Music City Miracles
Jeffery Simmons hopes the Tennessee Titans draft Abdul Carter No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Tennessee Titans own the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager Mike Borgonzi could select an offensive player, like quarterbacks Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, or wide receiver/cornerback hybrid Travis Hunter. Or Borgonzi could support Dennard Wilson’s defense by selecting Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter with the top pick.
The pass rush certainly needs improving. The Titans posted a third-worst 32.0 sacks throughout the 2024 season. Not a single Titans pass rusher recorded double-digit quarterback traps. For that reason, in-house superstar defensive tackle wants Borgonzi to draft Carter, he recently told Deebo Samuel during a podcast appearance.
“I’m gonna start on the defensive side,” Simmons responded to Samuel’s question about what the Titans need at No. 1 overall. “I think we need another edge guy. That guy [Carter] from Penn State, Abdul Carter,” Simmons said before Samuel interjected with, “Oh, he’s a dog!.”
“He’s a dog,” Simmons continued. “I for sure think we need an edge [defender]. You’re a defensive guy, you say you need a D-end.”
It’s not surprising that Simmons wants the Titans to draft a defensive lineman. Players often advocate for drafting talents on their side of the ball. Calvin Ridley probably wants the Titans to draft a quarterback.
Simmons is accurate that the Titans need more pass rushers though. The lackluster results captured throughout 2024 makes that obvious. Furthermore, Arden Key and Harold Landry III are considered potential cap casualties. Even if the Titans keep both of them, a younger, more energetic rusher is needed alongside them.
Carter recorded 12 sacks and 68 total tackles for the Nittany Lions this season. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native made a flawless transition from off-ball linebacker to pass rusher. Carter had one of the highest pressure rates in all of college football. He’s a prospect who marries athleticism with instincts.
The Titans could also consider trading down from No. 1 overall. A QB-needy team may put together an intriguing package to tempt Borgonzi into stacking draft capital. If so, targeting Carter or Hunter in a potential trade-down scenario would be worthwhile.
