Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi overhauled the roster in a major way this offseason. Most notably, the team drafted quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. That's just the tip of the iceberg, however. Heading into next week's training camp, approximately 52% of the 90-man roster is entering their first season with the Titans.
There have been significant changes to the coaching staff and across the front office as well, though the head coach (Brian Callahan), offensive coordinator (Nick Holz), and defensive coordinator (Dennard Wilson) are all returning. Continuity isn't present in bunches. Nor should it be, considering the Titans are coming off an abysmal 3-14 season.
With so much change promoted throughout the roster, it's interesting to analyze the areas that actually do possess continuity. The position group where little-to-change has occurred is at defensive tackle. That's a good thing, with the Titans headed into camp with continuity at the strongest position on their roster.
Titans have continuity at defensive tackle heading into 2025 training camp
Jeffery Simmons is the Titans' superstar at defensive tackle. He played 807 snaps last season, fifth-most on the team. Simmons recorded just five sacks in 2024 and knows he can be more effective in 2025. The former Mississippi State standout is focused on recapturing his previous dominance.
Simmons' partner in base defense will be T'Vondre Sweat. The sophomore nose tackle was outstanding as a rookie throughout 2024, playing nearly 700 snaps. Sweat is capable of taking another developmental step forward. Wilson's defense is heavily reliant on his partnership with Simmons creating headaches for opposing offensive linemen.
Sebastian Joseph-Day was the Titans' third-most interior defensive lineman last season. Joseph-Day was effective via 486 snaps, nearly 46 percent of Tennessee's total defensive plays. He returns in 2025 after signing a one-year contract worth up to $6.5 million this offseason. SJD had 44 tackles in 2024, and also chipped in with 2.5 sacks.
James Lynch and Keondre Coburn were the Titans' fourth and fifth most-used defensive lineman last season. Coburn signed a one-year extension in March and projects as Sweat's primary backup at nose tackle. It's difficult to see him losing his roster spot. Borgonzi re-signed Lynch in May after he produced 20 tackles in 17 regular-season appearances.
The Titans' interior defensive line should offer the defense a matchup advantage. Simmons and Sweat were drafted by previous regimes, whereas Coburn, Lynch, and Joseph-Day were shrewd low-cost additions via free agency. This unit is honestly a perfect balance between the draft and free agency, and the Titans should reap the rewards of that continuity in 2025.