Following a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2023, the Tennesee Titans made several significant changes, including hiring Brian Callahan as head coach. With a revamped roster, the new regime hopes to be relevant again in the AFC South.
Here are the five most valuable people for the 2024 Titans.
5. Left tackle JC Latham
The Titans allowed 3.8 sacks per game last season, finishing among the bottom half of the NFL for the third straight year. One reason has been a lack of stability along the offensive line, especially at left tackle, a hole the franchise hopes Latham will fill for years to come.
The former Alabama standout seems committed to being great, having spent time over the summer with San Francisco 49ers All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams, talking shop and studying film. Meanwhile, Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan said Latham is "doing well" despite having a lot thrown at him as he transitions from right to left tackle.
4. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley
With DeAndre Hopkins back and former Tyler Boyd joining the fold, Ridley, who inked a four-year, $92M deal in the offseason, won't be the only weapon available for the Titans. But he may be the piece that makes the new-look Titans offense go.
After serving a year-long suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley returned last season, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark for the second time while registering 76 catches (13.4 YPC) in 17 starts with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, more than half of his output (783 yards) came on passes of 10 yards or more, with 388 yards coming on 20-plus yard completions, which puts him in position to be a much-needed deep threat for the Titans and their young quarterback.
3. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons
Simmons, the pacesetter for the Titans' line, might also be the whole defense's heart and soul. Entering his sixth season, he'll anchor a unit looking to rebound after finishing 18th in the NFL last year.
A healthy Simmons throughout the year will help the cause, as few players have made a similar impact over the past three seasons. Since 2021, he's one of only 20 players to record at least 55 solo tackles, 31 for loss and 21.5 sacks, per Stathead.
2. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed
Acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in March, Sneed is an instant upgrade for the Titans defense, particularly the secondary.
Sneed, a fourth-round pick in 2020, has slowly joined the top NFL cornerback conversation. Over the last four seasons, he's recorded a total of 223 solo tackles, 40 pass defenses, 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles, a stat line no other player in the league matched during that period.
If Sneed can play the same way with the Titans, he could transform a defense that ranked 18th against the pass and dead last in interceptions a year ago.
1. Quarterback Will Levis
After beginning his rookie campaign as the backup to longtime Titans QB Ryan Tannehill, it's Levis' show to run in Year 2.
A year ago, Levis flashed his potential over nine starts (3-6), passing for 1,808 yards (12.1 YPC) with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Meanwhile, he's been sharp in camp and performed well in minimal preseason action, going 4-of-5 for 35 yards in the Titans preseason opener.
The 2023 second-round pick has marketed a mayonnaise-inspired fragrance, but he still has lots to prove on the football field. Luckily, the Titans have surrounded Levis with offseason additions: running back Tony Pollard, wideouts Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd and first-round tackle JC Latham.
