The Tennessee Titans’ defensive line has become one of the team’s biggest reasons for optimism heading into the 2026 season. After a disappointing defensive performance last year, Tennessee made significant changes up front after bringing in defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh.
Those additions have helped raise expectations for Saleh’s defense. However, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Titans’ defensive line still has something to prove, as they ranked Tennessee 17th among NFL defensive lines entering the 2026 season.
While that ranking may not put the Titans among the league’s elite defensive fronts yet, it's an intriguing starting point for a unit that could have one of the biggest impacts on a potential turnaround in Nashville.
Defensive line could determine Tennessee’s defensive ceiling
The number 17 ranking from PFF isn’t necessarily a criticism. It just shows how much room the Titans have to climb to prove worthy of higher recognition. Specifically, this is what PFF had to say about the Titans’ placement in their rankings:
The strength of the Titans’ defensive line is on the interior, where Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers have the potential to form a devastating pass-rushing duo. Simmons earned a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade in 2025, while Franklin-Myers posted a career-high 84.3 mark in 2024.
The bigger concern is on the edge. Neither projected starter, Jermaine Johnson nor Jacob Martin, earned a PFF grade above 65.0 last season. An immediate contribution from rookie Keldric Faulk would go a long way toward raising the ceiling of this group.
If Jeffery Simmons remains dominant, John Franklin-Myers provides consistent interior pressure, Jermaine Johnson rediscovers his best form, and Keldric Faulk develops quickly, Tennessee could have a defensive line capable of outperforming its preseason ranking.
The ranking is fair, especially after stating their reasoning. The edge rusher position was addressed in the offseason, but is unproven. However, Johnson played his best when playing under Saleh with the New York Jets. Also, along with the rookie Faulk, Femi Oladejo returns for his second season after an injury cut his rookie season short.
A strong pass rush makes life easier for the linebackers and secondary. Tennessee also revamped its cornerback room by adding Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott. If the defensive line can consistently pressure quarterbacks, those defensive backs won’t have to cover receivers for as long, and that could be the formula for a dramatic defensive turnaround.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: PFF gives Titans' defensive line surprising 2026 ranking