The Tennessee Titans have actually drafted well over the years, while some of that success has finally started to help the once lowly AFC South franchise improve drastically over the years. However, it is also worth noting that the Titans have been put in position to draft talented players early on in the opening rounds due to the team's failure to win regular-season games for lengthy stretches. On the other hand, though, the Titans have not only capitalized on all of the team's high draft picks over the years, but Tennessee has found more than a few hidden gems outside the first round as well.

1. Former USC Trojans DT Jurrell Casey: Round 3, 2011 NFL Draft (Pick No. 77)

Although now a member of the Denver Broncos after a lengthy stint in Nashville, former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey can easily be categorized as one of the best all-around defensive players in franchise history. Originally coming off the board to the Titans in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of USC, Casey was definitely supposed to contribute for Tennessee early on in his career, but there is no way many could have ever envisioned the production that the former collegiate standout ultimately strung together en route to helping change the face of the franchise forever.

2. Former Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders S Kevin Byard: Round 3, 2016 NFL Draft (Pick No. 64)

Taking a gamble on a player that developed right in their own backyard at Middle Tennessee State, the Tennessee Titans obviously knew something everyone else didn't know about All-Pro safety Kevin Byard. Bursting onto the NFL scene right off the bat, Byard quickly transformed himself into one of the top defensive backs and best safeties in the entire league. Now known as a ball hawk that can cover the whole field, Byard is no doubt one of the most memorable and valuable draft picks in franchise history.

3. Former East Carolina Pirates RB Chris Johnson: Round 1, 2008 NFL Draft (Pick No. 24)

What more needs to be said than “CJ2K?” Granted, the Tennessee Titans originally selected running back Chris Johnson in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of East Carolina, but there is a slim chance that many within the organization or throughout the league ever though that the former speedster would have panned out like this. Johnson infamously rushed for more than 2,000 yards in just his second NFL campaign while also setting the league record for the most yards from scrimmage in a single-season during that same 2009-10 season — a mark that still holds true to this day.

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Tennessee Titans offensive tackle JC Latham and quarterback Will Levis. They have a joint speech bubble that says “Titan up!” They are next to a logo for the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, and Joe Alt

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GM Ran Carthon in the middle, Joe Alt, Adisa Isaac, Jamari Thrash around him, and Tennessee Titans wallpaper in the background

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Further adding to his legacy in Tennessee, “CJ2K” notably rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the six seasons that he spent as a member of the Titans. With the likes of Earl Campbell, Eddie George, and even Derrick Henry suiting up for this franchise, Johnson's name always has to be thrown into the ring due to his accomplishments and impressive accolades during his Titans tenure.

Honorable Mention:

  • Former Alabama Crimson Tide RB Derrick Henry: Round 2, 2016 NFL Draft (Pick No. 45)
  • Former North Carolina State Wolfpack LB Stephen Tulloch: Round 4, 2006 NFL Draft (Pick No. 116)