Titans training camp preview: Defensive line to be heart of defense

It’s hard to believe that Titans Wire’s training camp preview series is about to be complete, and it’s just in time, with rookies reporting to training camp in just three days.

Our next-to-last segment is one of the most important for the new defensive scheme being installed by Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley: the defensive line. The Titans made major changes and added significant talent to the unit, which should be the heart of the defense.

With Saleh intending to rotate the linemen throughout the game to keep them fresh, it will be interesting to watch how the depth and rotation come together during training camp. Here is a breakdown of how things look entering the first sessions, and the players who should have a chance to find a role on the defense.

Tennessee signed John Franklin-Myers and used a late first-round pick to select Keldric Faulk to anchor this spot next to Jeffery Simmons. Both players have the flexibility to slide inside and create havoc and should help solidify the run defense on early downs and add some size to the pass rush.

2025 second-round pick Oluwafemi Oladejo and Jaylen Harrell will be battling it out behind them, with Oladejo likely having the inside track due to his pedigree. Yes, he had an underwhelming rookie season and will have to pick up his pass rush in camp to prove he belongs, but everyone knew he was a raw, developmental prospect coming in, and his injury did not help.

This one may be the easiest to project heading into camp with Jeffery Simmons anchoring the spot next to Franklin-Myers. Simmons is coming off a monster season in which he dominated opponents, leading to his record-setting contract extension, and he could be even better in 2026.

Behind Simmons, rookie Jackie Marshall, Cam Horsley, and Timmy Horne will be battling it out for a depth/rotational role. Marshall was taken in the 2026 NFL Draft and could be a solid addition, but neither Horsley nor Horne are going to give up without a fight.

Tennessee added both Jordan Elliot and Solomon Thomas during the offseason, and both are familiar with the system, giving them a head start as camp kicks off. While it would seem like Elliott should slide into the starting slot, Thomas is a solid depth piece. Earnest Brown IV will also be in the mix, and it will be interesting to see how he develops.

Tennessee traded for Jermaine Johnson II early in the offseason and has high hopes for the former New York Jets first-rounder. Johnson had his best seasons under Saleh and should be an upgrade over the edge units from 2025.

Behind Johnson, Jacob Martin, Jalyn Holmes, and Truman Jones will be looking to lock up a role, with Martin an under-the-radar offseason addition who could pay dividends throughout the season.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans training camp preview: Defensive line to be heart of defense