The Titans finished just 3-14 last season, and Cam Ward’s rookie year was a rocky one. Some of the struggles were of his own making, but the roster around him also failed to provide much support. Brian Callahan lasted only six games in 2025 before being fired, and the interim staff did little to change the team’s trajectory. Despite the poor record, there is a sense of optimism in Tennessee. Expectations remain measured, but there is a belief that this franchise is finally moving in the right direction.
Leading that turnaround effort is new head coach Robert Saleh. After falling out of favor with the Jets, Saleh spent 2025 back in San Francisco as defensive coordinator and quickly reminded everyone why he is so highly regarded as a defensive play-caller. His defenses have consistently been among the league’s better units, but his ability as a head coach remains a question mark. During his tenure with the Jets, he often appeared to struggle with culture-building, locker room management, and the broader responsibilities that come with leading an organization. As a defensive strategist, however, there are few complaints. Saleh typically employs a 4-2 base defense built around Cover 3, Cover 4, and Cover 6 concepts, with minimal blitzes.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley joins Saleh in shaping this unit. On many teams with defensive-minded head coaches, the coordinator serves more as a position coach than a true architect of the scheme, but Bradley’s experience should make him a valuable voice in the room. His defenses have traditionally leaned more heavily into the classic Seattle-style Cover 3 system. While he has generally been less creative and adaptable than Saleh as a play-caller, the two coaches share similar philosophies and overlapping coaching trees, making the partnership a natural fit.
On offense, Brian Daboll arrives after an unsuccessful stint as the Giants’ head coach. While his tenure in New York ultimately ended in disappointment, I still believe in him as an offensive mind. Daboll runs a pro-style offense and showed earlier in his career that he can build productive attacks around a quarterback’s strengths. In fact, I would not be surprised if he eventually earns another head coaching opportunity and finds more success the second time around. For now, he steps into an ideal situation as offensive coordinator under a defensive-minded head coach, giving him near-complete control of the offense. Like Saleh, there are questions about his temperament and leadership style as a head coach, but those concerns are largely irrelevant in his current role.
On special teams, Tennessee retains John Fassel, who joined the organization from Dallas before the 2025 season. The Titans’ special teams unit was solid overall last year, highlighted by the emergence of Chimere Dike as an explosive return specialist.
General manager Mike Borgonzi has done an admirable job navigating the early stages of a full rebuild since arriving from Kansas City. He has assembled an experienced coaching staff with clear schematic identities on both sides of the ball. Now, with much of the foundation in place, the focus shifts from building for the future to producing results on the field.
Quarterbacks (25th)
The optimism in Tennessee begins, and potentially ends, with Cam Ward. The former No. 1 overall pick showed flashes of why he was selected at the top of the draft, but his rookie season was far from a finished product. Ward threw for 3,169 yards and 15 touchdowns while completing under 60% of his passes across 17 games. He protected the football well, throwing just seven interceptions, but he was also sacked a league-high 55 times, losing 410 yards in the process.
Ward generally played a conservative brand of football through the air, but he often became much more aggressive when plays broke down. Finding the right balance between playmaking and risk management will be one of the biggest keys to his development. If his recklessness while trying to create explosive plays doesn’t change, the interception total could rise significantly in Year 2. Fortunately for Ward, the Titans have worked to improve the supporting cast around him, giving him a much better environment than he had as a rookie.
The arrival of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll should only help. Daboll reportedly pushed hard for the Giants to make a massive offer for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft so he could select Ward himself. Now he finally gets the opportunity to work with the quarterback he coveted, and his track record suggests he will do everything possible to maximize Ward’s strengths. Just as importantly, there is no realistic threat to Ward’s status as the franchise quarterback. The organization is fully committed to his development.
Veteran Mitchell Trubisky is expected to serve as the primary backup. While he is capable of stepping in if needed, his presence appears to be as much about mentorship and experience as it is about insurance behind Ward. Will Levis also remains on the roster after missing all of last season with an injury. After previously losing the starting job, Levis feels like a trade candidate, though I would be hesitant to move on from him for nothing. Keeping him as a third quarterback while waiting for a potential trade opportunity could be the best outcome for both sides.
