Who can the Titans most rely on? Who can the Titans not afford to miss this season? Here is a look at players 10 - 6 of who are the most valuable on this 2026 Roster.
The Titans (on paper) will look a lot different than they did a year ago. New coaching staff, new WR room, a revamped defensive front, and even new threads will make a grand entrance this 2026 season. Amidst of all the change a rebuilding franchise, who can the Titans count on? Who makes the Tennessee Titans the Tennessee Titans. Let's begin...
HONORABLE MENTIONS: - RB Tony Pollard: The Titans RB has proved to be one of the most under appreciated Titans on this roster. Not only that, but Tony Pollard stands only with Ravens RB, Derrick Henry as the two Runnings Backs in the NFL to have the most consecutive 1,000 rushing yards in a season. The veteran + leadership presence is irreplaceable, but the position is not as valued as it once was. - LB Cedric Gray: The 2024 4th round draft pick left his mark on this defense last season. Recording 100+ tackles is a remarkable stat alone, but with HC Saleh changing the defense, Gray will be asked to play more zone concepts which was an area of growth for Cedric Gray last season. Expect the growth, but also expect a more complete LB room with addition Anthony Hill Jr. - DE Jermaine Johnson: The former NY Jet was one of two Titans trade additions this March. The former pro-bowler has hopes to return to his powerful motor in 2026. Johnson's contributions to this team will be undeniable, from drawing more attention from the offensive line and filling a need in the DE room but there still seems for there to be more question marks then exclamation marks with Johnson. Don't be surprised to see leaps from Johnson under former NY Jets coach Robert Saleh.
10: DE - John Franklin Myers JFM was a big get for the Titans this offseason. Many analysts mark this as the best move for Tennessee this year. The stats from the last couple years prove so. If JFM can have anywhere close to repeating the success the last two years he had in Denver, Meyers will prove to make this defense stalwart this upcoming season
9: TE - Gunnar Helm The former rookie Texas tight end made himself known in year one in Tennessee. Helm started the year off as TE2 behind Chig Okonkwo, but with Okonkwo departing for the Washington Commanders in free agency - Helm looks to be in line for a big 2026. The former rookie tallied 44 reception with over 400 receiving yards with 2 TD's. If we see those numbers increase even a slight bit, Helm will find himself as QB Cam Ward's more reliable targets in 2026.
8: CB - Marcus Harris Another 2026 rookie finds his way in the top 10 most valuable assets in 2026. This time its cornerback Marcus Harris. The former sixth round draft pick found himself having some significant play time in 2026 where he had 18 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, and even 5 passes defensed. That is a solid foundation for a sixth round rookie. But, with new HC Robert Saleh reshaping the defense we will likely see Harris in a new role in 2026. Saleh has repeatedly noted the value of having a strict nickel corner in the backend of the defense. Saleh has also hinted that Harris fits the mold of what he likes for nickel corners to be like. If true we can expect him to be picked on CONSTANTLY. Nickel corners are always the matchup offenses test first. Quarterbacks will see him as the “most movable piece” in coverage. That means: - More slot WR targets (quick game, option routes) - More third-down isolation reps - More “let’s see if he can hold up” plays No matter how Harris handles his second year in the league, his presence alone will matter more.
7: WR - Wan'Dale Robinson Cam Ward has a handful of new friends this year in 2026 and new WR Wan'Dale Robinson will prove to be one of the most impactful. The former NY Giant, Robinson comes over reuniting with his former HC in Brian Daboll. Ever since being drafted out of the second round in 2022, Robinson has only seen more and more growth in stats, play time, and league recognition. Last year alone, Robinson saw himself with 92 receptions, 4 TDs and just over 1,000 receiving yards. That impressive considering the inconsistent QB room last year in NY. Robinson played 84.61% of snaps in the slot position in 2025 (according to Pro Football Reference) . The Titans can expect roughly the same snap count from Robinson in 2025. If the new WR repeats 75% of his success from last season, Ward & Co. will be very pleased.
6: CB - Alontae Taylor Taylor was another one of the Titans "big gets" in free agency this March. Taylor leaves the New Orleans Saints to solidify himself back home in Tennessee as the Titans CB1. The front office signed Taylor to 3 year - $ 58 million contract with an average of $19.3 mil a year. That is a hefty bag for a cornerback who is a useful starter-level corner, but - his tape has some clear, repeatable weaknesses—especially when he’s asked to do too much at once in hybrid roles. Regardless, it is notable that Taylor played 95% of defensive snaps in 2025. In Saleh's defense you can expect to see the new CB expanded and solidified. Under Saleh, the plan is for his primary role to be a boundary corner where he has Occasional inside snaps only in sub packages and no longer a full-time slot/STAR defender. Tennessee specifically is not planning heavy slot usage for him, which signals they want him more locked into one job than in past years. Taylor provides a much needed jolt in a CB room that has missed some talent, stability, and dependability. Alontae Taylor hopes to meet all of that, and if he does, the Titans will be pleased with a changed defense in 2026.
Final Thoughts: That rounds out players 10 through 6 as the most valuable for Tennessee in 2026. In the coming days check back here for the next rankings. In a season filled with so many expectations, the difference between winning and losing will likely come down to these 5 players in 2026. Return here for rankings of players 5 through 1 on who are the "cornerstones" for success this upcoming season in Nashville.