The Tennessee Titans have been connected to trading up for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Titans have done an extensive amount of homework on this quarterback class. They hosted Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, and Hendon Hooker on Top 30 visits and attended the Pro Days of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Tennessee’s interest in quarterbacks is straightforward. The expensive and aging Ryan Tannehill is entering a contract year. Tannehill is unlikely to return to the Titans in 2024, and he could still be traded or released before the 2023 season kicks off. Next week’s draft provides general manager Ran Carthon with an opportunity to draft his quarterback of the future, a decision that would officially put his stamp on the organization.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to draft Young with the No. 1 overall selection, meaning Carthon won’t possess an opportunity to trade up for Young. We’ve ranked the remaining three quarterbacks (in order) from likeliest to least likely that Carthon may trade up for.

NO. 1: C.J. STROUD

I believe Stroud is Carthon’s top target. Head coach Mike Vrabel retained significant control over the roster following the firing of Jon Robinson. Carthon was hired to collaborate with Vrabel. Vrabel is an Ohio State alum that has an extremely close relationship with Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day. Vrabel will possess as much information on Stroud’s makeup as any coach across the league.

Carthon singled out anticipation and accuracy as the two most important traits when evaluating quarterbacks. Stroud is arguably the best anticipatory thrower in the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s especially interesting that the Titans haven’t hosted Stroud on a Top 30 visit. Smokescreen season is in full swing. The Titans may be throwing their contenders off the scent.

NO. 2: ANTHONY RICHARDSON

I nearly ranked Richardson as Tennessee’s preferred target. It’s essentially a toss-up between Richardson and Stroud. The Titans met with Richardson at Florida’s Pro Day before inviting him to their facility. Carthon has conducted a thorough evaluation of Richardson’s abilities.

BetOnline lists Richardson at just +250 to be the No. 3 overall selection. The Arizona Cardinals, who currently own the third pick, are the likeliest trade partner for the Titans. New Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort possesses an interest in trading the selection. Ossenfort has a great relationship with Vrabel and the Titans organization after working there for the previous three seasons.

The Titans operate a run-heavy system and Richardson is the most athletic quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pairing Richardson with Derrick Henry is a terrifying thought for opposing defenses. The dual-threat Richardson would fit right in.

NO. 3: WILL LEVIS

Levis ranks a distant third. It’s worth acknowledging members of Tennessee’s front-office brass met with Levis at Kentucky’s Pro Day before he made a Top 30 visit to Nashville. The Titans have met with Levis on several occasions throughout the pre-draft process.

Levis operated a pro-style offense under Liam Coen at Kentucky. Coen previously worked under Sean McVay in Los Angeles. Tennessee’s offense derives from that coaching tree. The current system in place was first installed by Matt LaFleur, who took influence from McVay. Of all the quarterbacks, Levis is most familiar with Tennessee’s scheme. Perhaps that’s worth something.