Tennessee Titans Roster Rundown: Defensive Line

The Tennessee Titans interior defensive line unit is mostly decided, but we run through them here and now.

Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - The defensive line of the Tennessee Titans was the best against the run in the entire NFL in 2022, and the thought is that they will once again be at or near that ranking again this season. It will need to be near the top again in 2023 if this team is to exceed the low expectations projected upon them. 

THE PLAYERS

Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Naquan Jones, Tyler Shelvin, Curtis Brooks, Jaleel Thompson, Jaden Peevey, Shakel Brown, T.K. McClendon Jr.  

THE STARTERS 

Defensive End: Denico Autry- One of the most productive pass rushers on the team, Autry can play multiple roles on the defensive front, and though he is getting long in the tooth, he has gotten better with age after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014.  

Defensive Tackle: Jeffery Simmons- Not much more has to be said here, as "Big Jeff" is one of the best defensive linemen in the entire league. 

Nose Tackle: Teair Tart- Another former undrafted, Tart has become a valuable asset to the Titans defensive front. While he benefits from playing beside Simmons and Autry, he has earned the accolades he gets by working hard and producing on the field as the man in the middle of that stingy run defense.  

THE BACKUPS

Naquan Jones: A lock to make the 53-man roster and backup Tart in the middle of the defensive front, Jones is also a former undrafted free agent who has made his place with hard work and tough-nosed play.  

Tyler Shelvin: The massive (6-foot-3, 346-pound) former LSU Tiger looked solid in minicamp but must continue to work. That said, at this point, I'm projecting Shelvin to win a place here. Of course, he will have to prove it on the practice and game fields.    

Jaden Peevey: Also projected here is Peevey, who is young, but has an impressive physical appearance and has looked good so far. Again, he must continue to prove it and earn the spot, but for this article, he's got a place.  

PRACTICE SQUAD

T.K. McClendon: This is where McClendon should be aiming, to earn a place here where the former Eastern Kentucky defensive end, who converted from tight end, can continue to develop his skills and game.  

Shakel Brown: Yet another undrafted free agent with the opportunity to find a place, and it will likely be here, on the practice squad, if he can hold on.  

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