4 defensive players to watch in Titans' preseason debut vs. 49ers

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will officially debut his new-look defense versus the San Francisco 49ers in the team's first preseason game on Saturday evening. Head coach Brian Callahan has consistently confirmed that the starters will play extensively throughout the preseason.

That means Wilson will receive an opportunity to flash some of his defensive tendencies, even if a "vanilla" approach is taken. Regardless of how many defensive starters play, and how much of Wilson's scheme is "protected," there are several talents worth monitoring.

We've identified four Titans on defense that you should particularly monitor versus the 49ers.

T'Vondre Sweat, DT

No Titans player has caused more divisive conversation this summer than rookie second-round pick T'Vondre Sweat. Sweat was sidelined for the majority of the offseason workout program, leading to overreaction and false narratives. But the former Texas Longhorn has been healthy and impressive through every training camp practice thus far.

Sweat will make his official Titans debut versus the 49ers. General manager Ran Carthon drafted him to push and collapse opposing pockets. Jeffery Simmons is not playing on Saturday, meaning Sweat will be the focal point of Tennessee's interior defensive line. The rookie second-round selection can showcase what type of running mate he'll be for Tennessee's superstar defensive tackle.

Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB

Callahan confirmed the starters will play a "series or two," but we doubt that includes starting cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chido Awuzie. Sneed is on a workload management plan, and Awuzie is still sidelined with injury. We also know Caleb Farley is out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury.

That should lead to plenty of reps for fifth-round rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Brownlee has been outstanding at practice, routinely shutting receivers own via one-on-one reps. His physical approach should make for particularly exciting preseason performances.

Jaylen Harrell, EDGE

Rookie seventh-round selection Jaylen Harrell has consistently strung together impressive practice performances. Harrell has been explosive as a pass rusher and physical as an edge-setter versus the run. His head coach is extremely excited to watch him make his in-game debut against the 49ers.

"The one guy I'd have to single out that's been fantastic is Jaylen Harrell," head coach Brian Callahan said on Thursday. "He's come in and done everything right. He's shown real ability to rush [the quarterback]. He's going to play and we'll see if it translates. I've been really impressed with what he's done so far. Put him on the list of guys I'm excited to go watch play on Saturday," Callahan concluded.

If Harrell's practice form translates, he possesses a legitimate opportunity to capture an early-down role. Snaps are up for grabs following Arden Key's six-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. The likes of Rashad Weaver could end up forfeiting snaps to Harrell if the ex Michigan standout blows up during the preseason.

Shane Ray, OLB

The Titans took a flier on 2015 first-rounder Shane Ray by signing him to a one-year contract in July. Ray previously impressed the Titans during a rookie minicamp tryout in May. It's worth acknowledging he hasn't been a legitimate NFL contributor since 2018 (and he only had one sack that year), and spent 2021 and 2022 playing for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

But Ray has strung together quality practice reps while flashing speed and explosiveness. His opportunity to make the roster and actually play meaningful snaps greatly increased following Key's aforementioned six game suspension. Titans DC Dennard Wilson has expressed confidence in his in-house solutions following Key’s suspension, meaning Ray is battling for a role.