ClutchPoints
Head coach Robert Saleh has made one aspect of his defensive philosophy clear during his time in Tennessee: the Titans need fresh legs up front during critical moments, such as third downs and two-minute situations. This emphasis on rotation is even more significant after Jeffery Simmons secured a substantial contract extension, providing the new head coach with a franchise cornerstone to build around.
With Simmons locked in and Saleh managing the defense, Tennessee has the potential to quickly reshape its identity. However, a successful rebuild involves more than just star players, as the Titans must also develop younger talent to find solid solutions.
As they enter the 2026 season, their roster appears more intriguing than reliable. Cam Ward offers a promising young quarterback for development, Simmons enhances the defense’s strength, and Saleh brings a clear vision to the sidelines. This serves as a better foundation than what the Titans have had in recent years, but the roster still lacks the depth to rely solely on well-known names.
This is where the development of sleeper players becomes crucial, and they are especially vital at two positions that are crucial to the team’s broader strategy: edge rusher and tight end.
Femi Oladejo is perhaps the most promising breakout candidate on the Titans’ defense because his current situation aligns well with his skill set. The Titans selected him in the second round of the 2025 draft after he transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher at UCLA. While this shift made him an intriguing prospect, it also left him somewhat raw as a player. He entered the league as a long, explosive athlete still learning how to convert his movement skills into effective pressure.
Such a player requires the right coaching, and Tennessee may have provided just that. Saleh has already indicated that he will evaluate Oladejo in various roles within a 3-4 defensive structure: as a dropper, a linebacker, and a pass rusher. This adaptability is crucial, as the Titans are not forcing him into one restricted role. Instead, they can leverage his athletic background to move him around, allowing him to rush from different positions and making it more challenging for offenses to identify him pre-snap.
This versatility is essential because Saleh’s defensive approach revolves around generating waves of pressure. His “golden rule” about keeping linemen fresh is not merely coach-speak, as it underscores the need for a deep rotation, particularly around Simmons and the edge rushers.
Oladejo’s path to breakout success hinges on third-down opportunities, and they need additional speed on the edge. While Simmons can disrupt pockets from the interior, that impact is more effective when offenses must also account for a speedy rusher outside. A young edge rusher who can threaten the corner, occasionally drop into coverage, and close in quickly provides the defense with more overall structure, as it also helps prevent opponents from directing all their protections toward familiar threats.
Although Oladejo’s rookie season did not attract national attention, this could work...
