Titans barely make top half of ESPN’s future power rankings

ESPN recently ranked all 32 teams based on their future outlook for the next three seasons, and in it the Tennessee Titans landed outside the top 10.

The outlet used a formula that took into consideration a team’s quarterback situation, entire roster, drafting ability, front office and coaching to come up with its rankings.

Based on those factors, the Titans landed at No. 14, with ESPN’s panel of experts ranking their roster at No. 16, quarterback situation at No. 14, coaching at No. 15, drafting ability at No. 17, and front office at No. 13.

Here’s how the panel of experts, consisting of Field Yates, Louis Riddick, Jeremy Fowler and Seth Walder, view things in Nashville:

Why they’re here: It’s easy to project an offensive core in Tennessee for the next three seasons that forces defensive coordinators into sleepless nights. Scoring should come easily with a wide receiver duo featuring A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, while defensive reinforcements added this offseason will go a long way in allowing Tennessee to earn a spot among the AFC’s top tier. — Yates

Biggest worry: For the Titans to make real noise, they need All-Pro level performances from two of their new additions this offseason on the defensive side of the ball: linebacker Bud Dupree and first-round cornerback Caleb Farley. Dupree is among the 25 highest-paid defensive players in the NFL despite recovering from an injury, and Farley was the best man-coverage corner in the 2021 draft but opted out of the 2020 season and is recovering from back surgery. — Riddick

What could change for the better: The Titans should be able to keep the high-powered running game intact for a few more years thanks to a stout offensive line in front of Derrick Henry. Third-year guard Nate Davis played well last year, and the Titans are high on rookie tackle Dillon Radunz. Both of those players should help offset the eventual transition from Ben Jones and Rodger Saffold III, who are producing well into their 30s. Taylor Lewan turns 30 this month, too. — Fowler

Stat to know: No team utilized play-action on a higher percentage of their pass plays than the Titans last season. Not only did the Titans have the fifth-highest expected points added per play-action play in the league last season, but it led them to the third-most-efficient passing offense, too. — Walder

While Tennessee certainly wants to have an eye on the future, it’s all about the 2021 season right now, as the team is in win-now mode and going all-in on the coming campaign, hoping to secure the franchise’s first Super Bowl.