Ahead of training camp next week, we’ve been previewing the Tennessee Titans roster by position. So far, we’ve covered the offensive line, the defensive line, inside linebackers, and outside linebackers. Some NFL teams have their rookies report to the facility in advance of everyone else, but the Titans have opted to have their entire roster report on July 22.
In today’s preview, we take a dive into the Titans’ cornerbacks’ room. There are five returning cornerbacks and four rookies, with Roger McCreary being the most tenured member of the group, returning for his fourth season. The cornerbacks room is a young one, one that Dennard Wilson and his coaching staff can develop and mold into the players they need them to be.
Let’s discuss.
Defensive coordinator: Dennard WilsonDefensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach: Tony OdenAssistant defensive backs coach: Steve DonatellDefensive assistant: Lori Locust
All four of these coaches joined the Titans’ coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season and are entering their second season as a group. Wilson, Oden, and Locust all have years of coaching experience, while Donatell is entering his fourth season as a coach. Wilson is responsible for the Baltimore Ravens‘ defensive secondary success in 2023, and he looks to repeat that in Tennessee. It may not be this year, but the pieces are falling into place.
Outside: L’Jarius SneedOutside: Jarvis Brownlee Jr.Nickel/slot: Roger McCreary
Unless something unforeseen happens in training camp, this should be the starters when the season opens. Sneed’s 2024 season was disappointing, to say the least. He spent much of the year battling a leg injury that also kept him out of OTAs and minicamp this spring, although he says he will be ready for training camp. If that’s true, perhaps we’ll see the Sneed return to his Kansas City Chiefs form. Brownlee had a stellar rookie campaign, getting thrown into the starting lineup mid-season due to Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie landing on injured reserve. Expect more of the same from Brownlee, with improved technique and ball production now that he has a feel for the NFL game. McCreary is most effective in the slot, where he’s spent the last three seasons with the Titans, and he will continue in that role.
Darrell Baker Jr.Gabe Jeudy-LallyMarcus Harris (R)Jermari Harris (R)Jalen Kimber (R)Davion Ross (R)
Baker and Jeudy-Lally were both part of the Titans’ secondary last season and will be direct backups to Brownlee and Sneed. Jeudy-Lally could also see time as a slot receiver behind McCreary. Of the four rookies, only Marcus Harris was drafted, and that was in the sixth round. All of these players will need to prove themselves in training camp to keep a spot on the roster. They could also see time on special teams should the need arise.
The Titans’ cornerbacks are young. Sneed is the most senior cornerback on the team, and he is entering his fifth season in the league. McCreary is next, entering his fourth season, and the rest are in their second year or rookies. There is plenty of talent in this group, so it ultimately depends on how well the youngsters acclimate to the NFL.
After a solid rookie campaign, Brownlee will look to avoid a sophomore slump and perform at a higher level than he did last season. If he does that, and McCreary plays how he always does, and Sneed stays healthy, this group has a ton of upside. The coaching staff will need to further the players’ development during training camp, and if they do it right, the Titans’ secondary will be difficult to break through in 2025.