5 2026 draft targets Titans fans must know after the trade deadline: five prospects to watch
Two edge rushers to watch
South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart is presented as a leading defensive-line prospect. In three seasons with the Gamecocks, he has been a reliable playmaker; this season, he has two sacks and three forced fumbles. PFF projects him as a top-10 pick, and he could be a candidate for Tennessee’s first selection.
Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is another option. He recorded 5.5 sacks in one game against Tennessee earlier this season and has 10.5 sacks overall despite missing two games. The article says either prospect could rise as high as the second overall pick if the Titans prioritize defense.
Lacy could bolster the backfield
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy is projected as a late first-round selection. The article suggests he could be available after Florida’s Jadan Baugh, though it also describes Baugh as likely to be gone before Chicago’s first-round pick reaches Tennessee.
In a healthy 2025 season, Lacy had 306 carries for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has added 388 yards and five touchdowns in limited action this season while dealing with a left-shoulder injury. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are both set to enter free agency after the season, creating a possible need at running back.
Two defensive tackles considered
Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles is ranked by ESPN as the top player at his position. At 6 feet 3 inches and 315 pounds, he has 2.5 sacks this season; in 2025, he recorded five sacks and 68 tackles. The article describes him as a potential replacement for Simmons and a reliable source of pressure.
Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Gilliam has six sacks and two forced fumbles through nine games. That marks a rise from his half-sack season with Penn State in 2025. The article says Gilliam has more burst than Echoles, while Echoles has a stronger record of consistency; Gilliam’s standing could improve by season’s end.
Key points
- The Titans received two first-round picks and a second-round selection after trading Jeffery Simmons.
- Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons are the featured edge-rusher prospects.
- Kewan Lacy could offer a backfield option as Pollard and Spears approach free agency.
- Will Echoles and Gilliam are potential defensive-tackle targets.