After selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans used their Day 2 and Day 3 selections to add speed, versatility, and depth to a roster in dire need of playmakers.
The Titans used their eight picks across Rounds 2 through 6 to prioritize the pass rush, the secondary, and more offensive weapons to support their new franchise quarterback.
It’s also worth noting that Day 2 for the Titans started with a trade with Seattle. Tennessee elected to trade out of the No. 35 spot to acquire more draft capital after the Texans selected wide receiver Jayden Higgins at No. 34.
Round 2, Pick 52: Oluwafemi Oladejo, DE, UCLA
The Titans kicked off Day 2 by targeting their pass rush, selecting UCLA defensive end Oluwafemi Oladejo. At 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, Oladejo brings a relentless motor and versatility, having played both edge and inside linebacker for the Bruins. His 7.5 sacks at the 2025 Senior Bowl showcased his disruptive potential, earning a B+ grade from Pro Football Focus. Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson plans to deploy Oladejo primarily as a stand-up rusher, competing with Arden Key and others for a starting role.
“His ability to bend the edge and his football IQ stood out,” Wilson said.
Oladejo’s selection addresses Tennessee’s league-worst 26 sacks in 2024, giving Ward a complementary piece on defense.
Femi Oladejo 1 on 1s from the Senior Bowl. Good length and showed had some promising moments all week pic.twitter.com/bbRR2QTChI
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 31, 2025
Round 3, Pick 82: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
With their second Day 2 pick, acquired via a trade with Seattle, the Titans bolstered their secondary by drafting Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound captain, graded B by PFF, brings physicality and range, having recorded a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at Penn State’s pro day. Winston’s 25 starts and three interceptions in 2024 make him a potential Day 1 starter alongside Amani Hooker. His ability to cover tight ends and bigger receivers fills a gap left by an injury-plagued Titans secondary.
“Kevin’s a leader who can play multiple roles in our scheme,” head coach Brian Callahan said.
This pick signals Tennessee’s intent to rebuild a defense that allowed 31.4 points per game last season.
Round 4, Pick 103: Chimere Dike, WR, Florida
Tennessee finally addressed its receiving corps in Round 4, selecting Florida wideout Chimere Dike to give Ward a vertical threat. Dike, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound speedster, ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the combine, earning a C- grade from PFF due to inconsistent hands. His 2024 season (42 catches, 655 yards, 5 touchdowns) highlighted his ability to stretch defenses, and his punt return experience addresses another Titans need.
“He’s raw, but his speed changes games,” general manager Mike Borgonzi said.
Dike joins Calvin Ridley and free agent Tyler Lockett, forming a faster receiving group to open up Callahan’s offense.
Chimere Dike is a serious speed threat who was the 1st pick on Day 3🏎️
Here’s a deeper look at Dike⤵️
➖4.34 40-yard dash (98th percentile)
➖110.5 Speed Score (93rd)Combine his speed with 6’1″ size, 32″ arms, and 6.82 3-cone, and he warrants attention 🚨
Are you in on Dike? pic.twitter.com/44tVFQjGgS
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) April 29, 2025
Round 4, Pick 120: Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
The Titans continued supporting Ward by drafting Texas tight end Gunnar Helm in Round 5. Helm, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound target, exploded in 2024 with 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a B+ PFF grade. His improved route running and reliable hands make him a potential red-zone weapon, challenging incumbents Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle.
“Gunnar’s upside is exciting,” Callahan said. “He’s a big body who can grow with Cam.”
Helm’s selection reflects Tennessee’s focus on high-upside prospects to elevate an offense ranked 30th in EPA/play in 2024.
Round 4, Pick 136: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Elic Ayomanor, selected at No. 136 after a trade with Baltimore, brings size (6-foot-2, 206 pounds) and contested-catch ability to Tennessee’s receiving corps, addressing their 27th-ranked passing offense (180.4 yards per game in 2024). His 2023 breakout (1,013 yards, 6 touchdowns) and 2024 All-ACC honors highlight his potential as a vertical threat, with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and polished routes earning a B+ PFF grade.
Ayomanor’s physicality and prior matchup against Ward foster chemistry, positioning him as a WR3 with WR2 upside in Brian Callahan’s play-action-heavy scheme.
Round 5, Pick 167: Jackson Slater, OL, Sacramento State
Jackson Slater, a 6-foot-3, 311-pound guard from Sacramento State, adds depth to Tennessee’s offensive line at No. 167. A 44-game FCS starter with first-team All-American honors, his athleticism (19.96 mph speed) and versatility to play guard or center make him a developmental fit behind Kevin Zeitler and Lloyd Cushenberry III.
Slater’s B- PFF grade reflects his potential as a future backup.
Jackson Slater was DOMINANT in college.
1st team All-American. Over the past two seasons:
877 pass blocking snaps
0 sacks allowed
1 QB hit allowedGuard/center flexibility. Here’s a rep against 1st rounder Walter Nolen.
— Brady Balhorn – BNB Football (@BnbFootball) April 26, 2025
Round 6, Picks 183 and 188: Marcus Harris, CB, California; Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan
The Titans’ sixth-round picks, California cornerback Marcus Harris (No. 183) and Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (No. 188), bolster depth.
Harris, a 5-foot-11 speedster (4.33 40-yard dash) with two 2024 interceptions, fits as a nickel backup and special teams contributor.
Mullings’ 948 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns offer a physical RB3 option behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.
Both players earned B- PFF grades for situational roles.
Analysis and Outlook
The Titans’ Day 2 and 3 haul reflects a clear strategy: surround Ward with weapons while rebuilding a porous defense.
Oladejo and Winston address critical needs on a unit that struggled to generate pressure and stop the pass, while Dike and Helm give Ward dynamic options in the passing game. Ayomanor also adds an intriguing upside for a team with just three wins in 2024.
With Callahan’s offensive expertise and a revamped offensive line featuring JC Latham and Kevin Zeitler, Tennessee’s draft sets the stage for Ward to compete in the AFC South. As Ward and his new teammates head to rookie minicamp, Titans fans have reason to hope this class marks the start of a turnaround in Nashville.
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