Tennessee Titans Land 2 of the Top PFF Undrafted Rookies
The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events in American sports, where teams get a chance to select the best young talent from the college ranks. However, not all future stars are drafted. Many highly talented players find themselves slipping through the cracks, ultimately landing on teams as undrafted free agents (UFAs). While the draft is a celebrated spectacle, the pool of undrafted rookies can often be just as fertile, with many players going on to make a major impact in the NFL.
In recent years, the Tennessee Titans have shown a knack for scouting and developing undrafted talent. In 2025, the Titans landed two of the top undrafted rookies according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). These two players, whose paths to the NFL were unconventional but filled with promise, have quickly turned heads at Titans’ training camp. With both players flashing their skills on the field, the Titans’ front office and coaching staff are excited about the potential they bring to the team. In this article, we’ll explore the background of these two undrafted rookies, their journeys to the NFL, and how they might contribute to the Titans’ success in the coming seasons.
Before diving into the specifics of the two players, it’s important to understand why undrafted rookies are so significant in the NFL. The NFL Draft is an intensive process that often leaves some talented players overlooked for a variety of reasons: injuries, system fit, or simple bad luck. While it’s easy to focus on first-round picks and the star power that comes with them, history has shown that several undrafted players have gone on to become key contributors or even legends in the NFL.
In fact, some of the NFL’s most famous and impactful players, such as Hall of Famers Antonio Gates, Kurt Warner, and Wes Welker, went undrafted. While not every undrafted player will become a Hall of Famer, many have still made significant impacts on their teams, proving that success is not always determined by where you’re selected, but by your work ethic, adaptability, and the opportunity to showcase your talent.
Undrafted rookies also often have an extra chip on their shoulder. Motivated by the fact that they were overlooked by every team, these players frequently have something to prove. As a result, many undrafted players come into the NFL with a fierce drive to succeed, and that hunger often translates into success on the field.
For the Tennessee Titans, this philosophy is a perfect match. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the team has shown a willingness to give players a chance, regardless of draft status, provided they bring a strong work ethic and the right mentality. The Titans have historically been adept at uncovering hidden gems among undrafted free agents, and the 2025 season looks no different with the addition of two standout players from the undrafted rookie pool.
Jalen Carter, a wide receiver out of the University of Alabama, was considered one of the most dynamic pass catchers in college football throughout his career. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Draft Combine, largely due to injury concerns during his senior year, but his game tape spoke for itself. Despite playing on a crowded Alabama team, Carter consistently posted impressive statistics, showing off his blazing speed, sharp route-running, and reliable hands. He played a crucial role in the Crimson Tide’s potent offense, routinely making key catches in big games. Many thought Carter would be a late-round selection in the draft, but when the draft ended, Carter’s phone remained silent. Nonetheless, the Titans’ scouting department, which had been keeping a close eye on Carter, immediately extended an offer.
Carter brings more than just raw talent to the table. He’s an exceptional route runner with the ability to create separation from defenders. Whether working out of the slot or on the outside, he’s displayed the versatility to make plays at all levels of the field. His combination of speed, hands, and football IQ makes him a potential mismatch for defenders, especially on deep routes and contested catches.
Carter’s biggest strength, however, might be his tenacity and work ethic. In an interview after signing with the Titans, Carter emphasized his desire to prove everyone wrong, saying, “I’ve been counted out before, but that’s just fuel for the fire. I’m here to show I can compete at the highest level.” This mentality fits perfectly with the Titans’ culture, and it’s exactly the kind of mindset they value.
In training camp, Carter quickly made his presence known, impressing coaches with his sharp route-running and ability to make catches in traffic. Though the Titans’ receiving corps is stacked with talent, Carter’s dynamic skill set gives him a real shot at carving out a role. In a league that increasingly values speed and athleticism, Carter could very well turn into a key piece for the Titans’ offense.
