With a number one overall quarterback, an improved offensive line, promising rookie pass-catchers, and an offensive-minded head coach, it's easy to understand why much of the attention this offseason has gone to the Tennessee Titans' offense.
We all know that the long-term success of the franchise rests squarely on the broad shoulders of the young man wearing number one, but as for 2025, a bigger, stronger defensive front could impact the short-term success as much as any position group.
Although some players will be labeled with DL or DE or OLB or EDGE, here we plan to take a look at the big guys up front: those who will shed blockers, stuff the run, and get after opposing quarterbacks.
The Interior Defensive Linemen
Any conversation about the Tennessee defensive line must begin with No. 98: Jeffery Simmons has been the heart of the defense for years, but his pass-rushing production in 2024 was not quite up to the elite standards he had set over previous seasons. Judging by his social media posts and offseason workouts, he understands that he must be better this year. Toward that end, he arrived at minicamp looking slimmer and more explosive than last year and ready to wreck opposing offenses.
The next big name on the line is the biggest guy on the roster: last year's second round pick T'Vondre Sweat. At the time of the draft, this pick was criticized by many experts as a reach for an early-down run defender. Those experts haven't had as much to say after Sweat proved to be one of the best, most promising young defenders in the league as a rookie. However, some of the same questions remain, and he will need to stay healthy and in-shape to continue his development into a dominant force inside.
In addition to Simmons and Sweat, the other established returning starter is Sebastian Joseph-Day, who was productive enough last year to be re-signed in March. Aside from those three, Tennessee retained rotational players Keondre Coburn and James Lynch and added former Cowboy Carlos Watkins via free agency. Additionally, the team added four undrafted free agents up front in Cam Horsley, Philip Blidi, Isaiah Raikes, and and Devonte O'Malley. While experience with the team could give Coburn and Lynch a leg up in camp, one would hope that at least one of the rookies will stake a claim to a roster spot as well.
The EDGE Rushers
While the interior group is led by an established Pro Bowler and an ascending star, the EDGE rushers may offer more uncertainty for now. Tennessee let go of Harold Landry, who had been the team's best pass rusher for years, and he was quickly snatched up by none other than Mike Vrabel's Patriots. Arden Key is now the sole returning starter of the group. Key has been solid in his two years with the Titans-- racking up at least six sacks both seasons-- but he has never developed into the elite pass rusher many had hoped for when he was drafted in 2018 out of LSU.
As far as new additions, the front office made a clear decision to get bigger and stronger at the position. At roughly 6-foot-3 and 281 pounds, Dre'Mont Jones is one of the bigger EDGE defenders in the league. He is another experienced, good-not-great player, totaling a career high 6.5 sacks in 2020 and 2022. Lorenzo Carter is another big EDGE at 6-5, 265, and he will likely compete for time in the rotation with younger players.
Speaking of younger players, all eyes this year will be on another second-rounder up front in Oluwafemi Oladejo. Similarly to the second round of 2024, there were other players at the position who most experts rated higher than the one selected by Tennessee. But none had the combination of size, athleticism, and versatility that set Femi apart in the eyes of the Titans' brass. That versatility could be a key element in Dennard Wilson's attacking defense in 2025.
Key and Jones are the assumed starters at this point, with Oladejo still viewed as a somewhat raw talent who could hopefully develop quickly. Last year's seventh round surprise, Jaylen Harrell, is returning and hoping to show more of the flashes that impressed fans and coaches as a rookie. Tennessee also added former Patriot Titus Leo and former Texan Ali Gaye off waivers and signed Desmond Evans out of North Carolina as an UDFA.
What to Expect in 2025
The Tennessee defense was a bit of a statistical anomaly last season, ranking second in yards allowed but 30th in points allowed. Some of this was due to consistently poor special teams play and untimely turnovers by the offense. The team also tallied only 32 sacks last year, ranking ahead of only the Falcons and Patriots. With the release of their leading EDGE rusher, the team clearly believes that the new strategy adding of size and strength up front will fit better with Dennard Wilson's system.
The pass-rushing will need to improve, but Wilson is known for coming up with exotic, aggressive ways to get after the quarterback. Assuming the offense takes care of the ball and the special teams can cover kicks, the defense should be in fewer bad situations this year. We know what we will get from Simmons and what we expect from Sweat. We also know that Key and Jones could make a capable duo, and we hope that Oladejo will convert his raw talent into real production sooner rather than later. There are questions here, but as long as Big Jeff is out there, it's hard to view this group as a weakness.