Rounding out the room is Hendon Hooker, the former second-round pick acquired from Detroit. Hooker has struggled to gain traction at the NFL level and now finds himself fighting to stay on a roster. The former Tennessee Volunteer is another example of a quarterback who has found the transition from Tennessee’s college offense to the NFL more difficult than expected.
The statistics from his rookie season may not fully support it, but I remain optimistic about Ward’s future. I could see him making a sophomore leap similar to the one Drake Maye made, even if it is not quite as dramatic. If that happens, Tennessee could enter the 2027 offseason viewing quarterback as one of the strengths of the roster rather than one of its biggest question marks.
Running Backs (21st)
The Titans’ running back room is led by a strong one-two punch in Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Pollard may not have an elite ceiling, but he is one of the more reliable backs in the league. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons and provides a dependable presence as both a runner and pass protector. Last season, he handled roughly two-thirds of Tennessee’s offensive snaps, serving as the primary early-down back.
Spears complements Pollard perfectly as a change-of-pace option. A talented and explosive runner, Spears fell in the draft because of long-term durability concerns, and those concerns have continued into his NFL career. His knee issues make it unlikely that he will ever be trusted with a true workhorse role, but that has not prevented him from becoming one of the better RB2s in football. Spears is dangerous in space, provides a reliable checkdown option, and consistently creates extra yardage by making defenders miss. He played most of the remaining offensive snaps in 2025, leaving very little work available for the backs lower on the depth chart. Together, Pollard and Spears form a versatile tandem with complementary skill sets.
Behind them sits rookie fifth-round pick Nic Singleton. Singleton is one of the most gifted athletes in this rookie running back class, but he remains a developmental prospect. His vision at Penn State was inconsistent, and he will need coaching before he can be trusted with a significant offensive role. Still, his explosiveness gives Tennessee something it lacks elsewhere in the backfield. Early in his career, he could contribute as a return -man alongside Chimere Dike while serving as a big-play threat in limited offensive packages.
Veteran Michael Carter is also competing for a roster spot after seeing action in Arizona last season due to injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. His skill set overlaps heavily with Spears, making him a logical insurance policy if injuries strike. However, without a significant role on special teams, it may be difficult for him to secure a spot on the final roster. The practice squad feels like a more realistic outcome. The rest of the room is rounded out by Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings. Chestnut, an undrafted free agent from the 2022 class, and Mullings, a sixth-round pick in 2025, both carved out roles primarily on special teams rather than offense. With Singleton now in the mix, carrying both players could be difficult. Chestnut brings more special teams experience, while Mullings benefits from being the more recent draft investment, making either player a viable candidate for the RB4 role.
Overall, this is a deep and durable running back room with clearly defined roles and complementary skill sets. There may not be a true superstar in the group, but Pollard and Spears provide a reliable foundation, while Singleton adds developmental upside. Tennessee’s running game should be a strength of the offense and play an important role in keeping the chains moving throughout the season.
Weapons (27th)
Wide Receivers (24th)
While he may not open the season as the official WR1 on the depth chart, Carnell Tate is going to be the most discussed player in this receiving corps. The fourth overall pick in this year’s draft projects as one of the best contested-catch receivers to enter the league in recent years. Tate is not an elite run-after-catch threat, but he raises the floor of an offense by consistently winning at the catch point and giving his quarterback a reliable target. For Cam Ward, having a dependable go-to receiver is something he lacked throughout much of his rookie season.
Calvin Ridley returns after serving as Tennessee’s top receiver in years past, but he may be better suited for a complementary role at this stage of his career. Ridley remains a talented playmaker capable of producing explosive performances, but his week-to-week consistency has often been a challenge when asked to carry a passing game. With Tate expected to assume more of the defensive attention, Ridley should benefit from more favorable matchups, more freedom to search for home run plays and be put in a better position to succeed.
The third receiver spot belongs to Wan’Dale Robinson, who followed offensive coordinator Brian Daboll from New York. Robinson quietly surpassed 1,000 receiving yards last season, one of the more surprising statistical achievements in the league. He may not be the most efficient or explosive receiver, but he consistently gets open underneath and provides quarterbacks with easy completions. Like Tate, Robinson helps raise the floor of the offense by giving Ward another reliable outlet and reducing the need to force difficult throws.
