Nashville, TN – While the Tennessee Titans have several veterans scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, including Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry, Jon Robinson has crafted a roster replete with young, promising talent. Possibly no player embodies the combination of hope and early productivity more than A.J. Brown, last year’s second-round pick.
Brown, the 51st overall draft selection in 2019, led Tennessee in every major receiving category as a rookie, totaling 52 catches for 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns.
He added a 49-yard rushing touchdown. Among all rookies in franchise history, Brown ranked third in receiving yards and fifth in receptions, and he tied for the third-highest receiving touchdown total.
Brown finished first among 2019 rookies in receiving yards, and he tied for the rookie lead in touchdown receptions. Counting all NFL players, including rookies and veterans, Brown finished second to the Los Angeles Chargers’ Mike Williams (20.4) with a 20.2-yard receiving average. At the conclusion of the season, Brown finished third in AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
First-round draft pick Jeffery Simmons began the season on the reserve/non-football injury list with a knee injury that predated the draft. He made quick progress in his rehabilitation, timing his return to the field with the club’s resurgence in Week 7 against the Chargers. Simmons would eventually play in nine games in the regular season and all three postseason contests.
Robinson’s last three drafts alone (2017-19) produced nine regular starters in the lineup in 2019 who figure to be foundational pieces for 2020.
On offense, the group included wide receiver Corey Davis (2017), tight end Jonnu Smith (2017), Brown (2019) and right guard Nate Davis (2019).
Defensively, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (2017), inside linebackers Jayon Brown (2017) and Rashaan Evans (2018), outside linebacker Harold Landry III (2018) and Simmons all fall into the same category.
