Locked On Titans - Daily Podcast On The Tennessee Titans - TITANS SQUAD SHOW: Simmons' snaps SLASHED, Big Jeff READY TO PROVE he can handle it

Episode Date: June 20, 2026

Robert Saleh’s new rule: If a defensive lineman plays more than four straight snaps, they aren't playing hard enough. In this episode, we debate whether this aggressive rotation maximizes efficiency or foolishly benches All-Pro game-wrecker Jeffrey Simmons. Will "Big Jeff" buy into staying fresh for third downs, or will he force the coaches to make him the ultimate exception? Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, earlier this week, Jeff Simmons didn't seem too concerned about his potential new contract talks. Now we know why. And we'll tell you why Xavier Restrepo might be making that roster because that guy does not disappoint, at least right now. And we're definitely going to talk about Robert Salas' four-play rule, and I'm going to tell you why that may be the best thing for the Tennessee Titans. Titan up. It's the Titans squad. Everything Tennessee Titans. every week covering all the big hits and game-changing plays from the heart of music city the way only the locked-on podcast network can squad up the titan squad show starts now and welcome to the titan squad show i'm your host julian minnesota joined by kela anderson and brad hopkins today's episode is brought to you by

odoo great organizations win because operations matter and that's why you should get odoo try for free today at Odo.com slash locked on. That's ODOO.O.com slash locked on. And of course, we're going to talk about what Caleb mentioned at the top. Xavier Restrepo potentially making the roster and showing off during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. We're going to talk about what Brad mentioned at the top as well. Jeffrey Simmons potentially playing fewer snaps and why that may be a good thing in Brad's

eyes. But of course, we are going to talk about the breaking news of the day, which also includes Big Jeff, he signed a record-breaking deal today to stay in Nashville a little bit longer. Three years, $105.8 million, $100 million guaranteed, averages out to around $35 million a year, making Jeffrey Simmons the highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history. You guys, what's your reaction to that? I'm so thrilled. I'm so thrilled. I've always been a big fan of Jeffrey Simmons. And you can go find every clip out there from my days at that radio station in Nashville, Tennessee, to my days at WKRN to after. I have always been a believer in Jeffrey Simmons, even in a time where he was getting a lot of hate and heat from the fan base, from media members in the city. I am so happy for him. And I will say this, a lot of credit goes.

to him for, you know, going back and getting in the lab and figuring out how to be a better player. It's not just going to come easily like maybe it did in your younger years. I respect the fact that he did that, what was it, a couple years ago now, or almost a couple years ago now, where he lost the body weight and he just looked like a different player out there. And now he's trying to one up that with this new solid defense coming into Tennessee. I'm so proud of him. I'm so excited for him. And I can just remember when he was drafted in Nashville, Tennessee in 2019, there was a lot of question marks about Jeffrey Simmons. And there were a lot of negative things surrounding him even from the jump when J. Robb drafted him. And I'll say this, I'm not a huge J. Robb

fan in terms of his overall success in the draft. But damn, did he get this one right? And I will give him credit for that much. Well, I don't think that there's a person on the planet that doesn't say that Jeffers Simmons is deserving of this payday. I mean, if you are, then you've been living under a rock. This cat has been the catalyst for this defense for so long now. And he's actually taking the leadership role, the captain's role, basically not only

of this defense, but this team. Yep. You know, if we're trying to figure out who the face of this franchise would be, especially when it's normally the quarterback, until Cam takes it over, it is Jeffrey Simmons. He is the national perspective when it comes to Tennessee Titan. Now, let me tell you this. We talked about them signing Jeffrey Simmons on the to-do list, right?

They are not playing around with this roster. They know letting Big Jeff get out the building would be the dumbest thing that they could possibly do. So they're not even him and hon and mutton and Jeffin. No George Pickens type of. Well, I'm just going to improve like it. Are you kidding me? The guy already has proven himself to be worthy of the contract that he got, but they also didn't give him any worries heading into training camp about how they feel about him.

And this is what the new coaching staff, right, Kama? I mean. That's a great point, Brad, 100%. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, Gus Bradley, obviously, he knows football. And Robert Solidis, too, I'm just speaking from the defense perspective, but I bet you Brian Dayball himself is like, don't let him all the building.

