Photo Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The Tennessee Titans have begun their search for a potential franchise quarterback, and their first major conversation was with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
During last week’s East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas, about eight Titans staff members sat down with Sanders, who flashed his signature confidence as he answered questions. Head coach Brian Callahan, general manager Mike Borgonzi, and president of football operations Chad Brinker were all present. For Borgonzi, who was hired as the team’s 16th GM just two weeks ago, it was his first hands-on quarterback evaluation alongside Callahan.
Callahan and Borgonzi’s Track Record in QB Scouting
Both Callahan and Borgonzi have experience in successful quarterback scouting. Callahan played a role in Cincinnati’s selection of Joe Burrow as the No. 1 pick in 2020. Borgonzi, meanwhile, was part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ front office in 2017 when they traded up to draft Patrick Mahomes at No. 10.
Now, the two are tasked with finding the right quarterback to lead the Titans into the future. With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, their decision will be crucial. Unlike 2020, when Burrow eventually separated himself as the clear top choice, this year’s class lacks a consensus No. 1 prospect. Sanders and former Miami quarterback Cam Ward have emerged as leading candidates in early mock drafts.
Key Traits the Titans Are Looking For
Callahan, who previously worked under longtime quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp, follows a simple formula when evaluating quarterbacks:
1. Decision-making
2. Timing
3. Accuracy
“Those three things are always going to be the first things you look for,” Callahan told ESPN. “If you focus on those, you’ll see what good quarterbacking looks like.”
While arm strength matters, Callahan believes anticipation and precision can offset it. He referenced how analysts questioned Burrow’s arm strength before the draft, but Burrow’s ability to throw with timing and accuracy made up for it. He sees similar qualities in Sanders.
“People had questions about Burrow’s arm strength in general coming out,” Callahan said. “One of the things that makes Joe so unique, and I think you can probably put Shedeur in the same conversation. … They anticipate when they throw it, they have the timing and accuracy on top of it. That makes up for the arm strength.
“Those things are how you make up for maybe not having the biggest arm. If you’re throwing on time and putting a ball when and where you’re supposed to go, you’re not going to have too many problems.”
Borgonzi shares Callahan’s philosophy but adds another key factor: leadership. He believes picking a quarterback is the most important decision in sports and asks himself questions such as:
Can he lead the franchise?
Is he a leader on the field?
Can he process information effectively?
Football intelligence and character are just as crucial as physical skills. Borgonzi recalled how the Chiefs knew Mahomes had areas to improve but trusted head coach Andy Reid to develop him.
“[Andy Reid] was great when we used to watch tape with him,” Brogonzi said. “Little technical things like having a real wide base throwing the football would come up while watching film and he would say, ‘I can fix that.'”
Where the Titans’ QB Situation Stands
The Titans currently have just one quarterback under contract—third-year passer Will Levis. Levis started 12 games last season, finishing with a 2-10 record. He plans to work with private quarterback coach Jordan Palmer in California this offseason to refine his game.
Despite Levis’ struggles, Borgonzi didn’t rule out the possibility of keeping him as a bridge quarterback if the team drafts a rookie. He also left the door open for Tennessee to sign a veteran quarterback to ease the transition for a young signal-caller.
With the Titans looking to rebuild, Callahan and Borgonzi are prepared for a thorough evaluation process.
“We’re going to turn over every rock to make sure we get the right guy,” Borgonzi said.
Related Content: Titans and New GM Mike Borgonzi Aim to Rebuild via the Draft
This report used information from ESPN.