Beyond the top three, Tennessee has one of the deeper receiver groups in the NFL. Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike could form one of the league’s best WR4-WR5 combinations. Ayomanor, a fourth-round pick last season, began to break out as a rookie and offers size and physicality on the outside. Dike, also a fourth-round pick last season, earned All-Pro recognition as a return specialist, but he also flashed intriguing potential as a vertical receiver and could see an expanded offensive role this year. For the sixth and final receiver spot, I would lean toward Xavier Restrepo. Despite going undrafted, Restrepo has familiarity with Ward after serving as his primary slot target at Miami. That existing chemistry could make him a valuable depth piece behind Wan’Dale Robinson and provide insurance in the slot.
Mason Kinsey and Bryce Oliver remain in the mix as depth options. Kinsey’s value comes largely on special teams, something the Titans have consistently appreciated, but I struggle to find a place for him on the final 53-man roster. K.J. Osborn is another candidate. While he was a productive receiver earlier in his career, he has managed just 57 receiving yards over the last two seasons and has struggled to stick on active rosters. His experience and size could still make him an attractive depth option. Further down the depth chart are Lance McCutcheon, Courtney Jackson, Tyren Montgomery, and Hank Beatty. Of that group, Montgomery stands out as the most intriguing developmental prospect. The former John Carroll receiver generated some draft buzz before ultimately going undrafted and is exactly the type of player Tennessee should look to develop on the practice squad.
Overall, this is a well-rounded receiver room with a mix of reliability, explosiveness, and depth. More importantly, it is a significantly better supporting cast than the one Ward worked with as a rookie. Tate, Ridley, and Robinson each bring different skill sets to the table, while the depth behind them gives Tennessee options if injuries strike. This group may not feature an elite superstar, but it has the potential to be one of the deeper receiving corps in the AFC.
Tight Ends (26th)
The tight end room enters the season with more questions than answers after the Titans allowed Chig Okonkwo to leave in free agency. While there is some intriguing young talent in the group, proven production remains limited. Gunnar Helm is expected to lead the room after posting 357 receiving yards as a fourth-round rookie. Helm showed promise as a pass catcher and demonstrated the ability to contribute as a receiving threat, but his blocking remained a work in progress throughout his first NFL season. If he can take a step forward in that area, he has a chance to develop into a well-rounded starting tight end.
To help address the blocking concerns, Tennessee added Daniel Bellinger from the Giants. Bellinger has built his reputation as a blocker, but he offers more as a receiver than most tight ends who fill that role. He may never be a featured target in the passing game, but he gives the offense a dependable in-line option and helps raise the floor of the position group.
Kylen Granson provides quality depth and would be a decent TE3 option if he makes the roster. However, his spot is far from guaranteed. Seventh-round rookie Jaren Kanak is expected to compete for snaps at both tight end and fullback, giving him a unique path to a roster spot. How the Titans ultimately view Kanak’s role could determine whether they keep three tight ends or carry a fourth player at the position. David Martin-Robinson remains in the mix after previously making the roster as a 2024 undrafted free agent, but he faces an uphill battle against several newer additions. Joel Wilson rounds out the group and appears to be a more likely practice squad candidate than a serious contender for a roster spot.
Overall, this is a tight end room built more on projection than proven production. Helm’s development and Bellinger’s reliability provide a respectable floor, preventing the position from becoming a major weakness. The bigger question is how much growth Tennessee gets from its young players. If Helm takes a significant step forward and Bellinger continues to provide steady contributions, this group could develop into a legitimate strength rather than simply a serviceable unit.
Offensive Line (27th)
Offensive Tackles (27th) & Interior Offensive Line (15th)
The Titans finally appear to have a competent tackle duo in place with JC Latham and Dan Moore Jr. Latham, a first-round pick in 2024, is a player I was skeptical of coming out of college, but he has steadily developed into a quality NFL starter. More importantly, there is still room for growth. While he may not be a star yet, he has shown enough to suggest he could eventually become a difference-maker at the position. Moore, meanwhile, was Tennessee’s big free-agent addition prior to the 2025 season. He is the definition of a replacement-level starter. Moore is good enough to hold down a starting job, but he is unlikely to elevate an offense. The Titans paid more than his on-field value would suggest, but his reliability matters. After years of instability along the offensive line, simply having a competent veteran at left tackle helps raise the floor for both the offense and Cam Ward’s development.
