2026 NFL Draft: Analyst outlines ideal three-round haul for Titans

Indianapolis — While hundreds of prospects sprint, lift and interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Tennessee Titans scouts are already sketching out the franchise’s next blueprint. According to Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker, that plan should stay locked on three names through the opening night of the 2026 draft.

Locker’s ideal three-round haul for the Titans begins at No. 4 overall with Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Despite last week’s trade for New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, Tennessee still lacks a long-term alpha off the edge. Bain, who posted elite pass-rush metrics in college, would also reunite with former Hurricanes teammate Cameron Ward, now the Titans’ quarterback of the future.

At 35th overall, Locker projects Western Michigan wide receiver Chris Bell as the target. Bell’s 83.3 PFF receiving grade last season underscores his ability to separate on intermediate routes and win vertically—traits Tennessee’s offense has lacked outside the numbers.

The third-round pick, No. 68, would return to the defensive side with Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun. The 6-foot-2 cover man owns an 81.5 overall PFF grade and brings the press-man skills defensive coordinator Robert Saleh covets. Igbinosun’s arrival would address a secondary that finished 28th in PFF coverage grade a year ago.

All three selections hit Tier-1 needs for a roster still in transition. The open question, Locker notes, is availability: Bain could be gone inside the top three, while Bell and Igbinosun have both seen their draft stock fluctuate throughout the pre-draft circuit. If the board falls Tennessee’s way, however, the trio would supply immediate impact and long-term upside.

With free agency still weeks away, the Titans retain flexibility to supplement the roster, but Locker’s mock provides an early snapshot of how the front office can maximize its premium capital in April.