I mean, but either way, all three of those guys collectively knew that they needed to get Big Jeff signed. And guess what? Mike Borganzi did too. And Amy Adams said, there's no damn way in the world. I'm letting Big Jeff get out of here. And he's become beloved to the community as well. So, you know, here, my hats off to the Titans for signing Big Jeff. And congratulations, Big boy, you're going to be here for a while. Yeah.

And he wanted to be a Titan for life. And this is kind of the dream scenario of when you pick a player like this, right? right you draft him you develop him to where he becomes a core pillar of your team production on the field he's coming off a season where he had a career high 11 sacks and then you pay the guy draft develop retain that's kind of the dream for an organization when investing high draft capital into a player and like you mentioned there bhop big jeff doesn't just mean a lot on the field like of course he is going to be the guy where his face is on the billboard when you open up the new nissons stadium in 27. That's for sure. He's going to be the guy that you're selling jerseys and marketing as the

star, right, along with Cam and maybe Carnell Tate too, but a pillar in the community as well. I mean, he has his give him a reason foundation where he's more than an athlete to the folks here in Nashville, helping out the youth here in Nashville too. And that's what you also hope when you draft the player is that they can be not only a pillar on your team, but a pillar in the organization and in the community. And so I think that part doesn't get talked about enough, but Jeff has been the forefront of that. That's why he is their Walter Peyton Man of the Year nominee pretty much every year. It's like a foregone conclusion.

So yeah, congrats to Jeff. Obviously, the production deserves the $105.8 million shattering the new market for defensive tackles. Now, what I want to ask you guys is this, because this leads into the conversation we were originally going to have, and Jeff Simmons potentially playing fewer snaps. in 2026. As Robert Salah said during OTAs, that if you're on his defensive line,

you play four snaps, you're probably not doing it right. He wants to have a heavy, hockey-style defensive line rotation to maximize energy for guys like Jeff Simmons. Of course, Jeff Simmons pushed back on that. This is what they had to say this week,

and then we'll react to that kind of philosophy. It's going to be a thing. If there's a 60 play game and Jeffrey plays 40 of them, the hope is that it was 40 passes. You know, like that, that's the goal. To get him doing what he does. Now, he can defend the heck out of the run, and he's probably one of the better run defenders too. So he, of course, he's going to defend the run. But the whole point of the rotation is to make sure that Jeffrey Simmons is ready for that one-on-one when we need it.

I want to play more than four rounds in a row. Is it going to happen? Probably not, because that's the rotation today. follow through that they follow but in my mindset when I come back for training cap I want to be in the best shape of my life to be able to have that mindset nah coach I could go four more Bhop yeah I listen I understand from big Jeff's mindset it's almost like when you're watching the finals and Victor Wimbignana comes out and you're like man how long is he going to be in the bench we need that cat in there because you know things are starting to go bad when he's not on the floor right

I get that but if you look at what actually the intent of the four play rule is designed to do. It's designed to maximize all out intensity. So there's no pacing allowed. You know what I mean? You got 60 minutes and, you know, the offensive line are banking on the fact that you're going to get tired. And it's about a heavy rotation. Okay.

So let's address the first one, the all out intensity. The all out intensity says that I know that I'm going to be subbed for in three plays because you're not playing four, right? If you're still on the field, the goal would be to get a three and out, right? But if you're still on the field for a couple more A series You know No set of downs basically

Yeah You know that if you give it your all 100% Somebody's coming in for you after that So if I knew in my mind I've just got to bust my butt As hard as I can for three plays I can really compartmentalize that And give my best

Okay And I think also The heavy rotation aspect of it Think about this guys You're going to see guys like Keldrick You're going to see guys like Solomon Thomas get in the rotation, not as starters, but you know they're going to see the field because of that four-play philosophy.

They want to get fresh bodies. At the end of the day, if you can keep up that pressure, that intensity, right, that helps the back end. Because ultimately, the quarterbacks are going to have guys at their feet. They're going to have guys in their faces. They're going to be trying to get rid of the ball quick. They're going to be getting hit early and often with those guys that don't have to worry about conditioning.

because if you look at the defensive lines and the offensive lines going against each other. Very rarely do you see a guy that if he's on the field for five or six plays, he's giving it the same effort that he was that first play when he stepped under the football field. Because he just get tired. You don't matter how good you are. You just get tired. So the pass rush isn't as effective, right? And we know this is offensive alignment.

