Top 3 Defensive Needs for Titans To Address in 2023

Recently, I talked about the three biggest needs on offense for the Tennessee Titans to address in 2023. Now, here's a closer look into what I believe are their three biggest needs on defense to address this offseason.

Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports

NASHVILLE — It's going to be interesting to see the approach that new Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon and coach Mike Vrabel take in addressing the Titans' defensive needs in 2023. There may be room for improvement in several areas, but the focus could be on the Titans' top three needs on the defensive side of the ball, at inside linebacker, cornerback and with the need for an edge rusher.

Here's our breakdown with what's going on at all three spots, and what the Titans might do to address the issues at each spot.

Inside linebacker

In my mind, this is probably the biggest need for Tennessee's defense. Dylan Cole, who recorded 50 total tackles and one sack during the 2022 season, is set to become a free agent. David Long Jr., who put together a strong 2022 campaign with 86 total tackles and two interceptions, is also going to be a free agent.

Remember, too, that Tennessee also elected not to bring back former first-round pick Rashaan Evans and former fifth-round pick Jayon Brown. You could make the case that both Evans and Brown should've been retained, but the Titans' brass decided to go a different direction, and the performance at linebacker wasn't as consistent as Tennessee probably would have liked in 2022.

Tennessee, ultimately, will have a decision to make regarding Long Jr., who's likely their most important defensive free agent, and Cole, who gave the Titans' defense solid production and started a total of 24 games over the last two seasons.

The Titans may very well have some options come the start of free agency on March 15 and in the NFL Draft in April, but not re-signing at least Cole or Long Jr. this offseason would leave as massive hole to fill at inside linebacker.

Cornerback

The Titans only have two cornerbacks set to hit the open market this offseason in Lonnie Johnson and Terrance Mitchell. But the need at cornerback is still there for me, and it primarily has to do with the fact that many of the Titans' top corners have struggled to stay healthy for the last couple of seasons.

Kristian Fulton, a former second-round pick out of LSU, appeared in only 11 games in 2022 and recorded just 48 combined tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. In his career, Fulton has yet to play a full season for Tennessee and appeared in just six games his rookie season in 2020 and 13 games in his second year in 2021.

While Fulton has flashed at times, his injury history has made it more difficult to progress throughout his career thus far. Caleb Farley, a former first-round pick out of Virginia Tech, is another example of this.

Over the previous two seasons, Farley has appeared in 12 total games and has yet to record an interception. Farley, like Fulton, has also struggled remaining healthy, which in turn has really slowed down his progress within Tennessee's defense.

Both Farley and Fulton are still very young and early on in their respective careers. Yes, Tennessee's other corners showed some flashes in 2022, but was it enough to mark cornerback off your list of needs for 2023? In my mind, the answer is no, and Tennessee should strongly consider dipping into the free agency pool or draft for some much-needed help at corner.

Edge rusher

Ideally, you could probably rank these three needs on defense in any order you'd like. But I'm putting edge rusher at the bottom because of the level of play Tennessee received from defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and a handful of others this past season.

With names like DeMarcus Walker (seven sacks in 2022) and Mario Edwards Jr. (three sacks in 2022) set to become free agents this offseason, Tennessee could look to bring in more depth along the defensive line, particularly at defensive end.

Both Walker and Edwards were solid contributors when given the chance last season. Perhaps this isn't the biggest need for some, but quality defensive line depth, especially at edge rusher, is hard to come by in today's NFL.

Outside linebacker Harold Landry, who's set to return from a torn ACL injury, should certainly help with Tennessee's overall production in the pass-rushing department. With that said, I'd still strongly consider bringing in some more help at defensive end, even if they're not starters but can help in a rotational manner in 2023.

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