On the interior, Peter Skoronski has emerged as one of the league’s better guards and is arguably the best player on Tennessee’s offense. He has developed into an elite performer and serves as the foundation of the offensive line. Unfortunately for the Titans, much of the optimism ends there. Austin Schlottmann followed Brian Daboll from New York and currently projects as the starting center. While I like him as a backup and believe his skill set fits the offense, there is a major difference between being a quality reserve and starting 17 games. Schlottmann has started just 18 games across seven NFL seasons and has never firmly established himself as a long-term starter. I have a feeling this fit could work, but there is still a significant amount of projection involved. The bigger concern is Cordell Volson at guard. Volson was a multi-year starter in Cincinnati, but his performance was often a source of frustration for Bengals fans and coaches alike. After not playing in 2025, he is now expected to step directly into a starting role in Tennessee. Offensive lines are often only as strong as their weakest link, and Volson currently projects as that weak link.
Normally, a questionable starting situation would be offset by intriguing competition behind it, but Tennessee’s interior depth is largely developmental. Jackson Slater, Fernando Carmona, and Pat Coogan are all Day 3 draft picks who should not be expected to immediately challenge for starting jobs. Slater, who now has an extra year of development under his belt, appears to be the most likely of the group to push for playing time. Drew Moss and Garrett Dellinger provide additional depth, though neither has done enough at the NFL level to inspire much confidence. Veteran center Andre James may be the most proven interior reserve on the roster, but as a recent addition, even his roster spot is not guaranteed.
The tackle depth is similarly concerning. Austin Deculus currently projects as the swing tackle despite struggling during previous opportunities with both Houston and Los Angeles. Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson managed to make the roster as an undrafted rookie and saw limited action last season, but he remains largely unproven. Ryan Hayes has appeared in just one NFL game since entering the league in 2023 and has struggled to stick on active rosters. Among the younger depth options, undrafted rookie Aamil Wagner is the most interesting name. Wagner was a player I expected to hear called during the draft, and given the lack of proven depth in this room, he is someone worth monitoring throughout training camp. Rasheed Miller rounds out the tackle competition as another developmental undrafted free agent.
Overall, Skoronski’s presence keeps this offensive line from becoming a major liability, and the tackle situation is in a much healthier place than it has been in recent years. However, the interior remains a significant concern, and the depth behind the starters is among the weakest on the roster. Like many of Tennessee’s offensive position groups, this unit is solid enough to function, but it still projects as slightly below league average heading into the season.
Offense (29th) – Pass Game (27th) – Run Game (27th)
As a whole, I have the Titans’ offense ranked 29th entering the season. The unit is relatively balanced between the run and pass game, but it remains heavily dependent on unproven young players taking the next step in their development. There is some intriguing talent throughout the roster, yet the offense lacks the proven elite playmakers that typically elevate a unit into the upper half of the league.
Despite the low ranking, the floor of this offense is higher than most teams in this range. Cam Ward has a stronger supporting cast than he did as a rookie, the running back room is deep and reliable, and the receiving corps offers a blend of stability and upside. The biggest concern remains the offensive line, particularly on the interior. If that group struggles, it could undermine the progress being made everywhere else.
However, there is a realistic path for this offense to exceed expectations. If the offensive line proves more competent than projected, and if players such as Ward, Gunnar Helm, or JC Latham continue their upward trajectories, Tennessee could outperform this ranking by a significant margin. There are still plenty of questions surrounding this unit, but there is also more upside here than one would typically expect from the league’s 29th-ranked offense.
Defensive Line (13th)
Interior Defensive Line (4th)
The Titans’ defensive front is anchored by Jeffery Simmons, who re-established himself as one of the premier defensive tackles in football last season. Simmons is the type of player who can completely alter a game plan, consistently commanding extra attention while creating opportunities for everyone around him. He raises both the floor and the ceiling of Tennessee’s defense and remains the cornerstone of the unit.
