DL Denico Autry Named As 'Underappreciated' Titan According to CBS Sports

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans stealing Denico Autry away from the Indianapolis Colts in the free agency of 2021 was one of the best acquisitions in recent Titans' history, but somehow Autry's contributions still don't get the credit they deserve.

That is why Autry was named as the most "underappreciated" Titans player in a recent list done by Cody Benjamin from CBS Sports. Benjamin put together of list of the most underappreciated player on each AFC team and here is what he said about the Titans defensive lineman.

"His fellow D-lineman Jeffery Simmons just got paid the big bucks, but let's give Autry some love for his own longevity in the trenches. He's totaled 37 sacks, 44 tackles for loss, 69 QB hits and 15 pass deflections over his last five seasons with the Colts and Titans, moving between 4-3 and 3-4 systems. Even at 33, he does everything well for a defensive-oriented team."

Autry was on pace for a career year in 2022 even at the age of 32, even with Harold Landry on injured reserve all season and even with Jeffery Simmons battling an ankle injury the second half of the season. Autry had less help and was asked to do more.

Autry put up eight sacks in 2022 in only 12 games. He finished with nine sacks in 2021 after playing all 17 games. If not for his own knee injury, Autry certainly would've hit the ten-sack mark for the first time in his career. Autry still led the team in sacks despite the injury.

Autry's versatility allows him to play on the outside or the inside and he has moves to win at both spots. His attention to detail and his focus on his craft not only help him, but certainly have helped his younger teammates like Jeffery Simmons and Teair Tart.

However, Autry just isn't a name that gets brought up when you discuss the best defensive linemen in the league and heck, he rarely gets mentioned when the Titans are brought up. At least not enough for the impact he has.

Luckily, Autry doesn't need the recognition to want to wreck opposing offenses. With a touch of health, Autry may very well get his shot at the ten-sack mark that has alluded him so far in his career. And even if he doesn't care, maybe he will get the recognition he deserves.

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