Jeremy Fowler does a fun pre-Training Camp series of articles for ESPN each year that ranks players within each position group according to anonymous polling of coaches, executives, and scouts across the league. It should come as no surprise to you that there haven’t been many Tennessee Titans listed this year after securing the first overall pick in 2024. But who is poised to have a 2025 season that propels them onto next year’s list, and what would it mean for the team if they do it?

I’ve identified 9 Titans who are set up to take the leap if things break right for them. I’ve categorized them by Cool, Warm, and Flaming Takes based on how surprising this outcome would be in one year’s time. Let’s dive in:

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Cool Takes

Jeffery Simmons

This would be the least surprising result on this list, because Simmons was just ranked 4th in the league at the DT position in this year’s poll. The question becomes how high he couple potentially climb. Simmons was at his best in 2021 and 2022, and has dipped in production the past two seasons. This coincides with the team’s overall degradation, so a big turnaround from him in accordance with the team this year could improve the perception of him around the league.

Peter Skoronski

Skoronski was just listed as an honorable mention in the guard version of this year’s poll. He finished down the stretch in 2024 (when nobody was watching the miserable Titans) as arguably the best pass protecting guard in the entire league. If he picks up in 2025 where he left off, I’d bet he breaks into the official top 10 next summer.

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Warm Takes

T’Vondre Sweat

You’re going to notice a theme in the Warm Takes section: Year 2 players. This is the time for sophomore leaps, and the Titans have a handful of players who could break out in that way. First is big T’Vondre Sweat alongside Jeff Simmons. He proved the haters and doubters wrong as a rookie, demonstrating he can be a three down player with pass rush upside. His ability to impact the passer more consistently this season will be his key to breaking into the conversation. This list is easier said than done for a nose tackle to be in consideration for. The Jordan Davis’s and Vita Vea’s of the world are very rare. Could Sweat be one of them?

JC Latham

Latham is headed back to right tackle, where he played in college. His coaches seem to think it could be more natural for him, and he also underwent a significant physical transformation this offseason slimming down. Entering year 2 in Bill Callahan’s position room, the stars are aligned for the former 7th overall pick to break out. He’s easily the most gifted prospect at the position in this city since Taylor Lewan; time to start playing at that level.

Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

I absolutely loved Jarvis Brownlee coming out, and was shocked the Titans got him as late in the draft as they did. He had some impressive moments as a rookie, but looked a bit too green at times too. His play style is very similar to L’Jarius Sneed in his physicality and dawg mentality. If he can reign in his violent nature just enough to use his powers for good instead of evil, he could be a breakout player.

Tony Pollard

The only non-sophomore player in this category is Tony Pollard, who was a tad surprising to see left off the honorable mentions category of this year’s list. He was the only consistently good thing the Titans had going for them on offense last year, and the plan for him this season involves getting more from less. Read all about that right here.

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Flaming Takes

L’Jarius Sneed

I’m old enough to remember when L’Jarius Sneed was an honorable mention on this list one (1) year ago. And the year before that too. Listen folks, the Titans didn’t hand him a $90M contract out of the goodness of their hearts. Would it be a shocking turnaround after the way his first year as a Titan has gone? Absolutely. But the reality of this position is that it’s finicky. Cornerback play is inconstant and streaky, and even the best DBs in the league tend to have random “down years”. For Sneed, obviously, the primary factor is his health. So step 1 is getting back on the field, and then staying there.

Calvin Ridley

There’s no denying that Calvin Ridley is a really good player, even on the wrong side of 30. But the fact that he is an older player—at a position that’s about as competitive in today’s NFL for a top spot as they come—is what would make it a significant surprise for him to crack this list in 2025. The reason it’s at least possible is because of his burgeoning connection with Cam Ward, and the lack of proven commodities alongside him in this receiving core.

Cam Ward

What if? Can you imagine it? A Jayden Daniels-esque rookie season for Cam? If he cracks this list in 2025, you can rest assured all is beyond well with the Tennessee Titans.

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