• Value pick: Solomon is projected as a third-round pick, but his production suggests he could outperform that draft slot. The Titans can afford to take a swing on a high-ceiling player here.

Prediction: If the Titans want to build a dominant defensive line, adding Solomon in Round 3 would create a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. He’s a high-motor player who fits Saleh’s aggressive philosophy.

5. Jaden McGowan, WR, Wisconsin: Insurance for the Wideout Room

Yes, the Titans already drafted Carnell Tate in the first round. But wide receiver depth is still a concern, especially with DeAndre Hopkins entering his age-34 season. Jaden McGowan is a big-bodied, physical receiver who would thrive as a complementary piece.

Why McGowan makes sense:

• Size and strength: At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, McGowan is a contested-catch specialist. He excels on 50-50 balls and in the red zone, where the Titans struggled in 2025.
• Blocking ability: McGowan is an aggressive run blocker, which aligns with the Titans’ desire to establish the ground game. He’s not just a pass-catcher; he’s a complete player.
• Future planning: With Tate as the No. 1 option, McGowan can develop as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver in Year 1, then step into a larger role in 2027. This is smart roster construction.

Expert analysis: McGowan is a third-round talent who could slide due to a deep receiver class. The Titans would be wise to add him, as he provides insurance and a unique skill set that complements Tate’s route-running finesse.

Conclusion: The Titans Can’t Afford to Miss

The Tennessee Titans have already made a splash in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the real work begins in Round 3. With pick No. 66, general manager Mike Borgonzi has a golden opportunity to address critical needs—interior offensive line, linebacker depth, nickel corner, pass-rush upside, and receiver insurance. Chase Bisontis would be the dream scenario, solidifying the offensive line for years. Jacob Rodriguez and Treydan Stukes represent high-floor, high-upside selections that fit Robert Saleh’s defensive vision. And if the Titans want to swing for the fences, Javon Solomon or Jaden McGowan could be the difference between a playoff run and a rebuilding year.

The AFC is loaded with talent, and the Titans cannot afford to waste picks on projects. Every selection from here on out must contribute immediately or provide elite long-term potential. If Borgonzi and Saleh execute this third-round pick correctly, Tennessee will exit this draft with a roster that can compete for the division crown. The pressure is on—but the prospects are there. Now it’s time to make the call.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.