Raiders' Opponents Ranked: DTs, No.5

In trying to make back-to-back trips to the playoffs for the first time since 2000-02, the Las Vegas Raiders will navigate the NFL's fourth-hardest rated schedule, according to Pro Football Focus.

That will include several teams that have defensive tackles that are capable of wreaking havoc in the interior of the line of scrimmage.

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons isn't quite 25 years old, but already can count himself among the best at his position.

That's the kind of form he showed last season, making his first Pro Bowl and helping to lead the Titans to their best scoring defense mark in three years (sixth overall).

The former first-round pick finished with career-highs across the board, putting up 54 total tackles and 8.5 sacks.

Simmons' sack total in particular was a big jump, as he had only five combined in his first two seasons.

It reaffirmed that he's already become one of the best interior pass rushers in the NFL.

Last season, Simmons had the 17th best pass-rush grade among 95 eligible interior defensive lineman, according to PFF.

Simmons also had the fifth-most quarterback pressure among defensive tackles last season with 62.

That kind of performance led to Simmons being named a Second-Team All-Pro last season, as he was a key part of the Titans' run to the best record in the AFC.

That run ended against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the playoffs, but that wasn't due to any lack of effort by Simmons.

Simmons starred in the loss, mauling the Bengals' offensive line to three sacks and eight tackles.

It reinforced the fact that Simmons has emerged as arguably the premier talent on a deep defensive front for the Titans.

Considering how young he is, it's not hard to imagine Simmons hasn't yet reached his career ceiling.

It's scary for opposing O-lineman to think about, how Simmons already ranks among the best in the league.

For the Raiders' O-line, Simmons, along with the rest of Tennessee's formidable front, is going to be a monumental challenge this season.

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