Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team

In the NFL, every championship-caliber team relies on a mix of veteran leaders and emerging talent—and for the Tennessee Titans, the 2024 season highlighted a crop of rising stars who are poised to become the face of the franchise in the coming years. These players, ranging from second-year wide receivers to third-year defensive linemen, didn’t just fill roles; they made impactful plays that kept the Titans in playoff contention until the final week of the season. While veterans like quarterback Ryan Tannehill and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons still anchor the team, these rising stars brought energy, athleticism, and a hunger to compete that injected new life into the Titans’ roster. This collection of player profiles dives into the stories, skills, and potential of the young standouts who are helping shape the Titans’ future. For fans and analysts alike, Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team is more than a look at individual talent—it’s a window into how the Titans are building a team that can compete for AFC South titles for years to come.

Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team begins with one of the most exciting young playmakers on offense: second-year wide receiver Treylon Burks. Selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, Burks had a quiet rookie season, limited by injuries and a steep learning curve. But in 2024, he exploded onto the scene, finishing with 78 catches for 1,023 yards and 6 touchdowns—becoming the first Titans wide receiver to top 1,000 yards since 2021. What makes Burks stand out is his unique combination of size and speed: at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he can outmuscle smaller cornerbacks for contested catches, yet he runs a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, allowing him to beat defenders deep. His signature play of the season came in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he caught a 45-yard touchdown pass in double coverage to seal a 24-17 win. Off the field, Burks has embraced the mentorship of veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, who has helped him refine his route-running and game-day preparation. With another offseason to develop, Burks has the potential to become one of the top wide receivers in the AFC South—and a primary target for whoever is under center for the Titans in 2025.

Next in Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team is a defensive standout who has quickly become a force in the Titans’ front seven: third-year edge rusher Harold Landry III. While Landry was already a solid contributor in his first two seasons, 2024 marked his breakout year, as he recorded 9 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles—all career highs. What sets Landry apart from other edge rushers is his versatility: he can line up on either side of the defensive line, and he’s equally effective against the run and the pass. His ability to convert speed to power allows him to beat offensive tackles with both quickness and strength, and he’s developed a devastating spin move that has become his go-to weapon on third downs. Landry’s impact goes beyond statistics, too: his presence on the edge forces opposing quarterbacks to scramble, creating opportunities for other defenders to make plays. In Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, Landry recorded two sacks and a forced fumble, leading a Titans defense that held the Colts to just 10 points. At just 26 years old, Landry is entering his prime, and he’s quickly establishing himself as one of the cornerstones of the Titans’ defense. With Jeffery Simmons alongside him in the defensive line, the Titans have a pass-rushing duo that can disrupt even the best offensive lines in the NFL.

A key offensive rising star in Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team is second-year running back Hassan Haskins, who emerged as a reliable complement to veteran running back Derrick Henry (before Henry’s trade to the Texans midseason). Haskins, a fourth-round pick in 2023 out of Michigan, began the 2024 season as Henry’s backup, but he stepped into a larger role after the trade, finishing the season with 891 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. What makes Haskins effective is his physical running style and his ability to break tackles: he averaged 4.3 yards per carry and forced 22 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. Unlike Henry, who relies on pure power, Haskins uses a mix of strength and agility to navigate through defensive lines, and he’s a threat in the passing game, catching 23 passes for 185 yards. His best game of the season came in Week 14 against the Houston Texans, where he rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-24 win. For the Tennessee Titans, Haskins’ emergence is critical as they transition away from the Henry era; he provides a young, cost-effective option at running back who can carry the load if needed. With another offseason to work on his speed and pass-blocking, Haskins has the potential to become a 1,000-yard rusher in 2025—and a fan favorite in Nashville.

Another defensive rising star in Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team is second-year cornerback Roger McCreary, who has quickly become a lockdown defender in the Titans’ secondary. McCreary, a second-round pick in 2023 out of Auburn, started 14 games in 2024, recording 65 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups—impressive numbers for a player in just his second season. What makes McCreary stand out is his football IQ and his ability to read quarterbacks: he’s exceptional at anticipating routes, and he has a knack for jumping passing lanes to make interceptions. His 3 interceptions in 2024 included a game-sealing pick in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints, which helped the Titans keep their playoff hopes alive. McCreary is also a strong tackler for a cornerback, as he’s not afraid to come up and support the run—a trait that has earned him praise from defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. For the Tennessee Titans, McCreary’s development is crucial as they look to improve their passing defense, which ranked 24th in the NFL in 2024. With Kristian Fulton and Caleb Farley dealing with injuries, McCreary has become the most consistent cornerback in the Titans’ secondary, and he’s poised to take on an even larger role in 2025. If he continues to develop, McCreary could become one of the top young cornerbacks in the league.

Wrapping up Player Profiles: Rising Stars on Tennessee Titans Team is a player who has quietly become a key contributor on special teams and defense: third-year linebacker Monty Rice. Rice, a third-round pick in 2022 out of Georgia, began his career as a backup, but he earned a starting role in 2024, finishing with 108 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups. What makes Rice valuable is his versatility: he can play both middle and outside linebacker, and he’s a standout on special teams, where he recorded 15 tackles in 2024. Rice’s strength is his ability to stop the run—he’s excellent at filling gaps and wrapping up running backs, and he’s a big reason why the Titans ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing defense in 2024. He’s also improved his pass coverage skills, as he’s become more comfortable dropping into zone coverage and defending tight ends. In Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Rice recorded 12 tackles and a tackle for loss, helping the Titans hold the Chiefs to just 92 rushing yards. For the Tennessee Titans, Rice represents the type of young, hardworking player that every successful team needs. He’s not the most flashy player, but he’s consistent, reliable, and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. As the Titans continue to build their defense around young talent, Rice will play an important role in keeping their run defense among the best in the league.