How the Calvin Ridley Addition Impacts Tennessee Titans' 2024 NFL Draft Plans

The Tennessee Titans made a splash in free agency on Wednesday, signing 1,000-yard receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year deal worth $92 million. That addition helps the Titans in on-field production and allows more flexibility in the 2024 NFL Draft.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans made a huge splash in free agency on Wednesday, signing 1,000-yard receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract. Strategically, the Titans have addressed an offseason priority at wide receiver while also creating some flexibility for the 2024 NFL Draft.

In all likelihood, Tennessee was going to address its left tackle concerns with the No. 7 pick in the draft in late April. By adding Ridley, it reinforces the mock draft opinions that coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon will target the offensive line in the first round.

Notre Dame's Joe Alt — the projected pick per ESPN and many other NFL Draft reporters — and Penn State's Olu Fashanu are the two most likely prospects to land with Tennessee. 

Ridley's arrival in Nashville doesn't really change that outlook for the Titans. But the Ridley signing could change the mindset for Callahan and Carthon for the second round and beyond. 

Titans can focus on 'best available'

Since the 2023 NFL season concluded, the two biggest areas of concern for the Titans were left tackle and wide receiver. The expectation was that those positions would be addressed in the first two rounds of the draft. 

By adding Ridley through free agency, the Titans have opened themselves up to select the best available player in the second round, rather than simply targeting a wide receiver.

The Titans now have a major need at pass rusher, with Denico Autry leaving the team and signing a two-year deal with the Houston Texans. He piled up 11.5 sacks last season with Tennessee, the 12th-highest total in the NFL last year.

Cornerback is also a major concern for Tennessee heading into 2024, especially with Sean Murphy-Bunting heading to the Arizona Cardinals. Last year, the Titans' pass defense was atrocious. They ranked 19th in opponent yards per pass (7.3), 29th in opponent completion percentage (67.8%), and last in interceptions (six).

Instead of narrowing their focus on wide receiver, the Titans now have the ability to look at defensive end, cornerback or receiver in the second round. Or, if there are other tempting offensive line prospects, Tennessee could continue to build in the trenches with the No. 38 pick.

Really, the options are endless.

Ridley's signing wasn't just significant in terms of on-field production, it was important for Tennessee's draft plans, as well.

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• EYES ON ARIK ARMSTEAD: The NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday released Arik Armstead, their longest-tenured player, after he reportedly refused to take a pay cut. Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon knows Armstead well from his six years with the Niners. CLICK HERE
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