Because at the end of the day, it's almost like in MMA when, you know, the guy that's on the offensive all the time, right? He's going to get tired. He's going to exhaust himself. So every now and then, you know, you got to play defense. just to kind of bait yourself and get, or, you know, bait them into basically getting tired and then you go on the attack. That's what we as linemen do, because, you know, you want to be able to play consistently the first quarter,

just like the last quarter, like you do the first quarter. I know I'm rambling, but the point is, if the intensity situation, if the rotation situation are what you're trying to accomplish, you can definitely do that with the, the rotation of four players in the mix, or a player in the mix for only three plays, and then they get subbed out, get on the sideline, get yourself some water, get back into the fight, and you keep up that same level of pressure for 60 minutes.

Yeah, I mean, Jeff loves the fact that this solid defense leads to more disruption, or at least that's the goal right up front. And I think this is actually going to be so good for a guy like Jeffrey Simmons at this part of his career, and he just got paid. Jeffrey Simmons, I never expected him to not go up there and say, I want to try to play more than, you know, four snaps in a row. That is expected. That's Jeffrey Simmons mentality.

I would actually been really mad if he didn't, if he went up there and said, I'm okay with it. I like the fact that he went up there and said, like, I want to do this and I'm going to go get in as good as shape as I can to be as fast as I can as a player and to be physically ready to play in this defense. But then he did say, like, I understand that probably is not going to happen. What I like about this, though, is that he's in a point of his career where he's changing up the type of defense he's playing it, right? And it's going to be a new challenge for him.

But it's going to be when I think he can adapt very well to, and it's going to adapt to his game very well. So I think he's only going to get better as a player once he actually accepts the fact that this is the new defense and these are the rules. but I think that it's going to have a team effect and he's going to be able to look at that and say, okay, now I really get it. I think it's a great thing. It might take time to adjust a little mindset-wise, but I think it's going to do well for Simmons.

Real quick, Julian, before we move on, Kayla hit a point very well the fact that he wants to be in shape. Yes. Conditioning is always a problem for big bodies. it always is and if Jeff's saying hey look I need to be in shape so that way I can at least argue the fact that I want to

be out there before place right that says a lot and I'm telling you've been out there Julian he looks good yeah he looks good yeah man I mean seriously them them red sleeves were just

busting at the scenes first off but he's also you know he's shaped like an upside down triangle man man, this cat is ready to go. Well, I was just going to say, like, look, I think you could probably make an argument that the defensive line is one of these strengths, if not the biggest strength position group of this team right now, right? And if you're a Robert Sala trying to, not that Jeff Simmons needs any extra motivation,

but if you want to continue to motivate your star player, okay, show me that you can go more than four snaps, that you can go five or six snap, that you can take this 40-day break between, mini camp and training camp and get your body in even better shape than it ever was, ever has been in the history of your career. And you know what? If you can prove to me that you can be out that long, show me that. Yeah, but you know what, but Robert's right though, man, fatigue makes cowards of us all. You're going to get tired.

You know, it's just to play, you know. So you're, so what you're going to do is you're going to say even, you know, an 80, 70% you know, me, if I've been on the field for eight plays, it's better than 100% of this guy it's just completely ready to go. And assuming that obviously there might be a little difference in talent. I get that. Right. But at the end of the day, that talent can also be mitigated with the fact that this cat is just standing over on the sideline, chomping at the bit, just completely ready to go.

Would you take Jeffrey Simmons at a 70% or someone else at 100? Who's someone else? If it's Solomon Thomas. No. Okay. No. First off, Solly's a beast now. Now, that cat right there.

He's a monster now. So here's 100% over Jeff, 70% all day I'll take solid. You know what I mean? You know what I'm thinking about that? Now I'm saying 100% to 100%? Yeah, I'll take big Jeff. You know what I mean? Just the sheer size of it all, the talent.

There's a little bit of a difference there. But no, 100% solid, 70% Jeff, no, no, no. Well, and just for context, since 2020 when Jeff has been available, he has played at least 80% of the snaps per year. If Robert Sala's math is mathing on that, the 40 plays out of, let's say, 60, that's about 66%. So obviously down, but the focus and the idea is quality over quantity. Yeah. So that's when it comes to Jeff Simmons.

