Comparing the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback target to Caleb Williams.

In the world of the NFL, finding the right quarterback can make or break a team’s future. For the Tennessee Titans, the search for a long-term quarterback solution has become one of the most critical tasks in the franchise’s upcoming seasons. With Ryan Tannehill’s future in doubt and Malik Willis still trying to find his footing, the Titans are looking at the 2025 NFL Draft and other avenues to secure their quarterback of the future.

Enter Caleb Williams—considered by many as a generational talent, the USC quarterback is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft. But while Williams is the talk of the town, there are other quarterbacks who could be targets for the Titans. How does Williams compare to other quarterbacks the Titans may be considering, and how does his skill set fit into Tennessee’s offense?

This article takes an in-depth look at Caleb Williams and how he compares to other quarterback options for the Titans, analyzing factors such as play style, system fit, and the team’s long-term goals.

The Titans’ Current Quarterback Landscape

As of the 2025 season, the Tennessee Titans find themselves in a transitional period at the quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill, who has been with the team since 2019, has been a steady presence but is approaching the twilight of his career. Tannehill is 36 years old, and with the Titans’ championship window closing, the team must prepare for the future. His struggles with injuries in recent seasons have only added to the uncertainty surrounding his status.

Malik Willis, the team’s 2022 third-round pick, was seen as a potential long-term solution at quarterback. However, his development has been slower than expected. While Willis possesses raw athleticism and a strong arm, he struggled with consistency during his rookie year, failing to show the immediate spark the Titans hoped for. With Tannehill likely nearing the end of his run and Willis still a work-in-progress, it’s clear the Titans need to explore other quarterback options.

This brings us to Caleb Williams, the dynamic signal-caller from USC who has lit up college football in his two seasons with the Trojans. But could he be the quarterback the Titans need to turn the page on their current roster and build a future contender?

Caleb Williams: A Generational Talent

Caleb Williams’ rise to prominence has been meteoric. After transferring from Oklahoma to USC, Williams immediately showcased his exceptional skill set, winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy in just his first season as a starter for the Trojans. His natural talent is undeniable. Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 215 pounds, Williams has the build of a traditional NFL quarterback, but his athleticism and mobility set him apart from many of his peers.

Williams’ ability to extend plays with his legs while still keeping his eyes downfield makes him a nightmare for defenses. He’s equally comfortable making pinpoint throws from the pocket or scrambling to buy time and deliver strikes on the move. His arm strength is elite, allowing him to make throws to all levels of the field with velocity and accuracy. His vision and anticipation as a passer are also top-tier, as he consistently finds the best option, even when under pressure.

On the downside, Williams’ tendency to sometimes rely too much on his natural talent can lead to moments of overconfidence, occasionally resulting in errant throws or bad decisions. He will need to refine his decision-making and footwork to avoid turnovers and improve his consistency at the NFL level.

Overall, Caleb Williams is regarded as the consensus top quarterback prospect of the 2025 draft class. His ability to change the course of a game with his legs and his arm makes him a tantalizing prospect for any NFL team. But how does he stack up against other quarterbacks who may be on the Titans’ radar?

Quarterback Targets for the Titans: Beyond Caleb Williams

While Caleb Williams is the crown jewel of the 2025 quarterback class, the Titans may also look at other quarterbacks either via trade, free agency, or later-round draft picks. Let’s consider some of the options the Titans might be targeting:

1. Drake Maye (North Carolina)
   Drake Maye is often considered the second-best quarterback in this draft behind Williams. Standing at 6’4” and 220 pounds, Maye brings prototypical size and an impressive skill set to the table. He’s known for his smooth throwing motion, solid accuracy, and ability to make quick decisions. Maye has displayed a unique blend of pocket presence and athleticism, but he’s not as dynamic as Williams when it comes to making plays on the move. While he doesn’t have Williams’ mobility, Maye has the skills to thrive in a traditional pocket-passer role, making him a solid alternative to Williams for teams looking for a more classic quarterback.
2. J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
   J.J. McCarthy has all the tools to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He’s a dual-threat quarterback who has the speed and agility to make defenders miss, but also the ability to make deep throws with accuracy. While McCarthy may not have the same raw talent as Williams, he’s an excellent fit for teams that run a similar scheme to Michigan’s, which features a lot of play-action and rollouts. McCarthy is more of a work-in-progress compared to Williams, but his upside could be enticing for a team like the Titans that values mobility in their quarterback.
3. Bo Nix (Oregon)
   Another quarterback whose name has emerged in the draft conversation is Bo Nix from Oregon. Nix has improved dramatically in his final college season and has the kind of leadership qualities the Titans might covet. He’s mobile and shows the ability to throw on the run, but his mechanics and consistency as a passer can still be a bit inconsistent. While Nix may not have the pedigree of Williams, he could be a late-first-round or second-round option for a team like the Titans that might want to take a chance on a developmental player.

