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5 breakout stars to watch for Tennessee Titans in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Marquel Lee #52 of the Oakland Raiders in the first half at RingCentral Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Marquel Lee #52 of the Oakland Raiders in the first half at RingCentral Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after a fumble by Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after a fumble by Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

2. DT Jeffery Simmons

He was somewhat of a surprise first-round pick last April and one surrounded with some question marks due to his health. The former Mississippi State standout had knee surgery prior to last year’s combine and speculation was that he would be a no-go in 2019.

But eventually, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons – the 19th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft – would take the field for Mike Vrabel’s team and made a positive impression. He was available for the club’s final 10 games, took the field nine times and made seven starts. He finished his rookie campaign with 32 tackles and two sacks. The 6’4”, 301-pound performer also made his presence felt with a fumble recovery in Tennessee’s 28-12 upset win of the Ravens at Baltimore in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.

Earlier this offseason, the Titans dealt nine-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowl interior presence Jurrell Casey to the Denver Broncos for a seventh-round draft choice this year. That means the former Bulldog will be expected to make a bigger impact on a Tennessee defense that had some ups and downs this past year despite the team’s resurgence in late October. And he could be a big factors as Mike Vrabel’s club looks to improve on the league’s 12xx-ranked run defense from this past season.

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