Titans’ projected starting defense after 1st wave of free agency

What would the Titans defense look like if the season started today?

While we were able to nail down who will be the Tennessee Titans’ starters on offense for 2020 in a separate article, the defensive side of the ball still has a few questions to answer.

Granted, much of the Titans’ defensive starters can be figured out, but after the trade of Jurrell Casey, there’s a big hole to fill on the defensive line.

So, how can the Titans fill it right now based on the players currently under contract? Let’s take a look at that, as well as the rest of the projected starters with the roster as is.

Jan 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) reacts after a fumble recovery against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter in a AFC Divisional Round playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive line

Starters: Isaiah Mack, DaQuan Jones, Jeffery Simmons

While Mack did show some flashes last season, the only chance he’s starting on the defensive line is if the Titans do absolutely nothing to add it in order to replace Casey. I don’t think that will happen, but for now, he’s in line to start.

What I expect to happen is for the Titans to bring in a defensive end like Jadeveon Clowney, or perhaps a defensive line move of lesser note. Bringing Austin Johnson would have also been a possibility, but he has signed with the New York Giants.