So on the other side of the break, we're going to talk about another guy who had a pretty big time camp, mandatory minicamp and OTAs. Xavier Restrepo, somebody who may have been on the outside looking in, but now could be having any insight. track to making this roster. That's next year on the Titan squad show. Don't go in. Throughout the NHL finals, every shift matters. Every moment is intense and everything comes down to execution when the pressure is at its highest. And just like the athletes, they must be ready to go to perform when the puck drops. A lot of guys want that same sense of readiness and confidence in their own lives too. That's where Ruggiat comes in. Ruggiat offers modern performance focus treatments designed to help you be ready when it matters. Their top option, Ruggiat ready, is a fast acting, clinically

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So Xavier Restrepo. Xavier Restrepo potentially making this roster had a huge camp, right? Led, I think, all receivers and catches during OTAs and mini camp. Does he now have an inside track to potentially make this roster? Because I tell you, at the start of this camp, guys, it didn't feel like he did. Kayla. So these are always interesting conversations because like I have mentioned in the past with certain guys, but that just always happened to stick around with like a Mason Kinsey type, let's say.

Now, I think Xavier Restrepo is more talented overall. Just a little bit bigger, not much. But I do believe Strepo came in. I know he didn't get drafted, but he came in with a lot of people liking what he did at Miami. And obviously he had that connection with Cam Ward. But when he's here doing this type of stuff, it's not like he's getting all those reps with Cam Ward. He's getting those reps with Will Levis. Like he's getting those reps with different quarterbacks. And I think in year two, what's different is there's always that adjustment period, especially for guys that maybe were those free agents that are kind of just trying to prove everybody wrong,

why you didn't draft me. So there was some growth for Xavier Restrepo, even though he came in with a lot of hype last year. I think he learned a lot last year. Look, this guy is a dog. Like, we talk about dogs in football and all these other sports. He is one of those guys. Like, he's going to do whatever it takes to try to make this roster. And he's not going to be perfect by every means,

but we saw the catch that he made the other day. We see these things that stick in our minds. And this is a different coaching staff, by the way. This is not the same staff that he had to try to impress last year. I get it that Borgo, you know, signed him here, but this is a different staff. So there's definitely an opportunity for him in what I think is a better offensive team fit in Brian Dayball system. That X position or that slot position for him, I think he can play it really well. He's just got to continue to be a guy

they can also use on special teams because we know those fringe wide receiver spots also have to contribute on the special teams units as well. Yeah, before you go, Brad, real quick, the catch that Kayla was referring to, he made a one-handed Odell Beckham type of catch in the end zone during the scrimmage this past week at minicamp. And it was the play of the day, probably the play of the two-day mandatory minicamp period that the media was allowed to watch. And so it got a lot of people talking. Behapp. He's been doing that in warm-ups every day.

He practices it. I mean, it just shows you the level of confidence that he has in his own game to be able to do that kind of stuff, right? There's that. let's just go by attrition. Carnot, Calvin Ridley, Wondell Robinson, Elyte, I. U. Manor, Chimdike. Those will be your stalwarts, right? Now, possibly in the mix.

Mason Kinsey saw 10 games last year. Bryce Oliver saw three. Xavier saw two. K.J. Osborne, obviously, on the roster. He was on the Atlanta practice squad last year. He has had some minutes where he, like, started some games. I think in 20-20, he had like 58 games, basically, under his belt, 16 touchdowns, and over 500 yards receiving in three of his four years in Minnesota.

So he does have some experience, okay? But I think that they're definitely, without a doubt, is a space for Xavier Ostrepo. Is he going to be in the rotation early and often? I can't say that at this point. But I tell you this, he's getting targeted. Whether he's working with Cam, whether he's working with Mitchell Trubisky, whether he's even working with Will Levis. They're finding him in the zone. They're finding him in the rotation, basically.

So part of the reason why we're talking about how effective he is or is not, not is because he actually is getting the attention that is necessary to make this team. You know, so if the question is, will they make the roster? 1,000 percent. You know what I mean? Now, two games is not enough of a sample size to say that he was impactful in those games and nor would I expect him to be, but it's a long season. Injuries happen, you know what I'm saying?

The rotation changes. Next thing you know, maybe Ehrlich is in the starting role because somebody got hurt and then then somebody else up into the backup role. You know what I mean? So that possibly could be the way they, Xavier sees the field, but ultimately I do see him being a part of everything that we're doing here because of the confidence that he has in his ability and from what we're seeing from the attention he's getting from the QBs this year. Yes, and Robert Sala addressed not only Xavier Restrepa, but the competition at wide receiver for some of those back-end roster spots here is what Coach Sala had to say.

