After going over the Tennessee Titans’ offensive depth chart following the 2023 NFL draft, we’re now moving on to the defense.
While the offense has no shortage of question marks, the defense is a much more stable unit at the moment and figures to be Tennessee’s strength in what could be another difficult year for the other side of the ball.
Knowing that, it came as no surprise that Tennessee didn’t spend a single pick on a defensive player, although they did bring in a slew of undrafted free agents on that side of the ball.
Of course, the Titans being more stable on defense doesn’t mean there aren’t any questions marks, it just means there aren’t as many as on offense.
The Titans still have to secure one of their projected starters along the defensive line on top of deciding on how they’ll work things in the cornerbacks room and with their depth options at multiple spots.
Here’s a look at Tennessee’s updated depth chart following the 2023 NFL draft, along with some analysis for each position.
Bear in mind, the Titans haven’t released their first unofficial depth chart yet (that will happen during the preseason), so listed starters are based on my own projections.
Defensive linemen
Starters: Denico Autry (DE), Jeffery Simmons (DT), Teair Tart (NT)
Backups: Naquan Jones, Sam Okuayinonu, Jayden Peevy, Curtis Brooks
UDFAs: Keenan Agnew, Shakel Brown
Of the three starters, Tart is the only question mark, as we have yet to receive word he’s signed his restricted free agent tender. I expect that to happen, though.
The Titans kept seven defensive linemen on last year’s initial 53-man roster. Favorites for the backup spots include Jones, Okuayinonu and Peevy, all of whom were on the team in some capacity last season.
Linebackers
Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Monty Rice
Backups: Luke Gifford, Ben Niemann, Jack Gibbens, Chance Campbell
UDFAs: Matthew Jackson, Maxwell Worship, Shea Pitts
Al-Shaair and Rice are the presumed starters here, and I expect the primary backup job to go to Gifford, who will also have a special teams role. If the Titans carry four at the position like they did in 2022, which is likely, Gibbens and Niemann should be considered the favorites.
Outside linebackers
Starters: Harold Landry, Arden Key
Backups: Rashad Weaver, Zach McCloud
UDFAs: Caleb Murphy, TK McClendon, Thomas Rush
While Landry, Key and Weaver are all locked-in, that No. 4 spot is very much up for grabs. Keep an eye on Caleb Murphy here, as the Ferris State product posted impressive sack totals in his final season (22.5) and offers versatility with his ability to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Kristian Fulton, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Roger McCreary (slot)
Backups: Elijah Molden, Tre Avery, Caleb Farley, Chris Jackson
UDFAs: Steven Jones Jr., Tyreque Jones, Eric Garror, Anthony Kendall
This group offers a lot of versatility, as McCreary and Murphy-Bunting have the ability to play inside and outside, and Molden can operate out of the slot and from the safety position if needed. Expect a lot of shuffling with this group, so don’t get too caught up on the listed starters.
With those four as roster locks, that leaves just one spot open if the Titans carry five like they did last year. Avery played well in his opportunities last season and is far and away the favorite to grab that No. 5 spot.
If that happens and the Titans do carry five, this might be the end of the road for Farley. I think the Titans will carry six, though, and Farley will end up being the guy for that spot in what will be his last hurrah in Nashville.
Safeties
Starters: Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker
Backups: Josh Thompson, Shyheim Carter, Mike Brown
UDFAs: Maxwell Worship
The Titans are extremely thin beyond their two starters, Byard and Hooker, although I think Molden might be considered to help out here on top of his duties in the slot.
Even still, Tennessee could use another addition for depth. Joshua Kalu remains available on the open market and should be someone the Titans consider bringing back.