Comparing Play Styles and Strengths

When comparing Caleb Williams to the quarterbacks the Titans are likely considering, several key differences stand out, particularly in terms of play style and overall skill set.

• Caleb Williams is an elite dual-threat quarterback, with the ability to make throws from all platforms and extend plays with his legs. He’s a natural playmaker who can elevate his team when the game is on the line. Williams is the type of quarterback who can win games on his own with his versatility and playmaking skills.
• Drake Maye, on the other hand, is more of a traditional pocket passer. While he has solid mobility and is capable of scrambling when needed, he’s not a game-changer with his legs. Maye’s best asset is his ability to make throws from the pocket, which could suit the Titans’ more conservative, run-heavy offense. However, Maye’s lack of dynamic playmaking could be a limiting factor for a team looking for an explosive, game-breaking quarterback.
• J.J. McCarthy brings more mobility to the table than Maye, and his dual-threat capabilities could allow him to fit into the Titans’ scheme, especially with the team’s reliance on play-action. However, McCarthy is still a bit raw and inconsistent in his decision-making, which might not appeal to the Titans, who need immediate contributions at quarterback.
• Bo Nix represents a more developmental option. His mobility is a strong point, and he has shown growth as a passer, but his inconsistency and reliance on athleticism make him a riskier option for a team that needs stability at the position. While his upside is intriguing, the Titans may look elsewhere for a more polished quarterback.

The Fit for the Titans’ System

The Titans’ offense is built around a strong running game, with Derrick Henry as the centerpiece. As a result, their passing attack relies heavily on play-action to create open throwing lanes for the quarterback. This type of system puts a premium on a quarterback who can excel in a structured, controlled passing game and make throws downfield when needed.

• Caleb Williams would provide the Titans with an explosive, versatile quarterback who could change the dynamic of their offense. His ability to create outside the pocket could open up additional opportunities in the Titans’ play-action-heavy system. However, there may be growing pains as he adapts to the Titans’ style, which isn’t as suited to his free-flowing playmaking tendencies.
• Drake Maye fits well in a traditional passing game, which is more in line with the Titans’ scheme. He can execute play-action effectively and deliver passes with precision. While he’s not as dynamic as Williams, Maye’s ability to make quick, smart decisions in the pocket could make him a more immediate fit for the Titans.
• J.J. McCarthy would also fit the Titans’ system due to his mobility and play-action proficiency. He can make plays on the move, and his quick release is an asset in a system that values timing. However, his development as a passer is a work in progress, and his learning curve could be steeper compared to other options.

Draft Considerations and Trade Scenarios

The Titans will likely have to weigh the trade-offs between moving up for Caleb Williams or staying put and targeting a quarterback later in the draft. Williams is expected to go early, possibly even first overall, which could mean the Titans would have to trade up significantly to secure him. If they choose not to pursue Williams, they may still find their QB of the future in Maye, McCarthy, or another option by trading down or selecting later in the first round.

The Titans’ Quarterback Dilemma

The Tennessee Titans face a pivotal moment in their franchise history as they search for their next quarterback. Caleb Williams stands out as the most dynamic and talented option, but the Titans must weigh the costs of moving up in the draft to secure him. Meanwhile, quarterbacks like Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix provide intriguing alternatives that could fit into the team’s system.

Ultimately, the Titans must decide what kind of quarterback they want to lead their offense into the future: a playmaking, dual-threat dynamo like Williams, or a more traditional pocket passer like Maye or McCarthy. Whatever they decide, the fate of the franchise may depend on making the right choice at quarterback.