As the Tennessee Titans (3-13) prepare to wrap up a disappointing 2024 season at home against the Houston Texans, it provides an opportunity to examine hypothetical roster upgrades by borrowing talent from their AFC
South rivals. With glaring needs across multiple positions, the Titans could benefit greatly from the Texans’ roster, which offers impactful players at nearly every level.
The Titans’ primary concern remains the offensive line. While quarterback, edge rusher, and wide receiver are also areas of need, the offensive line’s deficiencies have had a ripple effect throughout the offense. In a previous
matchup, Titans Wire’s hypothetical selection was Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, given his elite ability to anchor a line in desperate need of stability. While Tunsil remains an ideal pick, this exercise looks to diversify potential targets.
Quarterback is another area requiring immediate attention. Neither Will Levis nor Mason Rudolph has demonstrated consistent ability to lead the offense. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud could provide an answer, but his
sophomore campaign hasn’t matched the explosiveness of his rookie year, leaving some questions about his long-term ceiling. For now, Stroud’s limited sample size makes him a less viable hypothetical choice for the Titans.
The Texans also boast defensive stars such as Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who could bolster Tennessee’s pass rush, and tight end Dalton Schultz, a reliable target who would bring
additional versatility to the offense. However, one player stands out as a game-changer for the Titans: wide receiver Nico Collins.
Collins has emerged as a tremendous talent and would instantly become Tennessee’s top receiving threat. His size, speed, and ability to stretch the field make him a complete player
capable of elevating the Titans’ offense. Additionally, Collins excels in contested-catch situations, providing a reliable target at all levels of the passing game.
The Titans’ current receiving corps, led by Calvin Ridley, has struggled to consistently generate production beyond its top option. Defenses can often key in on Ridley, using bracket coverage to
limit his impact. Adding Collins would force opposing defenses to account for multiple threats, opening up opportunities for Ridley and other offensive playmakers.
By hypothetically adding Collins, the Titans could transform their offense into a unit capable of attacking defenses both vertically and
horizontally. This would give head coach Brian Callahan a foundational piece to build around, something the current roster lacks.
As the Titans head into Week 18 and look toward the offseason, hypothetical exercises like this highlight the work needed to make the team competitive once again. Whether addressing
offensive line issues, quarterback uncertainty, or bolstering the receiving corps, the Titans have plenty of decisions to make in pursuit of improvement.