It’s the kind of ranking that grabs attention for all the wrong reasons — Pro Football & Sports Network has released its list of the top 32 defensive coordinators heading into the 2025 NFL season, and Tennessee Titans DC Dennard Wilson landed near the bottom at No. 27.
On paper, that’s a red flag. In a league where defensive innovation is essential, a spot that low naturally raises concerns about whether the Titans’ defense is in the right hands. But this isn’t a black-and-white situation. Not even close. A deeper look at the Titans’ 2024 defensive performance — and the broader context of Wilson’s first year on the job — suggests that this ranking is more premature than damning.
A Low Ranking, But Not a Final Verdict
The write-up from PFSN makes one thing clear: Wilson’s placement at 27 is not necessarily an indictment of his scheme or leadership, but rather a reflection of his “unproven status” as a full-time defensive coordinator.
That’s important to remember. Wilson isn’t a veteran DC with years of data to dissect. He’s in his second year as the lead defensive play caller — and like many first-time coordinators, he’s navigating the balance between system implementation and adapting to personnel.
The Paradox of the 2024 Titans Defense
Critics will quickly point to one stat from last season: 30th in points allowed (27.1 per game). That’s near the bottom of the league, and undeniably an issue that needs addressing.
But then there’s this: Tennessee ranked 3rd in total yards allowed (311.2), and 1st in passing yards allowed (177.3). Those numbers typically belong to top-10 defenses, not ones scraping the bottom.
So what’s the deal?
It’s simple: the Titans’ defense in 2024 was caught in a paradox. They were elite in their 20s, but gave up too many big plays and red zone touchdowns. They could stop the pass better than anyone, yet ranked 25th against the run (133.9 YPG), often getting gashed late in drives. And their lack of pressure — especially after parting ways with Harold Landry III — meant quarterbacks had time to exploit weaknesses when it mattered most.
PFSN also noted the lack of sacks and pressure as a major factor. That aligns with the film. Outside of the occasional blitz, the Titans struggled to consistently generate heat, and without a true edge rusher to fear, opposing offenses often dictated tempo and flow.
A Young Core Still in Transition
Let’s not ignore what Wilson was working with. The 2024 Titans featured a youth-heavy defense, especially on the back end. Injuries tested the unit’s depth throughout the year, and the linebacker group lacked consistent downhill presence.
This offseason, Tennessee moved on from Harold Landry III and Kenneth Murray Jr., opting to infuse new talent through the draft and free agency. That includes rookies Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE) and Kevin Winston Jr. (S) — both of whom could have significant roles in 2025.
Add in veterans like Cody Barton and Xavier Woods, and it’s clear the front office sees the defense as a work-in-progress. That puts Wilson in a unique position — one where improvement will be expected, but patience is also warranted.
2025: A Proving Ground, Not a Punchline
Wilson doesn’t need to defend his ranking. He needs to reshape it, and the path is already laid out.
With more versatile pieces in the front seven, improved run support, and a full offseason to refine his scheme, Wilson now has the opportunity to turn last year’s statistical contradiction into a cohesive, balanced unit.
He already has the framework of an elite pass defense. If Tennessee can improve in the trenches and stiffen in the red zone, this defense could go from misunderstood to feared in just one season.
Don’t Judge the Book by Its First Chapter
No, Dennard Wilson hasn’t earned top-10 recognition yet. But let’s not pretend he doesn’t belong in the conversation. He took a battered, unproven secondary and turned it into the best pass defense in the NFL last year, while the unit as a whole allowed the second-fewest yards in the league.
Points allowed? Red zone lapses? Those are fixable, especially with better personnel and a more balanced offense to control time of possession.
Wilson’s ranking at No. 27 is fair if you’re focused only on results. But if you’re watching the process — the adjustments, the flashes, the growth — it’s clear this isn’t the final word on his potential.
The 2025 season will be about earning respect, not asking for it. And if Wilson can elevate this group the way many believe he can, don’t be surprised when he shows up on the right side of next year’s rankings.
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