Mel Kiper 2026 NFL mock draft

The Tennessee Titans have completed the first major task of their offseason with the hiring of Robert Saleh. He still has to compile his staff, but some of the attention can now be turned to the 2026 NFL Draft. The Titans have needs all across the roster. Their three biggest needs are at wide receiver, EDGE, and cornerback. All three of those needs are huge.

Mel Kiper has put out his first 2026 NFL mock draft, and he has the Titans addressing EDGE at number four with David Bailey from Texas Tech. This is a departure from what we have been seeing in most mocks, where the Titans take Rueben Bain, Jr. There are some questions about Bain's length, which could have him end up going lower than his production in college, especially the College Football Playoff would suggest.

Here are Kiper's comments on the Bailey pick:

Tennessee is going to be focused on two things this offseason: getting quarterbackCam Wardmore help and improving the defense. It's a tough call on which direction the Titans will go here, but let's follow the board while also knowingnew coachRobert Saleh is a defense guy. Bailey was outstanding this past season. His stats tell the story: 14.5 sacks, 20.2% pressure rate, 23 tackles for loss - and all at least tied for a share of first in the FBS. Pairing Bailey with defensive tackleJeffery Simmonson the D-line could be a big step in the right direction.

As for offense, this is a pretty deep class of pass catchers. But if Saleh decides Ward's supporting cast is the first-round priority no matter what, then I'd expect Ohio State'sCarnell Tateto get some attention here. Speaking of Tate ...

He had Tate going 5th to the New York Giants right after the Titans pick.