PFF Celebrates Tennessee Titans Starting Interior Linemen

The Titans’ defensive and offensive lines upgraded through free agency and the draft over the past couple of seasons. How much did PFF celebrate the interior linemen additions made by Tennessee throughout the offseason? Could there be more impactful additions on the way, as precious few spots are up for grabs in Bill Callahan’s system?

PFF Celebrates Tennessee Titans’ Starting Interior Linemen

LG Peter Skoronski

PFF thought highly of Skoronski, even if his 2024 season was uneven at best. The inconsistency of his first two seasons can be attributed to the poor play of the left tackle next to him. Tennessee had some of the worst left tackle play in the league’s annals for some time. Multiple options were trotted out next to Skoronski in hopes of forming a potent duo, but none seemed to work. The problem became so glaring that Tennessee invested significant resources in the position during the 2025 free agency period.

“From a season-long viewpoint, Skoronski doesn’t move the needle much, but there’s an argument to be made that he closed out the year as the best pass protector at the position. From Week 12 onward, Skoronski produced the highest PFF pass-blocking grade (88.2) among guards. At just 24 years old, that strong finish should set up a breakout 2025.”

He possesses an excellent opportunity to thrive in a retooled offensive line under a coach who’s well known for getting the best out of his charges. The former first-round selection is one of the key cogs on the line and will thrive going forward.

C Lloyd Cushenberry

Like Skoronski, PFF ranked the Titans’ starting center in the 20th spot and had this to say about the veteran.

“A torn Achilles in Week 9 ended Cushenberry’s first season in Tennessee, but a solid grading profile in his prior seasons provides confidence that he can bounce back. Across his final three seasons in Denver, Cushenberry posted the fourth-highest PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets. With expectations that he will be ready for training camp this offseason, he can again reach that ceiling.”

Cushenberry is coming off a devastating Achilles injury that sidelined him for the second half of the 2024 season. He possesses the talent to have a bounce-back season. If he can stay healthy and become more consistent, he has the chance to become a top-ten center in the league. The center position is crying out for a young superstar to anchor the group. Why not Cushenberry to fulfill the role? Tennessee is banking on him to carry the load with very little depth behind him.

RG Kevin Zeitler

The ageless veteran attains another honor from PFF as they rank him within the top ten at his position. Tennessee signed him to a one-year deal to man the right guard spot next to rising sophomore right tackle JC Latham. Zeitler has been a steady albeit unspectacular presence at the position. The Titans are seeking answers on the interior after putting out a seemingly infinite combination over the past couple of seasons. Can the veteran steady the ship and provide quality play as they seek a long-term option?

“Although Zeitler enters 2025 at age 35, he continues to prove he isn’t slowing down. In his lone season in Detroit, Zeitler earned his highest PFF overall grade (86.5) in a decade, finishing as the NFL’s third-highest-graded guard. While his pass protection dipped a bit in 2024, his 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade stands as the best of his career.”

IDL T’Vondre Sweat

The Titans landed both of their interior defensive linemen in the top 30 in the league, according to PFF. Sweat enters his second season on a positive note and will look to become one of the best in the league. While he probably won’t become a gaudy numbers producer like Chris Jones, he still could make an impact. The young rising star is a building block for the defensive front, at the very least.

“Sweat had an impactful rookie campaign and is poised to continue that good play in his second season. The 365-pounder earned a 75.0 PFF run-defense grade, ranking 10th among interior defenders. His lowest categorical grade was 64.1 in pass rush.”

Sweat has the potential to become a top-ten defensive lineman in the league if he can manage his weight. He is a stout run defender by trade, but can he improve upon his pass rush talent? That will determine the trajectory of his blossoming career.

IDL/EDGE Jeffery Simmons

PFF ranked the six-year veteran in the top ten as one of the best interior defenders in the league. He’s a legitimate superstar when healthy and inspired. The three-time Pro Bowler could still rise in the rankings with a great 2025 campaign, leading the way for a retooled defense. Tennessee’s DC Dennard Wilson deployed him in various roles along the line, but primarily lined him up as a pass rusher. Simmons is a solid contributor and the superstar in the Titans’ defense.

“Simmons’ 80.0 PFF overall grade in 2024 ranked ninth among interior defenders. His 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade was a career high, and he tallied 45 quarterback pressures — including five sacks — to power it. “

The 2025 season could be big for the newly slimmed-down defensive star who has become fast friends with Cam Ward. Simmons reportedly looks sleeker after losing 20 pounds from his 2024 weight, which could portend much more terrifying speed and athleticism. He enters a pivotal season, given that 2025 is his last big guaranteed money season. According to OvertheCap, his guaranteed money is just $6.4 million in 2026. While both parties are at least a year away from discussing a new contract, it presents another interesting scenario to manage. Can he rebound with another Pro Bowl campaign for the retooling Titans defense?