Finding Depth For The Titans Defensive Line

The starting defensive line is set for the Tennessee Titans, but what of the depth behind the starters?

Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - When it comes to the starters on the Tennessee Titans defensive line, it's one of the best in the entire National Football League. However, the coaching staff must find some more depth behind those starters. 

While Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry get the majority of the press, Teair Tart and Naquan Jones are also substantial parts of this unit that sometimes perform under the radar. 

Beyond those four at the top of the lineup, the Titans currently have six other defensive linemen who are all vying for a place on the team's 53-man roster. 

Jaleel Johnson (7th season), Tyler Shelvin (3rd season), Curtis Brooks (2cd season), Jayden Peavey (2cd season), and rookies Shakel Brown and TK McClendon are those players hopeful of finding a place with the Titans this season. 

Of all these candidates, it's Brooks, who, while undersized at 6-foot-2, 287-pounds, possesses some unique athletic qualities. As a sixth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts, Brooks failed to make the team in 2022 and was signed by the Titans to their practice squad, where he spent last season working to improve his strength and techniques.    

Entering that draft, Brooks's athletic workout numbers were off the charts, as he produced a 4.9 forty-yard dash time, along with 33 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. He added a 35.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-5-inch broad jump to add to those figures.  

Compared to his heralded teammate, Autry, Brooks's numbers compare favorably. 

 Johnson, a fourth-round selection by Minnesota in 2017, has experience and has been an adequate rotational player. Still, he has been unable to last more than three seasons with one team and has been with eight teams since 2021. 

Shelvin, who is a massive individual at 6-foot-3, 346 pounds. The former LSU standout was a fourth-round selection by Cincinnati; he spent two seasons with the Bengals before joining the Titans as a free agent this season. 

He is a run stuffer, and a solid force inside, though he could stand more work on his body to become a better player.

Peavey, who joined the Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, has spent a season on the team's practice squad, where he has improved strength and conditioning. Peavey flashed signs of his ability during the recent minicamp when he was in the regular rotation against the Titans starting offensive line.   

Brown, another undersized defender, possesses quickness and a strong motor, but he seems to be one that could benefit from time in an NFL strength program. 

 Likewise, McClendon, who comes from a small school in Eastern Kentucky, McClendon is a solid pass rusher with a great athletic profile. Still, he needs time to improve his body and technique before he can be ready to take a real shot at this roster. 

 The Titans defensive line should be solid, as, despite their star potential, this group should allow the coaching staff to solidify the depth behind those starters with players currently on the roster. 

Still, the front office could look to upgrade once cuts begin in training camp.   

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