In-form Titans defender has become foundational piece for future

As the Tennessee Titans march toward another offseason of rebuilding, the team needs to know which players they can build around for the future. General manager Ran Carthon and his trusted confidant Chad Brinker must be combing over the roster trying to separate the short-term starters from the long-time building blocks.

Safety Amani Hooker has elevated his game to the point where he needs to be recognized as a foundational piece of the future. Hooker is approaching Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry territory as a player that is vital to the success of Dennard Wilson's defense.

The Titans drafted Hooker with a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. His success is a reminder of why that section of the draft is important, and why Carthon did well to acquire additional picks in that range in exchange for DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones in October. Since Carthon took over, the Titans have found similar value in those rounds, landing players like Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Josh Whyle.

By Hooker's second season, he was a key role player on the Titans' defense, and by his third campaign, he had earned a full-time starting job next to Kevin Byard. While he has always had a knack for big plays, he's become a more consistent performer, and both aspects of his game are starting to coalesce into what should be a Pro Bowl safety.

Hooker has three interceptions this season, including two in Sunday's victory over the New England Patriots. He's the only Titans player with a pick in 2024. Hooker also has as many pass breakups as every other Titans defensive back combined. He's been Wilson's best player in the defensive backfield.

Despite it being his sixth professional campaign, Hooker is only 26 years old and remains under contract through next season, per Over The Cap. Hooker remains in his prime, which is terrific news for a Titans roster that needs players to build around. Signing an extension this offseason shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility.

Tennessee's No. 1 ranked defense is currently the strength of a struggling team. Hooker belongs among the approximately two handfuls of players that project as guaranteed starters next season. In fact, the majority of the secondary should remain intact, with Hooker playing next to the likes of L'Jarius Sneed and Roger McCreary.

While Brian Callahan develops this offense and tries to find a franchise quarterback, the Titans need to lean on the defense. It makes everyone's life a lot easier knowing that the team has a talented defense with an in-form Hooker to build around.