Where Titans Currently Stand Versus The Divison: Defense

NASHVILLE - There's just over a month until the NFL Draft begins, and with free agency in full swing, teams are reconstructing their rosters for the coming 2023 season. Such is the case for the Tennessee Titans and their rivals in the AFC South.

While it's still too early to know exactly what the opening weekend rosters will look like for the Titans, Colts, Jags, and Texans, it's never too early to examine what the division might look like if the season began today.

In that vein, we'll examine the south division teams on defense.

Who's The No.1 Best Defense

No. 1 Tennessee: The Titans front seven, as it stands right now, is the best in this division, and depending on what other additions they make in the remainder of free agency, and the draft, it could get even better.

Pass Rush: Jeffrey Simmon, Denico Autry, Harold Landry, and Arden Key as the top four pass rushers for the Titans. Add Rashad Weaver to this unit, and the ability of new linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to the mix and the potential to significantly impact opposing quarterbacks is real.

Defensive Backs: While talent is at the corner, there are also some major inconsistencies. If Kristian Fulton can stay healthy, and Roger McCreary takes a step forward in year two, along with the newest member in Sean Murphy-Bunting, the Titans could be very good on the outside. Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker are an above-average pairing if Hooker can stay healthy.

No.2 Indianapolis: The Colts could arguably be the best unit, but the pass rush depth isn't as good in Indy.

Pass Rush: Kwitty Pay, DeForrest Buckner, Shaq Leonard, and Samson Ebukam are very good pass rushers and should be very impactful in the coming season. However, the depth behind that group isn't as deep at the moment.

Defensive Backs: Kenny Moore and Isaiah Rodgers are the starting corners, with Rodney Thomas and Julian Blackman being the safeties. Good, not great, and fall behind the Titans even though the Titans have some concerns at the corner.

No.3 Jacksonville: The Jags have an up-and-coming defensive unit, and some might say they are better than the Titans, but that's what rankings are for, to spur debate.

Pass Rush: Josh Allen is the lead dog here, and there are some other workable parts, but not to the extent of the Titans ahead of them. Devin Lloyd is a solid linebacker and can get after the quarterback, but behind them are a group of just another guy.

Defensive Backs: Tyson Campbell and Dariuous Williams are the corners, and Rayshawn Jenkins and Andre Cisco are the safeties. Enough said.

No. 4 Houston: The Texans need work, so they hired Demeco Ryans, an excellent defensive mind and worthy head coach, to rebuild this roster.

Pass Rush: Sheldon Rankins is perhaps the best pass rusher on the roster currently. After that, Jerry Hughes and Maliek Collins fall into the next best group.

Defensive Backs: Steven Nelson and Derek Stingley Jr. are the corners, with Jimmie Ward and Jalen Petire being the safeties.

Conclusion

The Titans have more weapons, followed by the Colts, who could arguably be better defense, especially if they add the right parts moving forward. Still, after those two, the others are far behind and not close enough to be much competition at this time.

Titans Related Stories

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TITANS TO SIGN MURPHY-BUNTING: The Titans have addressed one of their other biggest areas of need outside their offensive line with the announcement that they are close to a deal with former Tampa Bay cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting. CLICK HERE

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