The Tennessee Titans are a week and a half through training camp, and things are becoming a bit clearer as to where the starting lineup stands. While the Titans' lineup could change dramatically, here is what I currently project the starting lineup to look like in Tennessee this season.
Tennessee Titans' Starting Offense
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Quarterback: Cam Ward (Green Dot). The easiest choice on the entire roster is who will be starting at quarterback. After using the first selection of the 2025 draft on Ward, there is no reason to consider any other options. He was solid in his rookie campaign and looks to be set up for an increase this season.
Running Back: Tony Pollard. Despite drafting Nicholas Singleton in the 2026 NFL Draft and Tyjae Spears continuing to develop, there is no doubt that Pollard will be the starting running back for the Titans yet again. His veteran leadership and proven production show that he should be the Titans' starting running back for at least the full 2026 season.
Wide Receiver: Carnell Tate, Calvin Ridley, Wan'Dale Robinson (Slot). The wide receiver corps is new and improved from what Ward is used to throwing to. With 1,000-yard receiver Robinson becoming the new slot, while Ridley returns from injury, and Tate being selected with the No. 4 pick, it seems reasonable to believe that a big season is incoming.
Tight End: Gunnar Helm. The tight end position will feature a new starter for the Titans this season, as Helm is stepping into a role that Chigoziem Okonkwo has had for multiple seasons. Helm is set for what could be his breakthrough, and it will need to be his breakthrough if he wants to keep the starting gig.
Offensive Linemen: Dan Moore Jr. (Left Tackle), Peter Skoronski (Left Guard), Austin Schlottmann (Center), Cordell Volson (Right Guard), JC Latham (Right Tackle). This group is the most underwhelming group on either side for the Titans. With only one player proving to be a minimum of above average, it remains unknown exactly what this group can do, but they will have to improve from what the Titans had a season ago.
Tennessee Titans' Starting Defense
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Interior Defensive Linemen: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers. This group is the most talented group on the whole roster, and arguably the best interior defensive lineman group in the league as a whole. These two will be the premier pass rushers from the inside this season.
EDGEs: Jermaine Johnson II, Keldric Faulk. While I originally debated this could go three different ways, I ended up with the thought of Faulk becoming the starter. There was a reason the Titans traded back into the first round of the NFL Draft, and due to this move, it would be a complete waste if he were to sit on the bench.
Linebackers: Cedric Gray, Anthony Hill Jr (Green Dot). After a great camp thus far, Hill Jr. has done everything right to earn the trust of fans and coaches. He seems to be stepping up to the plate even more than last year's captain and starter, Cody Barton, which leaves many to believe that the Titans will trust in their young rookie rather than their veteran pass coverage linebacker.
Cornerbacks: Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, Marcus Harris (Nickel). With Taylor and Flott both coming to the Titans for their first season after being signed during free agency, it seems certain that this group could take a major step up in 2026. Harris will be the one to worry about; if I were the Titans, I would consider training Joshua Williams for snaps at nickel as well.
Safety: Kevin Winston Jr., Amani Hooker. Hooker ends up winning the safety battle ahead of the regular season, as he has done much better than Tony Adams in camp. As for Winston Jr., he is going to be a starter for the team no matter what, as this team seems to have a lot of trust in the young prospect.
Tennessee Titans' Starting Special Teams
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Kicker: Joey Slye. Back for another season with the Titans, Slye is already all but confirmed to be the starting kicker for the 2026 campaign.
Punter: Tommy Townsend. Townsend is set for his first season with the Titans and is the clear-cut No. 1 for this team after they made a move to land him in free agency.
Long Snapper: Morgan Cox. The Titans legend is set to be the long snapper for the Titans yet again.
Kick/Punt Returner: Chimere Dike. After making the Pro Bowl thanks to his return game, Dike is going to be the starter for both punt and kick returns. This will also be key to keeping him useful, as he is no longer a starting wide receiver for the Titans.
