2025 NFL Season Preview- Tennessee Titans

The best thing that can be said about the Tennessee Titans' 2024 campaign is that it's in the rearview mirror.

The Titans' 1–6 record to start the season was their worst start since 2015 and missed the playoffs for the third straight year. They failed to improve on their 6–11 record from the previous season and suffered their most losses in a decade.

The offense for most of the season had an identity crisis. Quarterback Will Levis took major steps backwards in year two, throwing 12 interceptions, fumbled six times, and was sacked 41 times while also missing five games with a separated AC joint in his shoulder. Mason Rudolph filled in those five games, throwing nine touchdowns and nine picks. After running back Derrick Henry didn't resign, the time signed Tony Pollard from Dallas. The sixth year back was solid, averaging over four yards per carry, five scores, and 41 catches. Tight end Chigoziem Okinkwo became more reliable after the team traded DeAndre Hopkins to Kansas City. The wide receivers leave a lot to be desired. Tyler Boyd looked nothing like he did while playing for the Bengals, Calvin Ridley should flashes with some long touchdowns, Treylon Burk is on this ice with his lack of production, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine had only 32 catches but 9 went for scores. The offensive line is THE major weakness of the offense, allowing 116 sacks over the last two years.

Defensively, Tennessee shows some promise as they finishes second in passing and total defense. Sebastian Joseph-Day played in every game for the first time in his seven year career. Edge rusher Harold Landry is the team's longest tenured player and finished with nine sacks. The Titans acquired Kenneth Murray and was playing well before a wrist injury ended his season. Tennessee traded for cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, but he played in just five games and Chidobe Awuzie played in just three games. Amani Booker led the team with five interceptions and Quandre Diggs looked solid before landing on injured reserve.

Kicker Nick Folk made a career best 6 of 6 from 50+ yards and hit on 95.5% of his attempts. The Titans finished last in the league and punt coverage and second to last in covering kickoffs.

This season was the first since 2014 where no Titans players were named to the initial AFC roster for the Pro Bowl. Defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons was later added as a substitute. Simmons is the consistent force on the Tennessee defensive line and finished the year with fives sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

Several members of the rookie class saw significant playing time, but nobody stood out as a future star. Offensive tackle JC Latham is very young, but has the tools to survive in the league. Defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat's size made it difficult for him to be single blocked. Linebacker Cedric Gray saw action in seven games but wasn't ready for the big time. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. looked like seasoned pro with 75 tackles, nine passes defended and a pick. James Williams saw playing time at both linebacker and safety and Jaylen Harrell played nearly 500 total snaps.

Head Coach Brian Callahan had a rocky first season in Tennessee. He will have to make huge strides if he hopes to stay employed for a third season.

After the 2024 campaign, the team fired general manager Ran Carthon and replaced him with former Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Michael Borgonzi.

Notable Additions: QB Brandon Allen, QB Tim Boyle, WR Van Jefferson, WR Tyler Lockett, G Kevin Zeitler, DT Dre'Mont Jones, LB Cody Barton, LB Lorenzo Carter, S Xavier Woods, K Joey Slye, P Johnny Hekker

Notable Departures: QB Mason Rudolph, RB Joshua Kelley, WR Tyler Boyd, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TE Nick Vannett, LB Jerome Baker, LB Luke Gifford, LB Harold Landry, LB Raekwon McMillan, CB Chidobe Awuzie, K Nick Folk

Finishing at 3-14 and last in the NFL gave the Titans the first overall pick in the Draft for the first time since the team moved to Tennessee. The Houston Oiler had the first overall pick twice, drafting Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell and defensive end John Matuszak. The Titans need to bolster their roster if they ever want to make it back to the postseason. They need to make improvements at quarterback, offensive lineman, and edge rusher.

Will Levis struggled all year and missed his chance to claim the job once and for all.

There are some stable pieces on the offensive line with JC Latham, Peter Skoronski, and Kevin Zeitler, but the other two spots need major upgrades.

With Harold Landry now in New England, the team needs a fresh edge rusher to make up for his production.

On draft day, Tennessee ended up selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick. Ward has a gunslinger mentality with good size, a big arm and the mobility to help out his offensive line. However, the longer he’s off-schedule, the spottier his decision-making can get.

Other Notable Draft Picks:

Oluwafemi Oladejo, OLB, UCLA- Solid length for his size, stiff hips

Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State- Natural blitzer with quick first step, limited athleticism

Chimere Dike, WR, Florida- Long strider, more drops than touchdowns

Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas- Reliable pass catcher, stiff and slow

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford- great boundary target, concerning injury history

Jackson Slater, G, Sacramento State- rare size and speed mix, small school prospect

Marcus Harris, CB, California- averaged nine passes defended in four years, slow to locate ball

Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan- Physically imposing runner, underdeveloped vision

The Titans have some pieces to be competitive, but fans can't expect them to return to playoff form right away.

Cam Ward has to start week one. Given the question marks on the offensive line, Ward's ability to extend plays and improvise will likely makes things easier for the big guys. Tony Pollard is a quality back and has shown he can produce even behind a shotty line. Calvin Ridley should be the number one receiver with Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett providing support along with the two rookies. Chigoziem Okonkwo will liklely come into the year as the starting tight end until Gunnar Helm can prove to be a force in the passing game. The offensive line should be better compared to the last two season, but the real question marks will be at center and right tackle.

The defensive line has some strong depth. Jeffrey Simmons is entering the prime of his career and T'Vondre Sweat could be an solid nose tackle for years. Dre'Mont Jones and Sebastian Joseph-Day will likely battle it out for one of the end spots. The team is really going to miss Harold Landry and I don't know if Lorenzo Carter or Oluwafemi Oladejo can replace his sack production. A healthy offseason may just be what the secondary needs. Amani Hooker is a solid safety and the team is hoping L'Jarius Sneed can return to form.

Considering the questions at offensive line and their ability to rush the passer, it's hard to envision the Titans competing for the AFC South title. Given how the rest of their division looks, they'll be battling out with Jacksonville for third place.

Best Record They Can Hope For: 6-11