Titans’ Rookie Defenders Are Stepping Into the Spotlight - And the Future Looks Bright
For much of the first half of the season, the Tennessee Titans’ rookie class was all about the offense. And rightfully so.
Cam Ward showed flashes of the kind of quarterback play that gets fanbases buzzing. Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike made their presence felt early with big catches and explosive yards after the catch.
Tight end Gunnar Helm, meanwhile, quietly built a reputation for reliability - a rookie with the kind of focus and consistency that doesn’t always show up in the box score but gets noticed in film rooms.
But lately, the conversation has shifted - and it’s shifted to the other side of the ball.
Over the past month, the Titans’ rookie defenders have stepped up in a big way, and they’re starting to look like foundational pieces for a defense that’s been in transition. Two names in particular are making noise: safety Kevin Winston Jr. and cornerback Marcus Harris.
Kevin Winston Jr.: A Swiss Army Knife in the Secondary
Let’s start with Winston. The third-round pick has been nothing short of a revelation since stepping into a starting role four weeks ago.
In that stretch, he’s racked up 29 tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and two pass breakups. Project that out over a full 17-game season, and you’re looking at a stat line that would turn heads: 123 tackles, 17 TFLs, 17 QB hits, and nine PBUs.
That’s not just solid for a rookie - that’s elite production for any safety in the league.
But Winston’s impact goes beyond the numbers. With the Titans dealing with injuries in the secondary, he’s been asked to do more than just hold down the safety spot.
He’s slid into the nickel corner role at times, showing off his versatility and football IQ. Yes, he had some growing pains last week, but he bounced back strong against the Browns, playing a key role in Tennessee’s second win of the season.
It’s the kind of adaptability that coaches love and teammates respect.
Marcus Harris: Making the Most of His Opportunity
Then there’s Marcus Harris - a name that’s starting to carry more weight in Nashville. When the Titans traded away Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Roger McCreary, plenty of fans were scratching their heads.
Some were outright furious. But now, it’s starting to look like the front office may have been playing the long game.
Harris has been forced into action thanks to injuries, but he hasn’t just filled a spot - he’s made plays. His forced fumble against the Browns was a momentum-shifter, the kind of play that doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet but changes the tone of a game.
Like Winston, Harris has shown he can handle the demands of multiple roles in the defensive backfield. That kind of flexibility is gold in today’s NFL.
Waiting on Femi Oladejo
Of course, the big “what if” hanging over this rookie class is second-round edge rusher Femi Oladejo. He’s been on injured reserve since early October, and while he didn’t make much noise in the first month of the season, he was having his best game when the injury hit. If he can get back on the field before the year wraps up - and if he picks up where he left off - the Titans might have one more impact rookie in their arsenal.
A Balanced Class with Real Upside
What’s becoming clear is this: Tennessee’s 2025 draft class might not just be productive - it might be balanced. They’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball, guys who are contributing now and showing signs they could be long-term starters.
That’s how you build a roster. That’s how you turn the corner as a franchise.
It’s early, and there’s still a lot of football left to be played. But if the last month is any indication, the Titans’ rookie defenders are no longer just filling in - they’re helping define the identity of this team. And that’s something worth paying attention to.