Titans training camp preview: EDGE & defensive line

The Tennessee Titans will officially begin training camp on July 28th when the veterans report to Vanderbilt Health Football Camp in Nashville. We’ll be previewing several position groups until then. The Titans have 16 defensive lineman on the offseason roster. General manager Mike Borgonzi made big-time acquisitions at this position.

In camp (16): Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson II, Jacob Martin, Keldric Faulk, Femi Oladejo, Jordan Elliott, Solomon Thomas, Jaylen Harrell, Earnest Brown IV, Malik Herring, Jalyn Holmes, Timmy Horne, Cam Horsley, Truman Jones, Jackie Marshall.

Biggest storyline: Head coach Robert Saleh was allowed to revamp this position in his vision. Borgonzi acquired five veterans via free agency and trades that previously played for Saleh with the 49ers or Jets. Franklin-Myers, Johnson, Thomas, Elliott and Martin were all brought here due to their familiarity with the scheme. The head coach also approved of trading up for Faulk at No. 31 overall.

Most to prove: Femi Oladejo. Titans fans immediately questioned Borgonzi’s decision to draft him with a second-round pick. Oladejo was a raw prospect coming out of UCLA who made a position switch from linebacker to EDGE in his final college season. He didn’t register a sack with the Titans as a rookie and suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6. He’s officially on bust watch.

Breakout star: We’re not necessarily sure the Titans have a breakout star on the defensive line. Simmons and Franklin-Myers are expected to be the dominant forces. Perhaps Oladejo breaks out. Perhaps Johnson regains form under Saleh after a 2024 Achilles injury limited his 2025 effectiveness. Martin is the darkhorse here, and Faulk is an exciting rookie.

Training camp competition: Saleh has discussed rotating defensive lineman early and often. You’ll especially see Martin, Oladejo, Johnson, and Faulk rotating at edge. Perhaps Jaylen Harrell gets into that mix too after a strong conclusion to his 2025 campaign. Elliott and Thomas will play supporting roles behind Simmons and Franklin-Myers. Rookie Jackie Marshall is trying to make the 53-man roster. He’ll face competition from Cam Horsley and Jalyn Holmes. Everyone else is likely just a camp body.