Dominic Johnson, a defensive back out of the University of Florida, was another highly regarded prospect who went undrafted in 2025. Standing 6’2” and weighing 210 pounds, Johnson possesses the ideal size and athleticism that scouts covet in a modern NFL defensive back. His performance in college was nothing short of impressive, especially in his senior year when he racked up multiple interceptions and pass breakups in a tough SEC conference. Johnson was viewed as a borderline draft pick who could fill multiple roles in the secondary—whether at cornerback or safety. However, despite his skill set, concerns over his consistency and injury history caused him to slip through the cracks.
For the Titans, Johnson presents a potential game-changer. His size and speed allow him to match up with bigger, more physical receivers, while his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes makes him a threat to create turnovers. In addition, his versatility is a major asset. Johnson has the capacity to line up in both cornerback and safety positions, giving the Titans’ defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen, a valuable chess piece to work with in various coverage schemes.
One of Johnson’s most notable traits is his football IQ. He has a natural ability to diagnose plays, which allows him to make quick decisions in coverage and recognize potential threats. While not the fastest or the most explosive player, his ability to anticipate routes and adjust mid-play is something the Titans’ secondary can benefit from.
Much like Carter, Johnson’s chip on his shoulder is palpable. He entered the league with the drive to prove he was more than just a “bubble” prospect. At Titans’ training camp, Johnson has been turning heads by consistently making plays on the ball and looking comfortable in a variety of defensive backfield alignments. His size and coverage skills have given the Titans’ coaching staff confidence that he can not only make the roster but also push for significant playing time as a rookie.
The Tennessee Titans are not only looking for talented players; they are also committed to developing players who might not have had the same opportunities as others. Both Carter and Johnson fit the mold of players who were overlooked in the draft, yet possess significant upside and are hungry to prove themselves. The Titans have a strong developmental system, particularly under Vrabel, who emphasizes player growth and adaptability.
The team’s coaching staff has been noted for its emphasis on hard work, discipline, and mental toughness, and both of these rookies embody those values. Jalen Carter, with his chip on his shoulder, and Dominic Johnson, with his versatility and football IQ, are exactly the types of players the Titans value. Moreover, both players will benefit from playing alongside established stars, which will give them valuable learning experiences and the opportunity to contribute early in their careers.
The success of undrafted rookies is a key component of the Titans’ strategy in recent seasons. It allows the team to fill gaps and add depth to the roster without using valuable draft capital. General Manager Ran Carthon has made it clear that the Titans are committed to finding talent wherever it may be—whether that’s in the first round of the draft or after the final pick is made. Over the years, the team has unearthed numerous undrafted gems, and the success of Carter and Johnson could be another example of the team’s ability to identify and cultivate talent outside of the draft.
Both Carter and Johnson are now in prime positions to contribute early in their careers. Carter could develop into a key weapon for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and Johnson could be a reliable defensive back in a secondary that already boasts a strong unit. With the Titans looking to stay competitive in the AFC South and beyond, the contributions of these undrafted players could be pivotal in achieving the team’s goals.
In the ever-competitive NFL landscape, every team is looking for ways to find value beyond the traditional draft process. The Tennessee Titans have done just that by signing two of the top undrafted rookies in 2025—Jalen Carter and Dominic Johnson. Both players possess exceptional talent, and their journeys to the NFL are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and determination to succeed.
While their paths to the NFL may have been unconventional, these two rookies have the potential to become important contributors to the Titans’ roster. Whether it’s Carter’s dynamic playmaking ability as a wide receiver or Johnson’s versatility and football IQ as a defensive back, both players could make an immediate impact.
For the Titans, the addition of these undrafted free agents underscores their commitment to finding value everywhere and their willingness to give players a chance to prove themselves. In a league that often places heavy emphasis on first-round picks, the Titans’ success in identifying undrafted talent has become a major part of their strategy, and it will be exciting to see how Carter and Johnson perform as they embark on their professional careers. The future looks bright for these two rookies, and the Titans are hoping their decision to sign them will pay off in big ways down the road.
