The Tennessee Titans sign a former Auburn Tigers defensive end as a UDFA.

The 2025 NFL Draft came and went with hundreds of prospects hearing their names called, fulfilling childhood dreams. But for many others, the phone rang only after the final selection. That’s where the journey truly begins for undrafted free agents, and for former Auburn Tigers defensive end Elijah McAllister, that phone call came from the Tennessee Titans.

While McAllister didn’t hear his name announced during the seven rounds of the NFL Draft, his signing with the Titans represents both a fresh opportunity and a calculated investment for a team in transition. For Tennessee, this is more than just a depth signing—it’s a move steeped in potential, leadership, and a bet on untapped talent.

Elijah McAllister isn’t your typical undrafted rookie. After beginning his collegiate career at Vanderbilt, McAllister transferred to Auburn in 2023, utilizing his final year of eligibility. While his statistical output wasn’t overwhelming—he finished the season with 35 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks—his impact was felt beyond the box score.

He served as a team captain and was widely viewed as a locker room leader. Known for his high football IQ, work ethic, and maturity, McAllister brought stability to an Auburn defense that dealt with both youth and inconsistency throughout the 2023 season.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 270 pounds, McAllister boasts a prototypical build for a 4-3 defensive end or an edge rusher in a hybrid 3-4 scheme. Though not the most explosive athlete in the class, his length and technique offer real upside—particularly in a rotational or developmental role.

For the Tennessee Titans, this offseason marked a period of restructuring. With a new coaching staff under Brian Callahan and a front office looking to build around young talent, the Titans have shifted focus toward depth, competition, and development along the defensive line.

After parting ways with veteran pass rusher Denico Autry and seeing Harold Landry deal with injuries in recent seasons, the Titans are exploring ways to bolster their pass rush. The 2025 draft class brought them one edge rusher in the mid-rounds, but the addition of McAllister as a UDFA shows a commitment to building competition throughout the roster.

“We’re looking for guys who want to prove something,” Titans GM Ran Carthon said in a post-draft press conference. “Elijah McAllister brings size, intelligence, and leadership to our locker room. He’s someone our scouts were impressed with throughout the evaluation process.”

One of the qualities that drew the Titans to McAllister was his character. At both Vanderbilt and Auburn, he was a key leader—not only with his teammates but within the broader campus community. He was a Wuerffel Trophy nominee, recognizing community service and academic achievement alongside athletic performance.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan, entering his first year in Nashville, has stressed culture-building from Day One. Bringing in mature, dependable personalities like McAllister fits into that vision.

“Elijah has the kind of background we want in our locker room,” Callahan noted. “He’s someone who’s overcome adversity, who understands what it takes to lead a room. Those are the guys you root for—and give every chance to earn a spot.”

At the next level, McAllister projects as a long-term developmental edge rusher who can also carve out a role on special teams. His length and tackling ability make him an intriguing option on punt and kickoff coverage, and he was a regular on multiple special teams units at Auburn.

Titans special teams coordinator Colt Anderson reportedly pushed for the front office to bring McAllister aboard, viewing him as a core-team candidate who could contribute early while learning the ropes defensively.

“Elijah checks a lot of boxes we look for in special teams guys—long, physical, smart, and disciplined,” said Anderson. “We’ll get him coached up and see how quickly he can adjust to the pro speed.”

As Tennessee undergoes a philosophical and schematic transformation under Callahan, signing high-character players who bring professional habits to the facility is vital. McAllister, who earned his master’s degree during his time at Auburn, has already demonstrated an NFL-level mindset.

He trained in Mobile during the pre-draft process and was praised for his interviews with teams. While his 40-yard dash time (clocked at around 4.85) didn’t blow scouts away, his agility in short areas and ability to read offensive sets drew interest from multiple NFL clubs.

“It’s all about fit at this level,” one AFC scout said of McAllister. “He might not be a Day 1 starter, but he’s a guy you keep around because you know exactly what you’re getting—both in the meeting room and on the practice field.”

Historically, undrafted free agents face an uphill climb, with only a small percentage making final 53-man rosters. But that doesn’t mean the odds are insurmountable. The Titans have a recent history of giving UDFAs real chances—defensive back Tre Avery and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine both made the roster as undrafted rookies and have contributed significantly.

McAllister enters a relatively open competition at the bottom of the Titans’ edge rusher depth chart. Beyond starters Harold Landry and Arden Key, along with recent draft pick Myles Coles, the rotation is unsettled. McAllister will need to outshine other UDFAs and camp invites to earn a spot, but his size and experience give him an advantage.

If he doesn’t make the 53-man roster, he’s a strong candidate for the practice squad, where he can continue to develop under NFL coaching.

For Auburn fans, McAllister’s signing is a continuation of the program’s legacy of putting defenders into the NFL pipeline. While stars like Derrick Brown and Carlton Davis have become household names, role players like McAllister reflect the depth of talent Auburn continues to produce.

“Elijah was the glue guy for us,” said former Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. “You need those types of leaders when you’re building something special. He’s going to surprise some people in the league.”

McAllister, who has already begun training in Nashville, posted a message on social media thanking Auburn for preparing him for the next level.

“Forever grateful to Auburn and my teammates for the journey,” he wrote. “The dream continues in Nashville—let’s go to work.”

Titans fans, known for following every camp battle closely, have already begun to take note of the signing. Some see him as a potential training camp fan favorite, citing his leadership qualities and SEC pedigree.

“He’s not flashy, but he plays the game the right way,” one fan wrote on a Titans message board. “Would love to see him make the team as a special teams demon.”

Others pointed to the depth and competition he’ll bring to training camp.

“Worst-case scenario, he pushes others to be better. Best-case? He’s our next great UDFA story.”

In the modern NFL, where schemes evolve quickly and roles constantly shift, a player’s attitude, intelligence, and adaptability often determine their fate as much as raw talent. Elijah McAllister isn’t walking into Tennessee with fanfare, but he’s walking in with purpose.

For the Titans, this is a low-risk, high-reward move. For McAllister, it’s an opportunity to prove the scouts wrong and show that production can’t always be measured by sacks alone.

Come training camp, eyes will be on the rookies with big names. But if history is any guide, it’s players like Elijah McAllister—those who earn their stripes quietly and consistently—that often become cornerstones of special teams, locker rooms, and beyond.