Music City Miracles
How accurate is PFF’s projected 2025 Titans lineup?
Pro Football Focus recently released their roster rankings and projected starting lineups for all 32 teams. The Tennessee Titans rank 31st. That’s a separate conversation, but the Titans will have to earn back respect after finishing a league-worst 3-14 in 2024. Even drafting Cam Ward at No. 1 overall didn’t prevent the roster ranking from being second-last.
Having analyzed the projected lineup, we’ve identified three questions.
PFF has Van Jefferson as a starting wide receiver next to Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. Ridley and Lockett will undeniably be starters as the “X” and “slot” receivers respectively. There’s a little more doubt regarding Jefferson.
The Titans have been impressed with Jefferson at OTAs, but they also drafted Elic Ayomanor in Chimere Dike in April. Ayomanor appears to possess the body type and skill set required to compete for that third receiver spot. Jefferson, who has posted lackluster numbers in recent years, shouldn’t be handed a starting gig.
Dre’Mont Jones was Mike Borgonzi’s notable veteran addition at EDGE in free agency. He signed a one-year contract with incentives. The Titans possess a lot of questions at the pass-rushing position, but Arden Key is likely the No. 1 player on that subsection of the depth chart. Key has the upper hand with continuity in Dennard Wilson’s defense.
How quickly can rookie Femi Oladejo play his way into the lineup? Oladejo is the only Titans EDGE on the roster with a long-term commitment from Borgonzi. Key, Jones, and Lorenzo Carter are all on expiring deals. The former UCLA rusher should push Jones for a base defense role.
The Titans signed veteran linebacker Cody Barton to play a sizable role on defense this season. Barton is guaranteed to start at off-ball linebacker. Who plays opposite him is a question with three possibilities.
Sophomore defenders Cedric Gray and James Williams are considered the favorites. PFF surprisingly has Otis Reese IV listed as the starter. Reese IV has played well in small doses, but the Titans seemingly have more invested in developing Gray and/or Williams.
