As is the case on offense, the Tennessee Titans will be returning the vast majority of their starting defense in 2020.
When training camp begins, a starting spot on the defensive line will be up for grabs, and the Titans will also have to decide who will man the slot cornerback position with Logan Ryan now gone.
Here’s one question for each player we project to be a starter, and we’ve also included one for the projected slot cornerback, as it’s an important position that carries a question mark for the team in 2020.
DE Jack Crawford
Can Crawford fend off the youngsters?
It remains to be seen which defensive lineman will join Jeffery Simmons and DaQuan Jones for the majority of snaps in 2020, but Crawford has to be the early favorite because of his experience.
Crawford will have to fend off 2019 UDFA Isaiah Mack and 2020 fifth-round pick Larrell Murchison for snaps. Chances are this will be a committee situation throughout the course of the 2020 campaign, though.
The player who can best improve the pass-rush, which was a big issue for the defensive line last season, will likely win the majority of snaps here.
NT DaQuan Jones
Will Jones play his way into a new contract?
There’s no question Jones had arguably his best season as a pro in 2019, but there is some uncertainty surrounding the big man, as he’s in the last year of his contract and will turn 29 in December.
After what happened to Jurrell Casey, nobody is safe. If Jones wants any shot at staying in Nashville, he’s going to have to play out of his mind this coming season.
Chances are Jones will play out the 2020 campaign and then hit the open market in 2021, where it’s possible he’ll move on from Nashville.