Dennard Wilson may have spent just a year in Baltimore as the Ravens defensive backs coach, but he made a lasting impact on several of his former players.
In 2023, the Ravens yielded the fewest points in the NFL and ranked second in total defense, according to Pro Football Focus. Specifically, Wilson's pass defenders allowed a league-low 5.9 yards per pass, the sixth-fewest passing yards per game at 193.1, and recorded 18 interceptions (tied for second).
Wilson will take charge of a Titans defense that ranked near the bottom of the NFL, but Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith has the utmost confidence in his former coach.
"I think he's going to be great. I'm jealous Tennessee got him," Smith told tennesseetitans.com. "I wish I had more time with him. But I'm also very happy for him because I know he's going to do amazing things."
"I am surprised he is just now getting (a DC job). I figured he'd get it a little while ago, looking at his track record and how he goes about things."
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, a first-team All-Pro, said that Wilson played a significant role in his performance.
"D-Will is a super smart dude," Hamilton told tennesseetitans.com. "He helped us out a lot this year. We wouldn't be where we're at without him. We didn't give up a lot of big plays, and that was due a lot to his scheme and his ideas. He was working very close with our DC.
"He jokes around a lot, but he knows when it's business time as well. … He's going to try and create smart guys, and let them be confident and go out there and make plays."
New Titans coach Brian Callahan said he wants an aggressive defense similar to the ones that caused him stress as the Bengals offensive coordinator. Smith is confident Wilson can bring that energy to the Titans.
"I think he’s a versatile guy, will play multiple coverages," Smith said. "And when you just look at it over time, man, everywhere he’s gone, in a sense you’ve seen the defense improve in the secondary. I am happy for him, and I am happy that he is able to showcase what he’s able to do when he has control over the entire defense.”
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