Beyond Simmons, however, there are more questions than answers. The second starting defensive tackle spot appears likely to be shared by Jordan Elliott and Solomon Thomas. Both players should see meaningful snaps, but neither profiles as an ideal full-time starter at this stage of their careers. They are capable rotational pieces, yet asking either to carry a heavy workload could expose some weaknesses. The good news for Tennessee is that Robert Saleh’s scheme frequently utilizes edge defenders as interior pass rushers in obvious passing situations. Several of those hybrid players will help supplement the interior pass rush, reducing the burden on the traditional defensive tackles. Even so, the lack of proven depth behind Simmons could become an issue, particularly against the run. If injuries strike or the rotation underperforms, opposing offenses may find success attacking the interior of the defense.
As things currently stand, sixth-round rookie Jackie Marshall is the only other defensive tackle I project to make the roster. Cam Horsley, Jalyn Holmes, and Timmy Horne will all have opportunities to compete for depth spots, but none have done enough at the NFL level to firmly establish themselves as roster locks.
Overall, this is a defensive tackle room that relies heavily on the presence of one elite player. Simmons gives Tennessee a legitimate game-wrecker in the middle of the defense, but the supporting cast leaves plenty to be desired. The pass rush should remain effective thanks to Saleh’s scheme and the versatility of the edge group, but the run defense could become vulnerable if the Titans do not get more from their rotational interior defenders.
Edge Rushers (24th)
Following the trade that sent T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets, the Titans enter the season with a very different-looking edge room. Jermaine Johnson projects as the team’s top edge rusher, though there are still questions about whether he can return to the level he showed prior to his injury. Even at his peak, Johnson felt more like an ideal No. 2 edge defender than a true pass-rushing centerpiece. He is a well-rounded player who contributes heavily against the run, but Tennessee may still be searching for a dominant edge presence.
Across from him is John Franklin-Myers, who may actually be the better overall player. The reason I do not view him as the team’s true No. 1 edge defender is that he will spend a significant amount of time lining up on the interior. Franklin-Myers has long been one of the league’s more versatile defensive linemen and may be at his best as a hybrid defender capable of playing both defensive end and defensive tackle. His ability to kick inside on passing downs will be an important part of Robert Saleh’s front.
First-round rookie Keldric Faulk brings a similar type of versatility. Early in the draft process, many evaluators projected him as a future defensive tackle because of his size and frame. However, Faulk slimmed down before the draft and appears committed to proving he can win as a true edge rusher. Tennessee will likely give him every opportunity to develop on the outside, but his long-term future may still involve a hybrid role similar to Franklin-Myers.
The Titans are also hoping for more from Oluwafemi Oladejo after an injury-shortened rookie season. Oladejo has the athletic tools to become a valuable rotational defender and provide some juice off the bench, but his injury likely cost him an opportunity to establish himself as a full-time starter. Jaylen Harrell has also flashed potential in limited opportunities since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2024 and should continue competing for a larger role. One of the more underrated additions to the room is Jacob Martin. While he has never developed into a complete three-down edge defender, he has quietly become one of the league’s better designated pass rushers. His ability to provide situational pressure should earn him a place on the final roster and help strengthen Tennessee’s pass-rush rotation.
The remainder of the group faces a difficult path to roster spots. Earnest Brown IV, Truman Jones, and Malik Herring have all spent time on NFL rosters but have yet to establish themselves as reliable contributors. David Ebuka Agoha, a member of the International Player Pathway Program, rounds out the room and is likely a developmental project.
Overall, this is an intriguing edge group built around versatility rather than star power. Franklin-Myers and Faulk can move across the defensive front, Johnson provides a steady presence on the edge, and Martin gives the Titans a specialized pass-rush option. The room lacks a proven elite sack artist, but it offers flexibility and depth that should allow Saleh to create favorable matchups throughout the season.
