Today’s Hot Take: Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain Jr. Could Help Kickstart the Rebuild

After the 41-7 drubbing that the Titans received Sunday from the Jaguars, Titans fans know that their first-round pick needs to be a defensive player. With the talent coming out of this draft on the defensive side, the Titans seemingly can’t make a bad decision on paper.

Let's start with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who is the number one-ranked linebacker in the draft. Reese has a ton of upside and is the modern linebacker that the Titans need. He is solid against the run and pass, and also brings a pass-rushing advantage to his game, as he can serve as an edge rusher if needed.

Reese had a career-high 34 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks on the season. His upside is promising, and the Titans would be getting a tremendous player.

On the other side, Ruben Bain Jr would be a valuable asset to this Titans pass rush. Bain has 24 solo tackles on the season, to go with a career-high 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and a blocked field goal. The six-foot-three, 270-pound edge rusher has been incredible and has helped control one of the best defenses in the country. His NFL comparison is that of Aiden Hutchinson, who also helped kick off his own rebuild in Detroit.

There is plenty of talent in this draft, and Reese and Bain are just a few to name. Although the draft is still months away, expect the Titans to make a statement on the draft with the league's next best defensive player.

What You Need to Know: Cam Ward Has A Sprained AC Joint (Yay?)

Cam Ward found himself out of the game after the first drive on Sunday, after scoring a rushing touchdown and having a defender land on him in the endzone. He came out of the game and ended up on the sideline later in the game with a sling on.

Titans fans everywhere didn’t think this season could get much worse until they saw their franchise QB with an injury. However, it seems after testing, Ward sprained his AC joint, which is great news. No separated shoulder or structural damage, which is a huge relief going forward.

The Titans' medical staff is focusing on his range of motion with his right shoulder and not trying to change anything mechanically that would affect his throwing motion.

Through it all, Ward really put it together to end this season, over 3,000 yards passing, 17 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, and multiple rushing touchdowns. Ward has a bright future ahead of him, and if the right players develop and the Titans sign the right guys. Ward can take another big step next year.

Before You Go: Six Coaches Are Up For The Head Coaching Job

With the NFL season over, the Titans begin their head coaching search with four candidates to interview, and then added a fifth and sixth candidate after two coaches were fired. They are listed as follows:

• Broncos DC Vance Joseph

• Chiefs OC Matt Nagy

• Colts DC Lou Anarumo

• Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo

• Browns HC Kevin Stefanski

• Falcons HC Raheem Morris

It's safe to say the Titans have plenty of options, as five of the six candidates have head coaching experience. There is no true frontrunner for the Titans' job, but if we had to guess, it looks like Stefanski would be at the front of the list.

Stefanski won Coach of the Year with the Browns twice in 2020 and 2023. He led the Browns to multiple playoff appearances and their first playoff win in over 30 years. The Titans need a defensive-minded coach to turn this team around, but also need a smart coach like to Stefanski to develop Ward.

Stefanski seems to be the best option out of the bunch, with Nagy being right behind him. Time will tell what the Titans decide to do, but for now, we await the most important decision from GM Mike Borgonzi on the future of the Titans.