The Tennessee Titans' five most valuable players in 2024

After a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2023, the Tennessee Titans made several significant changes, including hiring Brian Callahan as head coach. With a revamped roster, the new regime hopes to regain relevance in the AFC South.

Here are the five most valuable players for the Titans in 2024.

5. Left Tackle JC Latham

The Titans allowed 3.8 sacks per game last season, finishing in the bottom half of the NFL for the third year in a row. Part of the reason for that was a lack of stability on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle, a void the franchise hopes Latham will fill in the coming years.

The former Alabama star seems determined to be great. spent time in summer with San Francisco 49ers All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams, talking shop and studying film. Meanwhile, Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan said Latham was “doing well“, although he is under a lot of pressure when switching from right to left tackle.

4. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley

With the return of DeAndre Hopkins and new addition Tyler Boyd, Ridley, who signed a four-year, $92 million contract in the offseason, won't be the only weapon at the Titans' disposal. But he could be the deciding factor in the Titans' new offense.

After serving a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy, Ridley returned last season and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the second time while recording 76 catches (13.4 YPC) in 17 starts with the Jacksonville Jaguars. More than half of his production (783 yards) came on passes of 10 yards or longer, with 388 yards coming on passes of 20+ yards, putting him in position to be a much-needed threat for the Titans and their young quarterback.

3. Defensive player Jeffery Simmons

Simmons, the pacesetter of the Titans' line, could also be the heart and soul of the entire defense. In his sixth season, he will be the anchor of a unit that is on track for success after finishing 18th in the NFL last year.

A healthy Simmons all year will help the cause, as few players have had a similar impact over the past three seasons. Since 2021, he is one of only 20 players to record at least 55 solo tackles, 31 for loss and 21.5 sacks. according to Stathead.

2. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed

Sneed, acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in March, represents an immediate boost to the Titans' defense, especially in the secondary.

Sneed, a fourth-round pick in 2020, has slowly worked his way into the NFL's top cornerback discussion. Over the past four seasons, he has recorded a total of 223 solo tackles, 40 pass defenses, 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles, a statistic no other player in the league reached During this time.

If Sneed can play the same for the Titans, he could turn around a defense that ranked 18th in passing and last in interceptions a year ago.

1. Quarterback Will Levis

After beginning his rookie season as the backup to longtime Titans QB Ryan Tannehill, Levis' job is to turn things around in year two.

A year ago, Levis showed his potential in nine starts (3-6), throwing for 1,808 yards (12.1 YPC) with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Meanwhile, he was in top form in training camp and also performed well in minimal preseason training, completing 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards in the Titans' season opener.

The 2023 second-round pick has marketed a mayonnaise-inspired fragrancebut he still has a lot to prove on the football field. Fortunately, the Titans surrounded Levis with new additions in the offseason: running back Tony Pollard, wideouts Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, and first-round tackle JC Latham.