NASHVILLE – David Lengthy not often – if ever – is without doubt one of the first gamers talked about when the topic of the Tennessee Titans protection is raised.

In any case, that unit options returning stars such security Kevin Byard, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and outdoors linebacker Harold Landry together with promising children like cornerback Kristian Fulton and security Amani Hooker.

Lengthy’s identify got here up early not too long ago, nevertheless, when Professional Soccer Focus launched its linebacker rankings for the 2022 NFL season. The fourth-year veteran was included within the “younger ascending tier” at No. 17 general.

And defensive coordinator Shane Bowen had quite a bit to say – all of it good – when he was requested in regards to the 2019 sixth-round choice out of West Virginia final week.

“I feel David’s carried out an ideal job,” Bowen mentioned. “I actually do. … He’s taken that place, that function by the horns and he’s working with it. We’ve acquired some younger guys in that room … and he’s actually a solidifying pressure in that room proper now. I’ve been actually happy with him.”

Among the many Titans inside linebackers, Lengthy is the one one who has spent greater than a yr within the protection. That group contains Monty Rice, a 2021 draft choose, Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole, each of whom had been added properly into the common season final yr, a 2022 draft selection, Probability Campbell, and an assortment of different journeymen and hopefuls.

That makes Lengthy a key issue for a protection that wishes to proceed the progress it made final season when it completed twelfth in yards allowed and tied for fifth in factors allowed, up from 2020 when it ranked twenty eighth and twenty fourth, respectively, in these areas.

He already has made it recognized that he intends to be extra of a vocal presence, however he additionally needs to ensure he’s included in all conversations about among the finest gamers at his place.

“After all, I’ve acquired a chip on my shoulder,” Lengthy mentioned early within the offseason. “After all, there’s clearly people who don’t know. However coming into this yr, I do know what function I (have) with out having to determine what’s happening. I do know what function to do, and I do know what to do.”

Accidents restricted Lengthy to 10 video games performed final season, however he began 9 of them. He was Tennessee’s main tackler by means of the primary 9 video games and finally averaged seven and a half stops per contest and tied for second general in tackles.

When wholesome, he had relegated former starter Jayon Brown to a task participant. That transfer up the depth chart began late in 2020 when Brown ended up on injured reserve, and Lengthy stepped in and made 40 tackles within the remaining 5 video games.

Brown, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, is twenty ninth in PFF’s linebacker rankings, properly behind Lengthy.

“I feel he’s actually excited for the chance and could be very deserving with what he’s carried out right here, particularly final season,” Bowen mentioned. I’m excited with the place he began with this factor. And I’m excited to see the place it goes as we get into coaching camp.”

If Professional Soccer Focus is right, it’s clear which course issues are going.