It's going to be a fierce competition on the, for the, it's going to be a fierce competition on the, for those, uh, uh, for those, uh, uh, for those, uh, uh, for those final receiver spots. Really good depth in those rooms. I think Ozzy's doing a really nice job. Looking forward, again, like Kinsey X, all those guys, it's going to be a fierce competition come training camp. And once we get the pads on, it'll be interesting to see who separates themselves.

And a lot of times, guys, you see that maybe that back-in receiver spot, like we saw with Bryce Oliver last year, is because of a special teamer. Bryce Oliver proved to be valuable in that gunner spot. do you give somebody do you give somebody like Restrepo the spot or do you want

maybe a bigger body for a special teams kind of person okay as a I see exactly what you're saying yeah he's not a burner you know what I'm saying he's not somebody just gonna run away from coverage or even just or even get by

on teams as he covers he's not going to just blow anybody by other boy he just he's a work hard guy you know what I'm saying he's a dude that just finds himself ways to get open. He has a good sense and a feel for where bodies are around him and can make a catch when it's in a tough environment.

So those are the things I like about him. If it's a special team situation, you know, they're probably more athletic guys that can go make a tackle. I wouldn't expect Xavier or a struggle to be like a safety. Right. He's going to light a ball carrier up by any stretch. But I know, and you know, he's going to work hard. So if that's the way.

he has to go to make this team, you know, I don't necessarily see him being a gunner. You know what I mean? I don't necessarily see, you know, maybe a personal protector with on a punt or something. But I just wouldn't rely on his athletic ability to be somebody that you can say, man, he's going to really make it on teams. Yeah, and that's kind of like to each is their own because we've seen how these other staffs in the past are very particular on that special teams player, you know, and who makes that kind of fringe spot.

And that's why maybe we've seen like a Bryce Oliver, because he is one of those guys on special teams who can at least, you know, at times make a difference or. I like Bryce. I do too. Yeah, we're big Bryce Oliver fans here for sure. Bryce is nice. He is.

Good one. That's good. Two each is your own, though, with this staff. Like, I don't know the staff quite well enough yet to know exactly what they want. in that fringe spot at right receiver. Sure. And I only ask the question is because with the new staff, one of the few assistants who decided,

or they decided to keep is Bones Fossil and Bones really like Brice. That's a good point. Great point. And so that's why I'm like, is this the end of the Bryce Oliver experience? Are we, if people are going to finally get the Xavier Strepo on the 53, is KJ Osborne kind of in that James Prochet role?

Like he was last year? There's just a lot of competition there, and it's going to really hurt when you see some of these guys get cut just because the room is really full. It also depends how Brian is going to use this offense. You know what I mean? Exactly. I don't expect him to be heavy pass. I expect him to try and achieve the balance that most offensive coordinator want to have. But you know he wants to be able to stretch the field.

He wants to be able to get vertical. He wants to have explosive plays. And sometimes if you look at the whole four rule that Sala was trying to implement for the defense, I would say the same thing about receivers. You know what I mean? You know, if you can run three straight go routes, you know what I mean? And at the end of the day, we get Ehrlich in there or Chim in there to kind of fill in for you and then, you know, keep that same level of intention, that same level of pressure on the secondary

by taking dudes out of the box because, you know, I watched a receiver the other day on a replay of some of the games from last year. It was a run play, Kayla. And he literally was looking, the receiver was looking over his shoulders if he's catching a deep ball, completely taking the safety out of the mix because he thought that there was a ball coming, right? And the ball carriers running up behind him. You know what I mean? So it's smart plays like that, but it also takes the ability to have the kind of depth to be able to do stuff like that. So yeah, that's a really good point. It's definitely a little bit different from what we've been seen in the past. So you're right. Like, you know, your guys that you have, these guys that are making the team, it's not, we can't just go back

and look at what was happening last year and the year before that and be like, oh yeah, we understand this is probably the way it's going to go. Like there's, it's obviously going to look different. And I hope, hopefully in a good way. Yeah, well, one thing was apparent at camp, because Xavier Restrepo was kind of with the twos and threes and that slot roll that Wondale was with the ones. You could see how Wondale earned 140 targets. each of the last two years because that was that was transferring over to the second and third

team with Restrepo dominating out there and being kind of the high target guy for those units. Hey, Wondell was not scared to chase a ball. I don't know how many times that guy was on the ground. We were saying, stay up, stay up, but he's still trying to make a play. You know what I mean? So you got to remember, this cat had a thousand yards last year with Jackson Dart, okay, doing his best Malik neighbors. So get it to credit. Yeah.

