It’s common for teams to adjust their scouting departments in May, following the draft, as they assess their needs and strive for continuity or improvement. The Titans are among the teams making changes to their scouting staff shortly after the draft.
Second-year Titans GM Ran Carthon is appointing A.J. Highsmith as the team’s scouting director, as reported by Neil Stratton of InsidetheLeague.com. This move signifies a reunion for the two NFL second-generation figures, as Carthon and Highsmith previously collaborated with the 49ers in the late 2010s.
A.J. Highsmith, the son of NFL veteran Alonzo Highsmith, brings a wealth of experience to his new role with the Titans. Over the past five years, he served as a national scout with the Bills, having initially started in an area scouting position. Highsmith’s background as a defensive back at Miami from 2009-2013 provided him with valuable insights into player evaluation and talent assessment.
Meanwhile, Alonzo Highsmith, A.J.’s father, also made a return to the NFL this offseason. He transitioned from a role with the Hurricanes to join the restructured front office of the New England Patriots under Eliot Wolf. In Tennessee, A.J. Highsmith will assume dual responsibilities in both pro and college scouting, as reported by Stratton.
Continuing on the theme of veteran executives’ sons, Keenan Agnew will be joining Ran Carthon in Tennessee. Keenan, the son of Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, is set to take on the role of scouting assistant, as reported by Neil Stratton. Keenan Agnew will be the second of Ray Agnew’s sons to enter an NFL front office, with Ray Agnew III already a part of Joe Douglas’ Jets scouting staff.
The Titans have also been actively considering other candidates for their scouting department. Josh Scobey, who recently parted ways with the Cardinals after 12 years, interviewed for a position with the Titans, according to veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky. Scobey, a former NFL running back, served as the college scouting director for the Cardinals before his departure. His exit from the Cardinals coincides with the second offseason of Monti Ossenfort’s tenure as GM, following his transition from the Titans organization.
In addition to the aforementioned interviews, the Titans have also met with Max Gruder, the pro scouting director for the Philadelphia Eagles, as reported by Paul Kuharsky. Gruder was promoted by the Eagles during the 2022 offseason.
At present, Jon Salge serves as the college scouting director for the Titans, while Brian Gardner holds the position of pro scouting director. While it remains unclear what the future holds for Salge and Gardner, the second offseason under Ran Carthon’s leadership is witnessing some changes beyond the coaching staff within the Titans organization.