The Tennessee Titans are drawing some real national attention this offseason, and it’s not hard to see why. Two position groups in particular - the defensive line and the wide receivers - are suddenly getting mentioned among the league’s most improved units.
That’s a sharp turn for a team that had to scrape together production in some spots a year ago. On the defensive front, the Titans are now loaded with new names after adding Jermaine Johnson II, John Franklin-Myers, Jacob Martin, Jordan Elliott, Solomon Thomas, and Keldric Faulk. That kind of turnover would stand out anywhere, but it looks even more striking considering Jeffery Simmons was the only Titan to hit double-digit sacks in 2025.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton pointed directly to Robert Saleh’s arrival as the driving force behind the upgrade. “You can already see Tennessee Titans' new head coach Robert Saleh's influence on the roster, particularly across the defensive line,” said Moton.
“Saleh will call defensive plays in Tennessee. So, Johnson and Franklin-Myers should make a seamless transition given their experience within the system.”
That connection matters. Johnson earned his only Pro Bowl under Saleh, which gives the Titans reason to believe there’s more in the tank there.
Elliott and Thomas have also worked with Saleh before, so this isn’t a group learning everything from scratch. Martin brings another layer after putting up 5.5 sacks for the Commanders last year, and Faulk could be an immediate factor as the rookie first-round pick.
“As a rookie first-rounder, Faulk could make early contributions.,” said Moton. “At Auburn, he flashed his pass-rushing ability with seven sacks during the 2024 collegiate season.”
The wide receiver room has undergone an even more dramatic makeover. Last season, Tennessee leaned on a pair of mid-round rookies, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Lockett. Now the Titans have reshaped the top of the depth chart by bringing in Wan’Dale Robinson, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season, and drafting Carnell Tate with the No. 4 pick.
Robinson already knows Brian Daboll’s system, and Moton highlighted what he did when Malik Nabers was sidelined for much of last season. “With Malik Nabers on the sideline for most of the previous season, Robinson led the New York Giants in multiple receiving categories,” Moton explained. “Coming off his first 1,000-plus-yard season, he'll be a key contributor in Daboll's passing attack.”
Tennessee also has reason to feel good about Tate’s outlook. Daboll has already shown he’ll trust young receivers, and Malik Nabers posted a 1,000-yard season as a rookie in his offense. Moton pointed to that history as a sign Tate could hit the ground running.
“However, Tate could be more productive on the pro level. As lead receivers, Stefon Diggs and Nabers put together Pro Bowl campaigns in Daboll's offense,” Moton said. “The latter did so as a rookie, which provides optimism that Tate can do the same.”
Even if Tate doesn’t immediately step in as the top option, the Titans’ passing game looks far more dangerous than it did before. Robinson should command plenty of targets, Calvin Ridley’s health adds another boost, and Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor have both looked impressive this summer.
So yes, there’s a real argument here. Moton’s list gave the Titans two spots, and the defensive line in particular looks like a group that has made a massive leap in a single offseason.
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