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The Tennessee Titans made a clear pivot toward the future at the trade deadline, shipping defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and two other defensive veterans out of Nashville in exchange for two first-round picks and a second-round selection. With a 1-7 record heading into their bye week and a matchup with the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars looming, the franchise is now unequivocally building for tomorrow. That means Titans fans should also shift their gaze to the future, particularly to the 2027 NFL Draft, where the team will have ample ammunition to accelerate its rebuild.
With the deadline in the rearview mirror, here are five draft prospects that Titans fans should start familiarizing themselves with before next spring's event.
Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart is a name Titans fans will hear frequently over the next four or five months. The South Carolina edge rusher may be the premier defensive line prospect in college football at the moment. A reliable playmaker for the Gamecocks for three seasons, Stewart possesses clean footwork and explodes off the snap. This season, he has recorded two sacks and three forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus projects him as a top-10 pick, and if he is still on the board for Tennessee's first selection, he could become the favorite to land with the Titans.
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
If Stewart isn't the choice at edge, Texas Longhorn Colin Simmons would be the next in line. Simmons had a remarkable 5.5 sacks in a single game against Tennessee earlier this season—five sacks in one contest. He has 10.5 sacks on the year despite missing two games. His speed and disruption off the edge may be unmatched in this draft class. An ankle sprain aside, he is as good an edge prospect as they come when healthy. Whether one prefers Stewart or Simmons is a matter of preference, but Titans fans should be familiar with both before the 2027 draft. If Tennessee goes defense early, either could be selected as high as second overall without raising eyebrows.
Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
The only offensive player on this list, Ole Miss Rebel Kewan Lacy projects as a late first-round selection for Tennessee, whereas the previous two names would likely be slated in the single-digit range. With Florida star Jadan Baugh likely off the board by the time the Chicago Bears' first-rounder falls into the Titans' hands, Lacy would be the only remaining back that high in the pool. Lacy, currently dealing with a left-shoulder injury, is a knockout prospect. In a healthy 2025 campaign with Ole Miss, the spry back posted 306 carries for 1,567 yards and 24 scores. In limited action this season, he has still managed 388 yards and five touchdowns. With Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears both entering free agency after this season, the running back position looks to be next up for a reset if neither returns. If the Titans go defense with their earlier selection, it would be wise for the front office to spin around and secure a long-term investment in the backfield. Even if Baugh is off the board, a healthy Lacy would be a great and realistic option.
Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
Another Ole Miss prospect, defensive tackle Will Echoles is ranked as ESPN's highest defensive tackle on the board. Tennessee could look his way—or the next guy's—if they are after a direct replacement for Jeffery Simmons. Echoles moves exceptionally well for his size at 6'3", 315 lbs, and has 2.5 sacks in yet another consistent season for the Rebels. Last year, Echoles finished his 2025 campaign with five sacks and 68 total tackles. He may not be the most explosive defensive tackle in the draft, but the Titans arguably won't find a more reliable, play-by-play pressure cooker from the jump. Echoles would be a solid pickup anywhere Tennessee could get him.
Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee
Gilliam is the aforementioned "next guy." He is right up there with Echoles at the defensive tackle position for the most part, and on paper, is the more explosive of the two options. With the Tennessee Volunteers this season, Gilliam has put up an astounding six sacks and two forced fumbles through nine games. This is a massive leap from the half-sack outing he had with the Penn State Nittany Lions in 2025. Gilliam has ridiculous burst and has come onto the draft scene as fast, if not faster, than any other defensive prospect in the nation. He may not have the past consistency to stand on like Echoles, but he could be discussed as an even stronger prospect by the time this collegiate season ends. A definite player to watch to replace Simmons in the long run.