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[Tennessee Titans]

Titans DT Jeffery Simmons ranks No. 4 in ESPN’s position rankings list

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Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons is still elite, per ESPN

Jeffery Simmons is sometimes a divisive topic among Tennessee Titans fans. The occasionally dominant defensive tackle has battled injuries, missing eight games across the previous three seasons. There’s also the odd social media run-in, when he cussed out Buck Reising, or stayed away from voluntary OTAs this year, citing “personal reasons.”

At his best, Simmons is a game-changing defensive tackle. His league-wide reputation indicates such. Simmons has made three Pro Bowl appearances, including one this past season (originally as an alternate), despite recording just five sacks.

ESPN is releasing their annual position rankings. On Tuesday, they dropped the defensive tackle iteration. Simmons clocked in at No. 4 overall, ahead of Quinnen Williams, DeForest Buckner, and Vita Vea, to name a few.

Execs, coaches and scouts rank the NFL's best DTs

-A Giant new No. 1
-Jalen Carter pushes for top spot
-L. Williams, Vea, Heyward return https://t.co/oX5R2otqcS

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 8, 2025​

“Simmons has been a staple in the top 10 due to unique power that some evaluators consider the best in the league,” ESPN wrote. “He has risen to as high as No. 2 on the list because of the problems he gives opposing guards and centers.”

Simmons’ lack of production was a topic of discussion among the anonymous coaches and executives that were polled. They decided to look past the pedestrian numbers, collectively still labeling him a top-five interior defender.

“Still dominant vs. the run — I didn’t see the same pass-rush explosion,” an NFC executive said. “Morale gets low and it’s hard to rush when you’re always playing from behind,” an NFL coordinator said. “Still one of the most complete players.”

Simmons’ best stretch occurred in 2021-22 when he compiled 16 sacks. In the two seasons since, that number downgraded to 10.5 QB takedowns, with injuries playing a larger role. The Titans desperately need Simmons to be healthy and effective in 2025.

Simmons is signed through the 2027 season, via a previously inked four-year extension worth $94 million. Simmons earns $23.5 million annually. The top defensive tackles now earn $30-plus million annually. He could want to discuss an amended contract if he bounces back this campaign.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...ns-ranks-no-4-in-espns-position-rankings-list

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Center

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We continue our all-quarter century team voting with center.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with center.

As with guard, there aren’t a lot of individual statistics when it comes to centers, so I will just list the players and the games they played in Tennessee. This might be one of the closest votes we have seen so far.

Justin Hartwig​

Hartwig played in 50 games for the Titans from 2002 to 2005.

Kevin Mawae​

Mawae played in 61 games for the Titans from 2006 to 2009. He was voted an All-Pro in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl in both 2008 and 2009. Mawae was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Eugene Amano​

Amano played in 124 games for the Titans from 2004 to 2011.

Ben Jones​

Jones played in 108 games for the Titans from 2016 to 2022. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2025/7/8/24463860/tennessee-titans-all-quarter-century-team-center