Let me make one quick point. Because as much as I am, you know, I am a Cam Ward fan, number one, I think he's going to be able to do what he needs to do to be the franchise quarterback. I will say this. They are doing whatever they can to give him as much help in different ways as they can. And I think that is going to be telling this year because we can't use the excuse after this year that, oh, there's no help around Cam. or Cam doesn't have the different types of wide receivers or the reliable hands or, you know, there's not going to be able to have that argument used after this season. If there isn't the improvement it needs to happen with Cam, I think it will happen.

But I do think all this discussion we're having, especially about that receiver group. It's one of the better receiver groups I think we'll see in the Titans in a while here, if it all plays out. real quick surrounding quarterbacks with great players is the way to make them great it just proves the example you can't do it by yourself exactly you know what I mean

if I'm the most accurate quarterback ever what good is it if the receivers keep dropping balls right and we saw that in Cincinnati or in Kansas City even with Patrick yeah what good is it if there's no protection for the cat and he's looking down the field through his airhole because his helmet getting knocked off his head you know what I'm saying

so it doesn't matter all these things that the quarterback can do intangibly, but you've got to have great players and role players around him to make him great. Great point there by you guys. That's for sure. Something to keep an eye on, especially as the Titans continue to develop and install this offensive system under Brian Daibble. On the other side of the break,

I think Bhop, you have a hop take for us today, do you? And you know this. Oh, there it is. There it is. Like the sun rises and the sunsets. All right, that's next here on the Titan Squad show. Don't go anywhere. Get your daily Titans fixed completely ad free by joining the Everydayer Club today.

Start your seven day free trial right now and get closer to your team without the interruptions. Click the link in the show notes or go to locked on podcast.com slash every dayer. That's Lockedonpodcast.com slash every dayer to claim your free trial. Running a business shouldn't feel like you're trying to connect a bunch of systems that were never designed to work together. One app for accounting, another for inventory, another for sales. and somehow none of them talk to each other. That's where Odu comes in. Odo is an all-in-one business management software

that brings every part of your business together in one powerful platform, from sales and accounting to inventory and marketing. Everything works in one place, helping your team move faster, stay organized, and focused on growing the business instead of managing software. The best organizations know that success isn't just about talent.

It's about everyone working toward the same goal. And that's true in sports, just like it is in business. That's why the Titans re-signed Jeffrey Simmons. They knew he is the catalyst to make this organization go and turn around in the right direction. Great organizations win because operations matter, and that's why you should get O-D-O-D-D-O-com-Llocked-on. That's O-D-O-O-O-com slash locked on. All right, B-Hop, it's time for your weekly hop-take.

Take it away. So they're called hop-takes for a reason, okay, because it's a hot take. in my opinion, especially with the rotation that we just mentioned in the very beginning of our podcast, I think that Keldrick Falk could be the next version of the freak, Javon Kirst. Now, I'm not saying that he's going to have the same numbers, but with his size, his athleticism, and the rotation I just mentioned, he could make an immediate impact for this defense as a rookie. Now, looking at Javon Kirst, obviously 14 and a half sacks, 57 combined tackles, six force fumbles, nine passes deflected.

He played in all 16 games. He was an AP NFL defensive rookie of the year, first team all pro. He made his pro bowl in his first year. Those are some heavy accolades to be able to follow. But standing next to this cat, I knew he was going to be a problem. 6-6-275,

greet Jesus. With that kind of ability coming off the edge, that cat's going to be nasty. And if he comes in fresh, you know what I mean? Also just the change of pace type deal when he's working with, you know, John Franklin Myers. And, of course, you know, some of the other guys on the interior, they're going to apply just as much pressure.

