Looking Into The Titans Defensive Line

The Tennessee Titans defense was a team strength in 2022 and would appear to have a chance to be the same in 2023. Still, let's take a look at this defensive line.

Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - When it was announced that Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had agreed to a contract extension, keeping him in Nashville, there was an audible sigh of relief from the fans and those inside St. Thomas Sports Park..   

Simmons is one of the two best players on the Titans defense, and with questions surrounding the status of the other (Kevin Byard), it was essential that Simmons return.  

Once again, Simmons will partner with another former Mississippi State Bulldog, Denico Autry, to handle most of the load along the defensive line.   

Naquan Jones and Teair Tart are also returning and will join the rotation. However, after that foursome, the remainder of this group is either inexperienced or unproven. 

Tyler Shelvin,  Jaden Peavy, and Curtis Brooks enter their second season in the league, while Sam Okuayinonu will begin season three. 

The Titans have had success finding players to bring in that have added value and production to the defensive front, which could be a needed element again this season, depending on the quality depth they can develop behind the starters.

Considering the current depth situation, could the Titans look to add another member to this front in the coming draft?

Anything is possible, and it would not surprise many to see that happen, though it is doubtful it will come on day one.

There are currently five draft hopefuls that intrigue me in this class, and all are players who should come off the board in rounds two or three. 

The Five

Mazi Smith, Michigan: The 6-foot-5, 337-pound run stuffer had a solid career for the Wolverines and would be a nice addition in the middle to help alleviate some of the double teams Simmons regularly faces. Smith's strength is perhaps his best skill, and his 34 reps of 225 pounds at the combine proves his power.

Siaki Ika, Baylor: Another mountain of a man, Ika is 6-foot-3, 335 pounds, and ran a 5.39 forty in Indianapolis. He is not a great pass rusher, but he is quick enough to impact the pocket off the snap and force opponents to double-team him, thus allowing Simmons and Autry more one-on-one opportunities.   

Gervon Dexter, Florida: Dexter is more of a pass rusher than the previous two in that at 6'foot-6, 313-pounds, his speed (4.48 forty at the combine) makes him an interesting prospect. He is long, lean, and yet still powerful enough (22 reps of 225 at the combine) to be able to hold his own against the run, especially when he won't likely be the one facing the double team.  

Moro Ojoma, Texas: A bit of a tweener, Ojomo packs a lot of strength in his 6-feet-3, 292-pound frame. His initial quickness off the snap and incredible lower body strength make Ojomo an interesting prospect. His combine numbers attest to that strength, where he posted a 5.04 forty, a 33" vertical, and a 9'4" broad jump, along with 29 bench press reps.  

Keondre Coburn, Texas: Ojomo's Longhorn teammate is the fifth and final of the five. Standing 6-foot-2, and 332-pounds, Coburn has somewhat short arms, but his anchor and his quick feet allow him to overcome that issue. He was a top 50 recruit nationally coming out of high school and had a more than solid career at Texas. His combine numbers include a 5.22 forty, 27.5" vertical, along with an 8'5" broad jump and 24 reps on the bench press.  

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