Riddled by injuries and facing a difficult schedule, the Tennessee Titans were the NFL's worst passing defense in 2022.

Opponents averaged 274.8 passing yards per game against the Titans last fall and despite allowing just nine rushing touchdowns all season (third best in the NFL), Tennessee surrendered the second-most passing touchdowns in the league (29).

If the Titans are going to reclaim the AFC South title in 2023, they will need to be substantially better against the pass. New cornerbacks coach Chris Harris will help, but Tennessee's talent at cornerback is going to need to step up this season. 

Here's a look at Tennessee's cornerbacks ahead of training camp:

The Starters

Kristian FultonRoger McCrearySean Murphy Bunting

Provided a clean bill of health, Tennessee will be starting Kristian Fulton, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and Roger McCreary on a majority of defensive snaps this season.

Fulton is hoping to prove himself as a CB1 heading into a contract year with a lot of eyes on him. He not only needs to stay healthy in 2023, but needs to elevate his game to consistently channel his superstar talent.

Like most rookies, there were some growing pains for McCreary on the field last season, but all-in-all, the 2022 second round pick put together a commendable rookie campaign while playing 99.74% of Tennessee’s defensive snaps along the way.

Murphy-Bunting joining the Titans' defense will allow McCreary to play in the slot more consistently this season. While he has the versatility to do both, I felt like he was at his best playing inside last year, and channeling his focus there could lead to a massive jump in his performance.

I could say a lot of the same things about Murphy-Bunting, who has played both inside and outside throughout his four-year NFL career. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback and Super Bowl champion really improved last fall when Tampa played him outside. SMB will bring some veteran leadership and a nose for the football opposite of Fulton. I expect him to be a week one starter for Tennessee.

The Rotation

Elijah MoldenTre Avery

Elijah Molden’s role is going to look a little bit different in 2023 than it has in years prior. Molden is a starting caliber slot corner that will regularly rotate onto the field, but based on what we saw and heard during OTAs this summer, Molden is also expected to take some reps at safety in dime personnel.

"He definitely does bring that versatility. I don't think we're going to pigeonhole him as a safety and that's it, he's going to be that versatile player you guys saw at Washington and that you saw in 2021," said Titans safeties coach Scott Booker of Molden. "It's exciting for him to get some reps at safety, but his versatility is still going to be shown throughout the year."

Molden is going to be a Swiss Army knife in the Titans' defense and head coach Mike Vrabel believes it will "let him expand his role a little bit."

Former Rutgers cornerback and 2022 UDFA Tre Avery was a pleasant surprise as a rookie last season. Avery made the Titans' 53-man roster after a strong training camp and stepped up to replace Kristian Fulton when needed.

Avery struggled with some of the star wide receivers he was tasked with covering last year (A.J. Brown and Stefon Diggs), but did an otherwise stellar job of handling a very difficult job.

While he’s only in his second NFL season, a 26-year-old Avery is the oldest Titans defender I have mentioned so far. That may impact him down the line, but I would imagine he makes Tennessee’s 53-man roster once again and serves as a rotational piece if Fulton, McCreary, or Murphy-Bunting go down.

In 14 games and three starts as a rookie, Avery played 193 coverage snaps and received a PFF Grade of 61.9.

The Depth

Chris JacksonL.J. DavisSteven Jones Jr.Eric GarrorArmani Marsh

When the Titans made their final cuts after training camp last season, they kept just five cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. It will be intriguing to see if that number goes to six this fall with some solid depth options waiting in the wings.

2020 seventh round pick Chris Jackson is the most experienced depth option the Titans have at corner. Jackson has played in 24 regular season games during his Titans' career and he is familiar with the coaching staff and system.

That said, there are some intriguing undrafted free agents that could easily make a case for 53-man roster spot. My favorite of the bunch is L.J. Davis, who was all around the football and really impressive to me during rookie minicamp and OTAs.

Steven Jones Jr. out of Appalachian State is also a name to watch.

The Injured

Caleb FarleyJosh Thompson

2021 first round pick Caleb Farley was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list by the Titans on Saturday ahead of training camp. Defensive back Josh Thompson was also designated with a Non-Football Injury.

Neither player will be active for the start of camp and their status for the 2023 remains unknown. 

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