The Tennessee Titans wrapped up the third and final day of the 2026 NFL Draft by bolstering their offense with two well-considered selections aimed at addressing significant team needs. Using their fifth-round picks, the Titans added Penn State running back Nick Singleton at No. 165 overall and Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona at No. 142 overall. These additions demonstrate Tennessee's commitment to enhancing offensive explosiveness and depth in the trenches, aligning with the vision laid out by General Manager Mike Borgonzi and Head Coach Robert Saleh.
Let's delve into what these two picks bring to Nashville and how they fit into the Titans' roster moving forward.
Nick Singleton: PSU's Versatile Record-Setting Runner
With the 165th overall pick in the draft, the Titans capitalized on the opportunity to select Nick Singleton, a dynamic and versatile running back from Penn State who left the Nittany Lions as the program's all-time leader in all-purpose yards, amassing 5,586 yards. Singleton's production reflects his multifaceted skill set--not only was he a consistent rusher but also a reliable receiving option and a dangerous special teams contributor.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 227 pounds, Singleton blends the power of a feature back with the quickness and elusiveness often associated with smaller backs. His tape is peppered with explosive one-cut runs that break through initial contact and quickly hit top speed, often turning short-yardage gains into explosive plays. He has shown impressive ability to withstand arm tackles and consistently gain yards after contact.
Offensively, Singleton's portfolio includes strong receiving capabilities, making him a threat in the passing game due to his soft hands and savvy after the catch. On special teams, Singleton averaged over 25 yards per kickoff return during his college career, adding a valuable dimension with his return skills--a trait that can translate to early playing time in the NFL.
The Titans' backfield entering the 2026 season features Tony Pollard as the lead runner, with Pollard entering the final year of his contract. Tyjae Spears is developing but has battled consistency and durability issues. Singleton provides a youthful, versatile complement who can share the workload and potentially shift the offensive dynamic through his blend of power, speed, and receiving ability.
"He's a dynamic player -- we saw that every Saturday in the Big Ten," Coach Saleh said following the pick. "He can run between the tackles, he can get outside, he catches the ball well, and he's a tough, physical runner. We're excited to add him to the mix."
Singleton's all-purpose skill set and physicality make him an excellent fit for Tennessee's offense, with immediate value on special teams and the potential to grow into a significant offensive role.
Fernando Carmona: SEC-Hardened Offensive Line Power
With their earlier fifth-round selection at No. 142, the Titans addressed the ongoing need for offensive line depth by drafting guard Fernando Carmona, who transferred to Arkansas from UNLV and quickly established himself as a fierce interior lineman in the highly competitive SEC. Carmona, measuring 6-foot-5 and 316 pounds, brings the size, strength, and tenacity needed to anchor the trenches.
Carmona has built a reputation as a physical run blocker with a mauling style that thrives in the demanding Southeastern Conference. He plays with a wide base, proficient hand usage, and a relentless finishing mentality--qualities that fit well with the Titans' identity of physical, downhill football. His ability to hold his own against NFL-caliber defensive tackles was evident throughout his collegiate career.
The Titans' offensive line had its share of struggles in the 2025 season, marred by inconsistency and injuries. The front office made notable improvements by adding veteran tackle Dan Moore Jr. in free agency and now strengthening the interior with Carmona's addition. Although Tennessee has returning starters at both guard spots, Carmona is expected to compete for a backup role initially, with the upside to challenge for starting duties as he develops.
"Fernando is a powerful, strong player who plays with great leverage," Saleh said. "He's got the size and length we look for, and he's played against high-level competition. We think he's going to come in and compete for a role."
Beyond his run-blocking prowess, Carmona showed steady improvement as a pass protector at Arkansas. He anchors well against powerful bull rushes and exhibits enough lateral quickness to counter inside moves from agile defenders. Given the importance of interior pass protection in today's NFL, Carmona's ability to hold the point of attack adds critical value to Tennessee's offensive front.
Enhancing Tennessee's Offensive Identity
The selections of Singleton and Carmona together underscore the Titans' dual priorities in the 2026 draft: injecting explosiveness into the backfield and fortifying the offensive line to create a tougher, more resilient offense.
The 2025 Titans offense struggled with red-zone efficiency and sustaining drives. Singleton's blend of speed, power, and playmaking ability can provide the kind of explosive home-run threat that energizes an offense and changes field position. His skill set fits the mold of a true playmaker who can turn routine runs into long gains, a trait that has been missing from Tennessee's ground game.
Meanwhile, Carmona's addition adds vital depth and competition upfront. The reality of an NFL season means injuries are inevitable, and having a reliable and battle-tested player like Carmona ready to step in is vital to maintaining offensive continuity. He also brings a mentality and physical approach that could inspire improvements across the line during practices and games.
Both players, selected in the fifth round, provide excellent value. Draft analysts had projected Singleton as a potential Day 2 pick due to his unique skill set and production, while Carmona's SEC experience suggested he could have been taken earlier. The Titans displayed patience and sound judgment by waiting for these players to fall to their selections.
Looking Ahead: Development and Impact
While Day 3 picks rarely make immediate starting contributions, Nick Singleton and Fernando Carmona each have clear paths to meaningful roles in 2026 and beyond. Singleton's versatility and special teams experience could earn him early playing time as a backup running back and return man. Carmona's ability to contribute as an interior backup and compete in training camp bodes well for the offensive line's depth chart stability.
The Titans' coaching staff, led by Robert Saleh and Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll, will be tasked with developing these rookies in ways that maximize their strengths. Singleton's explosiveness and catching ability fit well with Daboll's offense, which values multi-dimensional backs. Carmona's physical strengths align with Tennessee's traditional power-running philosophy.
The front office's focus remains on forging a tough, balanced, and reliable offensive unit that can compete deep into the postseason. These picks complement other offseason moves and set the stage for a stronger 2026 campaign.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Titans' Day 3 draft additions of Nick Singleton and Fernando Carmona reflect smart drafting focused on both immediate roster needs and longer-term positional strength. Singleton's record-breaking versatility and Carmona's SEC-tested power will help elevate the offense's speed and toughness.
As the 2026 season approaches, fans can expect these rookies to inject fresh energy and competition into the offense. The Titans continue to build a team capable of challenging the upper tiers of the AFC South and beyond, laying a solid foundation for sustained success.
In Nashville, the future indeed looks promising with these exciting new offensive talents joining a team on the rise.