Linebackers (22nd)
The Titans’ linebacker room comes in ranked 22nd overall, led by Cedric Gray. A fourth-round pick in 2024, Gray broke out last season and established himself as a quality every-down linebacker. He has developed into a reliable, well-rounded defender who can contribute against the run, in coverage, and as a blitzer. While he may not be a star, he provides Tennessee with a solid foundation at the position. Next to Gray is expected to be second-round rookie Anthony Hill. Hill showcased impressive athleticism and coverage instincts at Texas and brings significantly more upside than some rookie linebackers. However, linebacker remains one of the most difficult positions for college players to transition into at the NFL level. The speed, complexity, and physicality of professional offenses often create a steep learning curve, and Hill could experience some growing pains early in his career. If he develops quickly, though, he has the talent to dramatically raise the ceiling of this defense.
Providing competition and insurance is veteran Cody Barton. Barton is the definition of a dependable NFL linebacker. He lacks standout traits and is unlikely to make many game-changing plays, but he is capable of stepping into the lineup and handling a starting role when needed. Ideally, Tennessee would have Barton serving as its third linebacker rather than relying on him as a full-time starter, making his current role a strong fit if Hill is ready to contribute. Mohamoud Diabate gives the Titans quality depth as a fourth linebacker. He was forced into action in Cleveland and performed reasonably well while also providing value on special teams. James Williams Sr., a developmental prospect from the 2024 draft class, remains an intriguing athlete who has yet to carve out a consistent defensive role but should have a good chance of sticking on the roster.
Dorian Mausi is another name worth monitoring. Although I currently have him on the outside looking in, he reportedly generated positive buzz during minicamp and could push for a roster spot thanks to his special teams value. Behind him are undrafted rookies Mani Powell, Sean Brown, and Shad Banks Jr. Of that group, Banks is the most familiar prospect to me and the player I would consider the most intriguing developmental option, despite currently sitting at the bottom of the depth chart.
Overall, this is a linebacker room with a relatively high floor thanks to the presence of Gray and Barton. At the same time, there is legitimate upside if Hill develops quickly and Gray continues his upward trajectory. The Titans may not have one of the league’s elite linebacker units, but this group has the potential to outperform its ranking if the young talent progresses as expected.
Cornerbacks (24th)
The Titans made a significant investment in their cornerback room this offseason, hoping to finally stabilize one of the roster’s biggest weaknesses. The challenge is that much of that investment was made in players who have traditionally been complementary pieces rather than true shutdown corners. Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott are the headliners after receiving sizable contracts this offseason. Both players have shown flashes throughout their careers, but each has also been inconsistent at times. In previous stops, they were often asked to play supporting roles within the secondary. Now, Tennessee is counting on them to step into CB1 and CB2 responsibilities. The talent is there, but both players will need to prove they can handle a larger workload on a weekly basis.
The slot position belongs to Marcus Harris, one of the more surprising success stories on the roster. A sixth-round rookie last season, Harris emerged late in the year and played well enough to generate significant optimism heading into 2026. While he remains largely unproven, the Titans clearly believe he is ready for a starting role. If Harris struggles, Tennessee does have some built-in flexibility. Both Taylor and Flott have experience playing in the slot and could shift inside if needed. Joshua Williams provides valuable depth on the outside. He filled a similar reserve role in Kansas City, where he flashed starter-level ability at times without ever securing a permanent spot in the lineup. As a depth corner, he is one of the more intriguing additions Tennessee made this offseason and gives the team some insurance behind the starters.
Micah Robinson also returns after seeing action on both defense and special teams last season. His versatility should help his chances of making the roster, though he will likely begin the year in a reserve role. Erick Hallett II is currently listed as the backup nickel corner, but with Taylor and Flott capable of moving inside, his roster spot may not be secure.
Further down the depth chart, Keydrain Calligan has reportedly generated some buzz during training camp and could push for a roster spot. The Titans also added Latrell McCutchin Sr., Jalen McMurray, and Jeadyn Lukus as undrafted free agents. Of that group, McCutchin stands out as the most intriguing developmental prospect. He possesses the physical tools worth investing in, though a practice squad role appears to be the most realistic outcome in the short term.