Think about that. Forebacks don't have the ability to step up in the pocket because you've got Big Jeff and J.F. and J.F.M., collapsing the pocket. And you've got Ed's feeders that are going to be coming around like Jermaine Johnson and the likes of really making a difference. So I think with the rotation and with his attributes physically, I think the Keldrick Falk could make an immediate impact as a rookie. I would love to see that.

first of all, I'm a big fan of fault. I think eventually if he can be that guy, eventually he could be a leader on this team down the road because he has that natural ability as he did at Auburn. What I like about him and maybe why he could reach potential like that is he kind of came into the right situation. And I think a lot of times when you're drafted, especially in that first round,

you don't always get the right fit. And you might not always have the right staff around you or the right personnel to help you grow as a player. And we talk a lot about folks' potential. And maybe his stack number last year, they weren't as big as they were a couple years prior to that. But he has all the traits. And he's coming into a really, you know, good solid defense

where Sala is known to a. help, you know, produce these types of players to help grow these types of players. But then, Brad, you just labeled his linemates. Like, these are guys who have a lot of experience who have also gone through growth in their careers and know how to teach. I think he is surrounded by the perfect situation that I agree. Like, it might be a hop take, but it's one that could very well turn out to be true because of just what situation he came into as a player. Do you remember when Javon was doing all this stuff on the field and, oh, I freak out and all this.

You know, I already got, I got Kilderick's phrase. Of course you. What the fuck? What the fact is happening? I love it. Well, Bhab, you know, the funny thing is, because, you know, Javon does like some of the in-game entertainment videos that they have there up on the Jumbotron.

The dude still looks like he can play. man. And something big about his career, Bihop, you know, obviously you were part of it. Like, he was available those first three seasons, like 16 games each of the first three years. And so the best teacher is experience. And you mentioned the guys in front of or on the defensive line with him, Kayla. But I also think Keldrick Falk is going to be one of those guys who benefits from the heavy hockey style rotation too. He's going to constantly get opportunity. You know, they didn't maybe draft the edge higher in the draft, but they got a guy who you're anticipating being a day one starter who can contribute right away.

And really, his opportunities are going to open up because people are going to be focused on Jeffrey Simmons and John Franklin Myers. I just think that the ceiling is higher than the floor is lower, if that makes sense, when it comes. to kill trick ball. Kayla, he had the nerve to size me up the other day in practice. Oh, dang. He's a funny guy. I know. I love it.

I've seen so many. They're about to take the field and they're in the weight room. And I was walking through there. And I introduced myself. And I said, yeah, Ryan Hayes is wearing my number. He looked at me like, you used to play tackle? You know what I mean? Oh, man.

Right. He's like, what are the second? You have to show you with a picture and be like, see? I'm about 100 pounds lighter than I was when I played. But the fact that he was like, yeah, he says, you know, good job by you. I was like, no, I didn't play that this size, dude. I was 50 pound favorite than you. You know what I mean?

So it was just funny. I just, we had that moment. He's, he's, I love these rookies who can also kind of have enough confidence to just be themselves. And I think that just. That says a lot to what they'll grow into. Right. And look, he was a leader on a defense at Auburn that wasn't particularly good. The whole, the team wasn't particularly great.

Like it was a down year for Auburn, right? But I think going through something like that, navigating some adversity on a year where he probably thought the Tigers would be a lot better, kind of shaping him to contribute right away in the NFL, I think. So certainly. something to keep out a look for when it comes to the Titans second first round pick in Keldrick Falk, excited to see him. Okay, we're having some questions on the other side of the break. Don't go anywhere as the Titan Squad Show continues here on YouTube Live. All right, guys, first question comes from Paddy Boy 2-7.

Do you think we'll have a top 10 defense this year? And if so, does that mean playoffs? Kiki. Oh, man. Look, you know me. I'm just optimistic always. But I try to keep it real, too. Do I think they could have a top 10 defense?

Maybe. I mean, if they grow the way they're supposed to in terms of catch on quick, these players that we have acquired, new players, these younger guys that need to contribute, if a lot goes right, I do think that because I believe that much in Sala and his defense and what he's been able to do in the past in different places.

So yes, I do feel like that could be something that, you know, might be in the works. Playoffs, I just, I can't go there yet, guys. I think the year after we're talking, that could definitely be potentially a situation. I just, let me take one step at a time. They could get to be in a top 10 defense somewhere in the season. Playoffs, I think I'm going to wait on that and reserve that for now. next season. Well, I'm going to give you 105 reasons why this could be a possibility.

