Titans celebrate on defense.
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 22: James Williams Sr. #52 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after an interception during the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
The Tennessee Titans have entered a new era of football. ESPN Analyst Turron Davenport released his prediction for the Titans’ 53-man roster for the 2025 season.
While there weren’t many surprises on Davenport’s list, the message of this team stands out.
This season is all about growth and, in particular, the growth of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward was always a lock to make the roster, but a bigger story underlines his roster spot.
How quickly can Ward develop into the quarterback and leader the Titans need him to be on a rebuilding team?
That question really sums up the entire 2025 season for the Titans and their followers.
Titans fans shouldn’t worry too much about the win’s column this season.
Instead, they should look for signs of growth in the right areas for a team being built for the future.
Cam Ward Leads Charge For Titans
Cam Ward has the keys to the Titans franchise.
He will step into a challenging situation, yet Davenport’s roster projection reinforces what everyone already knew.
Ward will start, and his development will define the season.
“The future of the Titans rests on Ward’s shoulders, with coach Brian Callahan trying to replicate the success he had in Cincinnati with Joe Burrow as a rookie,” said Davenport.
The Titans rookie quarterback enters the season with a reputation for poise and confidence.
But with a roster that still needs time to gel, Ward will experience bumps along the way.
The Titans aren’t hiding from that reality.
The Titans announced Ward as the starting quarterback and have full belief in him as a player.
Head Coach Brian Callahan is willing to let Ward learn through real reps in a season, which is a positive step in the direction of the franchise.
Moreover, with Ward leading the charge, he believes he will have sufficient wide receivers to help him along the way.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport projected the Titans to keep seven wide receivers on the team.
With Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson leading the way.
“The wide receiver group doesn’t stand out too much on paper. But don’t tell Ward that. He believes the group is a top 5 corps in the league. Ridley will be the biggest threat, but watch out for the rookies Ayomanor and Dike, who are building a nice relationship with Ward,” said Davenport.
The Titans’ offense will face adversity this season, but if Ward shows progress, the Titans rebuild is on the right track.
Defensive Line and Secondary Give Intrigue
On defense, Davenport’s projection clearly lines up with the strength of this team.
The Titans’ strength starts up front.
“It’s all about Sweat and Simmons collapsing the pocket from the interior,” said Davenport.
Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons anchors the defense in more ways than one.
His partnership with standout lineman T’Vondre Sweat will debut for a second straight season.
With Simmons and Sweat wreaking havoc in the interior, the Titans’ defense has a solid chance to punch above its weight, giving their secondary the added benefit of less time needed to cover opposing offenses.
The Titans secondary received promising news with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed coming off the PUP list.
His presence will give a needed boost to the Titans secondary.
Davenport also noted that the secondary will also bring in more safeties to help shape the secondary.
With Kevin Winston, Quandre Diggs, Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods leading the charge.
“This roster will be heavy on safeties with Winston and Diggs coming in on three-safety looks to join Hooker and Woods. Keep an eye on Harris, who has been surprisingly good on the outside.”
Davenport’s roster projection highlights a Titans team looking to rebuild and grow outside their best players.
Cam Ward’s development remains the center of attention and if the Titans can get production and stardom from a few of the noted defensive players, Tennessee will have a foundation to build around.
The Titans need to embrace patience, and while this season may not end with a playoff berth, it could very well mark the beginning of something bigger.