No. 3 strength on the Titans roster in 2023: D-Line
Ever since Mike Vrabel became the head coach, the Titans have been known for their ground-and-pound style of offense and their dominant defensive line play, and their 2023 version is no different. One of the biggest news this offseason was that Tennessee gave defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons a four-year deal worth $94 million in April.
A first-round pick in 2019, Simmons has become a staple on the defensive front over the last two years, logging 16 sacks and 13 passes defended — a big amount for an interior defender — in that span. Make no mistake though, Simmons isn't the only defensive lineman on the Tennessee roster that is slated to make an impact next season.
Defensive end Denico Autry got off to a slow start to his career but has developed into a solid starter. Since joining the Titans in 2021, he's posted 17 sacks and it's possible that he should post even better numbers with the arrival of Arden Key and the return of Harold Landry III.
Key — an important piece of the rival Jacksonville Jaguars last season — has the versatility to line up at several spots across the defensive line. Even though he only logged 4.5 sacks in 2022, he helped his teammates find more favorable matchups and he will most likely have a similar impact in Tennessee next season.
A third-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2018 draft, Key needed a bit of time and the right situation to hit his stride but given the talent on the Titans' defensive line, it wouldn't be shocking to see him set a new career high for sacks in 2023.
Last but not least is Teair Teat, who won't post eye-popping numbers but he's been integral to the team's success up front. Otherwise, the top brass wouldn't have brought him back in free agency on a $4.3 million deal.