Titans Projected Starting Lineup: Defensive Front Seven Nearly Set

The Tennessee Titans made some serious additions to the defensive front seven in free agency after losing three starters in the early offseason. What does the frontline of the Titans’ defense look like after all the movement?

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans needed some serious reinforcements in the defensive front seven after the dust settled right before free agency. The Titans released Zach Cunningham and Bud Dupree for cap purposes. Also, the writing was on the wall in regard to starting linebacker David Long joining a new team. Long eventually did join the Miami Dolphins, so that left three major holes to fill. Not to mention the uncertain status of nose tackle Teair Tart who was a restricted free agent.

Since that time, the majority of the Titans’ free agent moves have come on defense. Multiple decisions were made to address the front seven specifically. The Titans added two free agent linebackers in Azeez Al-Shaair and Luke Gifford while adding Arden Key on the edge at outside linebacker. They also decided to put a tender on Tart to ensure they would be able to retain his services. This leaves very few questions about the Titans’ starting group upfront on defense with the exception of one spot that is still open for the taking.

Linebackers 

Azeez Al-Shaair

Monty Rice

Odds are Al-Shaair will be getting one of the starting linebacker spots. He has starter experience and has been more reliable throughout his career than Rice has. Rice is coming into his third-season in the NFL and has shown flashes of starting linebacker potential, but has yet to really solidify himself in that role. He should have ample opportunity to do so this offseason. He is currently the leader in the clubhouse for a starting gig next to Al-Shaair.

Potentially, one of the guys lower on the depth chart could make a play for the spot next to Al-Shaair. Returning players like Jack Gibbens or Chance Campbell could steal the spot. The Titans other free agent signing at linebacker, Luke Gifford, could also rise from special teams player to starting back if he shows he is capable of being more, but odds are it’ll be tough to beat out Rice for this spot.

How to Address the Need:

The Titans need one more linebacker. Gibbens was an undrafted free agent in 2022 and Campbell didn’t play a single snap due to injury. Gifford will most likely remain as a special-teams only player. The Titans have been sniffing around linebackers in the NFL draft so they may look to make an addition there. General manager Ran Carthon had a lot of success during his time in San Francisco with hitting on late-round linebackers. The Titans would be wise to look to have that carry over to Tennessee. Hopefully, the Titans can find a competent starting backer on day three during the selection process.

Edge Rusher

Harold Landry

Rashad Weaver

This is the most debatable spot on the list. The Titans signed Arden Key to a deal as a free agent and you could make the case that Key will be the starter over Weaver. However, I would argue that Key has had his best two seasons as a pro when in a rotational role. When Key is allowed to come in off the bench and play with high energy, he can be a game wrecker. Keeping him fresh so he can play with that energy and juice throughout the game will be important. Weaver also is a bigger guy and nearly 20 pounds heavier than Key. I think he would hold up better on early downs against the run than Key. Either way, a healthy rotation should make who is on the field for the first snap a pointless discussion.

How to Address the Need:

The Titans could choose to add an edge in the NFL draft. You can never have too many good pass rushers. Also, Landry will be coming off a torn ACL and may not be playing at his top level early on. Then, you have the reality that Weaver could not be worthy of the snaps he is set to get. Weaver had ups and downs in his second season with the team and failed to consistently make plays each week. The Titans could look to add a body to compete with Weaver for those opportunities.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Jeffery Simmons – DT

Denico Autry – DE

Teair Tart – NT

This may be the least concerning position group on the entire roster. Yes, Autry is getting older and will be turning 33 at some point during the year, but he is still a fantastic player who is worthy of a starting role. It could be possible the Titans decide to let Weaver handle the Autry role on early downs and save Autry for more of a pass rushing role. Even if they do so, the group is in a good place. However, if for some reason Tart is given a deal by another team and the Titans decide not to match, there would be a gaping hole in the middle of the defensive line that would need addressed.

How to Address the Need:

The Titans don’t really have a major need here as things stand. As mentioned, if Tart goes to a new team there would be one, but that doesn’t seem likely to happen with the Titans ability to match any deal Tart would receive. The Titans do need to add depth on the defensive line though behind the current starters. Autry is getting older and a successor in the pipeline who can learn from Autry would make a lot of sense. The Titans would only find that in the draft so be on the lookout for them to take a defensive lineman for the Autry spot in April.

Other Positions:

Wide Receiver & Tight End

Offensive Line

Offensive Backfield

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