My Inaugural All-Time All-Titans Team: Defensive Edition

As we close in on the Tennessee Titans 2023 training camp opening, it seems like a good time to put together an all-time Titans team.
George Walker IV / The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC
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NASHVILLE - As the 2023 Tennessee Titans season continues to steamroll its way toward us, this seems like a good time to jump into and put together my inaugural All-Time All-Titans team ahead of the coming campaign.

The criteria for this team are simple; the player must have played for the current incarnation of the franchise as a Titan and in Nashville. In other words, Robert Brazille, who is undoubtedly an all-time franchise great, won't appear here.

So let's jump in and put this defensive team together.

DEFENSE 

Defensive End: Jevon Kearse- 'The Freak' changed this franchise when he burst onto the scene and fueled the fire for the 1999 team's run to the Super Bowl.

Defensive End: Kyle Vanden Bosch: 'KVB' was another terror as a rusher off the edge, and with him and Kearse together, and at their best, this defense would be feared like few others. 

Defensive Tackle: Albert Haynesworth: Big Al was a dominant force early in his career. He was a huge (literally) presence and could dominate the game from inside the defensive line. 

Honorable Mention- Jurrell Casey is a heck of a rotational player for this group.

Defensive Tackle: Jeffery Simmons- "Big Jeff," "Big Al," KVB, and "The Freak.' If only!  

Outside Linebacker: Keith Bulluck: "Mr. Monday Night" was another force for the Titans during his time in Nashville. He was a playmaker, and having him working behind this line gives me chills.

Middle Linebacker: Randall Godfrey- A free agent addition in 2000, Godfrey led the team in tackles his first two seasons, including a career-high 169 stops in 2000.   

Outside Linebacker: Harold Landry- Landry hasn't been with the team long, but when healthy and at his best, he is a fierce pass rusher who, in 2021, produced a career-high 12 sacks and 74 tackles.   

Honorable Mention: David Thornton The former Colt came to Nashville and had two seasons of over 100 total tackles while collecting 369 in his four seasons with the team. 

Cornerback: Samari Rolle- The Titans first lockdown corner in Nashville, Rolle was selected by the then-Tennessee Oilers in 1998 and earned All-Pro honors in 2000. 

Cornerback: Courtland Finnegan- Best remembered for his battle royal with Andre Johnson, Finnegan was a seventh-round pick who worked himself into a Pro-Bowler in 2008.  

Safety: Kevin Byard- The current Titans All-Pro is, without a doubt, one of the top two safeties this franchise has had since landing on the East Bank. 

Safety: Blaine Bishop- "The Hitman" was a physical enforcer on the back end of the Super Bowl team and throughout the rest of his career. He's also a frequent visitor to the team's practice even now, as a local media member. 

Special Teams

Kick Returner: Derrick Mason- D-Mase was a solid returner who gets the kickoff return spot here. 

Punt Returner: Adam 'Pac-Man' Jones- Yes, Jones was a pain in the hindquarters for this franchise, but as a punt returner, he was as electric and dangerous as anyone who ever returned a punt.  

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Greg Arias
GREG ARIAS

Greg Arias covers the Tennessee Titans for All Titans.com on Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He has been covering the NFL for various outlets since 2000.