Tennessee Titans training camp preview: Safeties

USA Today

2 days ago

As we enter the final weekend before the Tennessee Titans report to training camp, all eyes are focused on outside linebacker Femi Oladejo and whether the second-round pick will sign his contract or hold out. Second-rounders have slowly started to come to terms, and Oladejo should be coming in soon. Although we have already covered edge players in our previews, the topic remains a hot one.
Today, we continue our training camp preview series by breaking down the Titans' safeties. Like many positions on the roster, the Titans have added some pieces to the backend with a solid mix of rookies and veterans. A noticeable change will be evident when the team reports to camp on July 22.
Here's a quick rundown of who and what to expect this summer.
Coaching staff
Dennard Wilson (defensive coordinator), Steve Jackson (secondary/safeties coach), Steve Donatell (assistant defensive backs coach)
Wilson and Jackson return in 2025, aiming to improve the Titans' run defense, which struggled during their first season together in Nashville. Tennessee has added some pieces to the secondary with veteran Xavier Woods and rookie third-round pick Kevin Winston, but has a solid mix of experience and youth to work with once they hit camp.
Strong safety
Starter: Amani Hooker
Reserves: Kevin Winston Jr., Mark Perry, Julius Wood
Hooker returns to the fold and is the leader of the secondary. He is coming off an excellent season and is a consistent defender. The veteran defensive back is an underrated competitor and could be even better if the team around him stays healthy.
Winston was drafted in the third round and has a chance to develop into an outstanding playmaker for the Titans' defense. An athletic safety with upside, had he been healthy in 2024, he likely would have gone higher in the draft. Winston will have to play catch-up after missing all of the field work during offseason activities as he recovers from the ACL injury that cost him most of the season. But all signs point to him being ready for camp.
Perry and Wood will be fighting for a depth role or a spot on special teams.
Free safety
Starter: Xavier Woods
Reserves: Mike Brown, Kendell Brooks
Tennessee signed Woods as an unrestricted free agent to add an experienced presence to the defensive backfield. A consummate professional, the veteran defensive back has been a consistent playmaker throughout his career, bringing a diligent work ethic to the team. His leadership qualities could become a significant asset if things start to unfold as they did in 2024, when injuries ravaged the defense.
Brown is coming off an uneven season where he flashed potential. If he can become more consistent, he should be a solid rotational piece. Brooks has an uphill climb, but he could work his way into the mix if he shows some special-teams value.
Overall outlook
The safety position should be one of the most consistent units on the defense, and enters training camp with most of the depth chart in place. Winston is a wildcard; if healthy, he has the skill set to push for playing time early in the season.