Overall, this cornerback room is filled with volatility. There is legitimate upside throughout the group, particularly if Harris continues his development and either Taylor or Flott proves capable of handling a true No. 1 cornerback role. At the same time, there is very little proven production at the top of the depth chart. Tennessee spent aggressively to improve this position, and the success of the secondary may ultimately depend on whether those investments can outperform expectations.
Safeties (18th)
Amani Hooker continues to anchor Tennessee’s safety room after spending his entire NFL career with the organization since being drafted in 2019. Hooker may not be one of the league’s elite safeties, but he is a reliable, well-rounded starter who contributes both in coverage and against the run. Like several veterans on this roster, he provides stability. As long as he stays healthy, the Titans know exactly what they are getting from him, making him one of the defense’s most important floor-raising players.
Lining up alongside Hooker is Kevin Winston Jr., whose profile is almost the complete opposite. Winston is a physical, aggressive defender who excels as a run supporter and brings plenty of upside to the position. However, his coverage instincts remain a work in progress, and injuries limited him during his rookie season after entering the league as a third-round pick. With only six NFL starts to his name, there is still significant uncertainty surrounding his development. The talent is evident, but Tennessee will need him to prove he can stay healthy and become a more complete player.
Behind the starters is veteran Tony Adams, one of the more underrated depth pieces on the roster. After going undrafted, Adams started 36 games over four seasons with the Jets and established himself as a capable NFL defensive back. At this stage of his career, he is ideally suited for a backup and sub-package role, though he can step into the starting lineup when needed without becoming a liability.
Kendall Brooks currently projects as the fourth safety on the depth chart, but his value has come primarily on special teams rather than defense. If Tennessee is looking for the better pure defensive option, Jerrick Reed II has a strong case for a roster spot. Reed offers more upside in coverage and could provide additional flexibility in passing situations. Sanoussi Kane remains an intriguing developmental prospect. His physicality and willingness to hit stand out immediately, but he has yet to demonstrate consistent coverage ability at the NFL level. For now, his clearest path to a roster spot is through special teams while he continues to develop defensively.
Rounding out the room is undrafted rookie Bishop Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald generated some draft buzz thanks to his athletic profile and production at USC, but many evaluators viewed him as a developmental prospect whose tape did not consistently match his testing numbers. He is a strong candidate for the practice squad and could be worth monitoring over the long term.
Overall, this is a safety room built around a dependable veteran and a high-upside young player. Hooker provides consistency, Winston supplies the ceiling, and the depth behind them is respectable. If Winston takes a step forward in his second season, this could quietly become one of the more underrated position groups on Tennessee’s defense. If not, Hooker’s steady presence and the veteran depth should still keep the unit from becoming a weakness.
Defense (22nd) – Front Seven (15th) – Coverage Unit (27th)
As a whole, I have the Titans’ defense ranked 22nd entering the season. While the unit lacks a large number of true difference-makers, it is filled with competent NFL players who should allow Tennessee to field a respectable defense on a weekly basis. Jeffery Simmons is the clear centerpiece of the group and the only proven game-wrecker on the roster. Beyond him, the defense is built largely around solid starters and role players rather than stars. That gives the unit a relatively high floor, but it also limits its upside compared to some of the league’s more talented defenses.
The biggest concern remains the cornerback room. Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott, and Marcus Harris all have intriguing traits, but there is very little proven production among them in their projected roles. The group has enough talent to exceed expectations, but it also carries more volatility than any other position on the defense. The edge room is another area that needs to develop. While John Franklin-Myers is one of the defense’s better players, much of his value comes from his ability to move inside and rush alongside Simmons. If Franklin-Myers spends a significant amount of time on the interior, Tennessee still lacks a proven edge defender capable of consistently winning one-on-one matchups and generating pressure from the outside. Without that threat, opposing offenses may be able to devote even more attention to Simmons.
Ultimately, this defense is filled with floor-raising players. Veterans such as Amani Hooker, Cedric Gray, John Franklin-Myers, and Alontae Taylor should provide stability, while Robert Saleh’s scheme should help maximize the talent that is already on the roster. However, if Tennessee wants to develop into an above-average defense, it will need some of its younger players to become ceiling-raisers. The development of players like Anthony Hill, Kevin Winston Jr., Marcus Harris, Keldric Faulk, and Cedric Gray will likely determine whether this unit merely remains respectable or takes a meaningful step forward.