You follow me? No, no, 105 reasons. 105 million reasons. There's going to be a lot of eyeballs on Jeffrey Simmons and what he does this year because of the payday, right? Is this guy worth $105 million? And when you start seeing this defense play, when you start seeing the philosophy being implemented and you start seeing them be really competitive, you're going to

to definitely validate the contract. That then starts that conversation about how well are they playing. And that will be an easy acknowledgement. Now, cause and effect. If this is a team that has a top 10 defense, top 10 defense is getting to the playoffs, period. You know what I mean? So one's going to happen if the other happens. If this is a top 10 defense, then most definitely they'll get into the playoffs.

Because I don't see Cam making so many turnovers that the offense is a liability. I don't see Brian Dayball putting together a system that makes them people look at them like, man, everything's great on this team. But the offense, I just don't see that happening. So if this is a top 10 defense, I think that the rising tide brings up all ships. They will get into the playoffs and most definitely be a team that people are respecting because of Jeff's contract. I'm always cautious, Brad, because I think we've been hurt so much in the past by the lack of offense production. it's like it's one of those things like I just want to see it happen. Like I want to see this new offense under Brian Dayball with Cam growing,

with these new parts. And once I see a glimpse of, hey, this could actually be like there's gain in some steam and they're going to do what they haven't done in a few years, which is score points. Then I could feel more like, okay, this could be a playoff team. But I just, like I said, I'm trying to reserve myself back to taking a little bit more baby steps because I love to sprint before I actually jog. Robert Sala hasn't given us any reason that the defense won't be good either. And like the free agency, most of which they address and supplemented in free agency,

was on that side of the ball, too, with a lot of the veterans that they brought in. And let me say this. I think that the only way the offense will be a liability, Kayla, Julian, is if Cam is taking the most sacks in the national football league. Yeah, sure. if he's if he's now that could be one or two things it could be indecision cam holding on to the football or it can be like normal this guy's getting beat like drums up front and next thing you know cam is under duress and he's creating turnover trying to get the ball out of his hands you take zacks so if that's

the case then this this team probably won't make the playoffs because there obviously is an issue in protection and cam find it and it's it's a it's a domino effect receivers got to get open quarterback's got to see them, lines got to protect. That's all in the mix, right? But if Cam's taking the most sacks in the National Football League, they'll probably look to take a line first in the draft next year. Yeah, I think that's what I have, though. Like, I don't have PTSD.

I have the offensive line ST or whatever it is. That's what I have. I just never know what we're getting out of this freaking line. Like Brad, you go to play? PTSD for the line. That's crazy. That is an insane thing to say. And I know offensive line more than I ever had in my past, but I get scared when it comes to the Titans.

Man, seeing footsteps in their dreams and all that stuff. So that's crazy. Real quick, we have like two minutes left before we got to go. One point that awakened to the Eternal brought up about the deep, defensive rotation on the line. Could it help Jeffrey Simmons with age and keeping up his elite performance? Jeff Simmons is 28, and there's already pretty good shelf life of defensive linemen playing into their like mid to late 30s.

Durability. Yeah. I mean, sure. I think Jeff might be his own worst enemy. Yeah. Right. Jeff might be his own worst enemy wanting to be out there for, you know, all the snaps. You know what I mean?

You know, but that's a great point. You know, there will be less shots taken. You know what I'm saying? There's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, let's, let's, let's be honest with this, too, guys. I've covered a Jeffrey Simmons that props to him too, but he has dealt with some injuries. I mean, there, there, he plays through a lot, you guys. And I remember the season he, he, he's, he played through an ankle thing. You know, he had his, he just got a clean up on a shirt.

shoulder like he does play through a lot of injuries so you know maybe lessening the snaps by just a little bit can help that as well because um you'd probably never know half the stuff he dealt with but man that man he'll play through it but that don't mean it serves you long term right right he did talk about cleaning up his elbow and stuff and um this past off season and was dealing with some things and i know they're being smart with him uh being smart with him uh for 105.8 million too Yeah. It's pretty good. All right, though that'll do it for the Titan Squad show today. Make sure to like, comment, subscribe, all of that, fun stuff. Get us on YouTube live twice a week and wherever you get your podcast. And check out the Locked on Titans podcast with Tyler Rowland being every day or two that as well.

But for now, I'm Julian Minneson. That's Kayla Anderson and Brad Hopkins. We'll see you guys for the rest of the off season.