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5 players who Titans need to be great in 2020

By Rucker Haringey

Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /
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Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates recovering a fumble over 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. Jeffery Simmons

The Titans knew Simmons would miss a big chunk of his rookie season when they drafted him in the first round. The good news is that he got healthy in time to play nine games in 2019. That should set him up for a breakout sophomore campaign.

This year the Titans need Simmons to emerge as a quality pass rusher on the left side. Harold Landry led the team in sacks from the linebacker spot, but they need to produce more pressure up front. Simmons has the athletic ability to excel as an edge rusher working against single blocking.

He lacks the quick twitch to blossom into an elite pass rusher, but he could flirt with double-digit sacks on an annual basis. The Titans need that trend to begin immediately. Rushing the passer will be crucial for this defense’s hopes of stopping elite offenses in the AFC.

Simmons doesn’t need to play like a Pro Bowler in 2020, but he needs to prove that he’s ready to be an above-average starter for the foreseeable future. Taking some pressure off of Landry would be a big boost for this defense.

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