The Tennessee Titans are counting on several sophomore defenders to take a developmental step forward in 2025. Nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. are the two most obvious examples. Sweat and Brownlee Jr. are unquestioned starters for Dennard Wilson's unit, and their ability to upgrade their play as sophomores is imperative to the defense's success this season.
One of the more underrated examples who could find himself in similar territory is second-year linebacker Cedric Gray. The Titans hoped Gray would emerge as a rookie contributor last season, but the fourth-round selection (No. 106 overall) saw his debut campaign derailed by an offseason injury.
Gray didn't make his Titans debut until a Week 12 victory over the Houston Texans. With the season already lost, the Titans should have possessed interest in seeing Gray play down the stretch. Despite that, the former North Carolina standout totaled just 48 defensive snaps, less than what seventh-round linebacker James Williams (111) played.
Entering his second training camp, Gray possesses another opportunity to play himself into the starting lineup.
Titans need Cedric Gray to break out in 2025
Luckily for Gray, the Titans still have lingering questions at off-ball linebacker. The non-premium position wasn't an offseason priority for first-year GM Mike Borgonzi, who instead focused on upgrading at quarterback by taking Cam Ward at No. 1 overall. Wide receiver, EDGE, safety, and the offensive line also received Borgonzi's attention. Meanwhile the lone notable move made at linebacker was the signing of Cody Barton to a three-year contract.
Barton is the only guaranteed starter at linebacker. Borgonzi viewed him as an ideal veteran fit to help reset the culture and mentality. Gray appears to possess the upper hand on the position battle that will occur opposite Barton, but there are alternative options if he fails to maximize the opportunity. The aforementioned Williams and Otis Reese IV are lurking. The Titans also signed veteran Anfernee Orji, and UDFA LB David Gbenda is an intriguing player.
The Titans are invested in Gray's development. It would be considered a failure if he struggles to defeat Williams or Reese for the starting gig opposite Barton. A breakout sophomore season from Gray would help complete the Titans' defense in 2025.