After a 2024 NFL season that saw a dip in production, the Tennessee Titans' fan base has developed mixed feelings about star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Some have begun to question whether he is a key piece of the puzzle for the team's success.
Thankfully, those around the league are still aware of how valuable Simmons is. On Monday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released a ranking of the top 10 defensive tackles in the NFL after consulting NFL executives, coaches and scouts.
Last year, Simmons landed at No. 4 in this ranking, and ahead of the 2025 season, he holds firm as the fourth-best defensive tackle in the league.
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98).
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98).
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Simmons trailed the New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence, the Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones and the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Carter on this list. Despite his high ranking, one NFC executive brought up a potential issue.
"Still dominant vs. the run -- I didn't see the same pass-rush explosion," they said.
To his credit, Simmons has dropped some weight this offseason and is reportedly in great shape before training camp. When he is playing his best, Simmons can be incredibly dominant against both the run and the pass.
But last season, along with contributing subpar numbers for his standard, he also seemed to receive penalties at the most inopportune times for the Titans.
This season is not only a big one for Simmons to get back to his dominant self in the trenches, but it is also crucial for him to re-establish himself in league circles and prove that he has not lost a step.
The Titans also need him to be that dominant force up front because there are still questions about their edge rushers and what they can do as a unit. More attention paid to Simmons would give guys like Arden Key, Dre'Mont Jones, and rookie Oluwafemi Oladejo potential one-on-one opportunities to get to the quarterback.
All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Cam Ward and how the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft performs. However, on the defensive side of the ball, there will be plenty of eyes on Simmons.