Overall, the defense should be good enough to keep Tennessee competitive and give Cam Ward and the offense opportunities to win games. What I am less convinced of is whether this unit has enough high-end talent to carry the team through difficult stretches of the season. Unless several young players break out, this feels more like a middle-tier defense than one capable of elevating the Titans into legitimate playoff contention.
Specialists (7th)
The Titans’ special teams unit has the makings of one of the stronger groups in the league heading into the season. While Tennessee may lack elite talent at several positions on offense and defense, special teams could quietly become one of the team’s strengths.
Joey Slye returns as a reliable veteran kicker. He may not belong in the elite tier of game-changing kickers, but he has consistently proven himself capable of handling NFL duties and gives Tennessee stability in the kicking game. At punter, Tommy Townsend arrives after spending last season in Houston following a successful run in Kansas City. Townsend has established himself as one of the better punters in football and should provide a noticeable upgrade in field-position battles. Morgan Cox continues to handle long-snapping duties and remains one of the most experienced specialists in the NFL. Since arriving in Tennessee in 2021, he has provided the consistency teams look for at a position that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong.
The return game is headlined by Chimere Dike, who is coming off an All-Pro season as a return specialist. Dike’s explosiveness gives Tennessee legitimate big-play potential whenever the ball is in his hands. Rookie Nic Singleton could also carve out a role in the return game, adding another dynamic athlete to the mix. Exactly how those duties are divided will depend in part on final roster decisions, but the Titans should have multiple options available.
The coverage units also have reason for optimism. Tennessee returns a number of key special teams contributors, including David Martin-Robinson, James Williams Sr., Dorian Mausi, Julius Chestnut, Jaylen Harrell, Kendell Brooks, and Mason Kinsey. Not all of those players are guaranteed roster spots, but the organization has a deep pool of experienced special teams contributors competing for roles. The Titans retain continuity with special teams coordinator John Fassel despite significant changes throughout the rest of the coaching staff. That continuity, combined with experienced specialists and a strong collection of core special teamers, gives Tennessee a chance to field one of the better special teams units in the NFL.
Overall, special teams may end up being one of the hidden strengths of this roster. The Titans have proven veterans at kicker, punter, and long snapper, an All-Pro return specialist, and plenty of experienced coverage players. In what could be a season filled with close games, that advantage may prove more valuable than many realize.
Win Prediction (Under 6.5)
The Titans enter the season with a win total set at 6.5, and that number feels very fair. There is legitimate reason for optimism in Tennessee after several disappointing seasons, but there are also enough unanswered questions to temper expectations. The roster is clearly improving, and the organization finally appears to have a coherent long-term vision in place. Whether that translates into immediate results is another matter entirely.
The schedule is neither particularly favorable nor especially difficult for a team coming off a last-place finish in the AFC South. Tennessee should be competitive in a number of games, but there are very few matchups that feel like guaranteed wins. As a result, much of the season may come down to whether the Titans can win close games and whether their young players develop quickly enough to elevate the roster.
Ultimately, I struggled with this prediction more than most. There is a realistic path where Cam Ward takes a significant step forward, the young talent across the roster develops, and Tennessee pushes toward .500 football. However, there are simply too many question marks for me to confidently bet on that outcome. The offensive line remains a concern, the secondary is highly volatile, and many of the team’s most important players are still more projection than proven production.
For those reasons, I’m taking the under on 6.5 wins. It is not a bet against the future of the franchise as much as it is a bet on the timeline of the rebuild. This feels like a team that is still one year away from taking a meaningful leap forward. If the Titans get off to a slow start and find themselves out of the playoff race early, the focus could shift toward player development and evaluating young talent rather than chasing a few extra wins late in the season.
The good news for Tennessee is that success in 2026 should be measured by growth more than wins and losses. If Cam Ward looks like a franchise quarterback, if the young core continues to develop, and if Robert Saleh establishes the culture the organization is looking for, the Titans could enter 2027 in a much stronger position than their final record might suggest.
