As the Tennessee Titans prepare for the 2025 NFL season, optimism is cautiously growing in Nashville. While most headlines have surrounded rookie quarterback Cam Ward and first-round pick Xavier Worthy, the Titans quietly have two underrated sleepers who could emerge as difference-makers this season.
One is a veteran defender with unfinished business in the NFL, and the other is a rookie already turning heads behind the scenes.
Here’s a breakdown of two Titans sleepers to watch in 2025:
1. Arden Key (EDGE) – The Veteran Ready to Break Through
After bouncing around the NFL early in his career, Arden Key may finally be ready for a full breakout season. Entering his eighth NFL season, Key has transitioned from a rotational pass rusher to a full-time starter and emerging team leader for the Titans defense.
“I love where he is at right now,” said Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson this week. “We talk about each one, teach one — Arden is teaching the young guys every day. I love where he’s at.”
Key’s career path has been anything but linear. Drafted by the Raiders in 2018, he also spent time with the 49ers and Jaguars before landing in Tennessee. Last season, he started 15 games, recording 6.5 sacks, tying his career-high.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) rates Key as the Titans’ most underrated player heading into 2025, citing his consistent pass-rushing productivity:
“Key has gone from being a role player on previous teams to that of a workhorse edge for Tennessee,” wrote PFF’s Jonathan Macri. “He’s earned a 77.2 pass-rush grade since 2021, ranking 38th among 169 qualifying edge defenders.”
More than just production, it’s Key’s leadership that’s standing out during training camp. Coaches praise his mentorship of younger players, including rookie linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo, and his growing influence in the defensive locker room.
“He’s taken a leadership position, and you just see his growth each and every day,” Wilson added.
With a revamped Titans defense and new defensive schemes under Wilson, Key could emerge as a double-digit sack player if he stays healthy.
2. Jha’Quan Jackson (WR) – The Rookie Speed Threat No One’s Talking About
While all the attention at wide receiver has focused on Xavier Worthy and veterans like Treylon Burks, another name is quietly making waves at Titans camp: Jha’Quan Jackson.
Drafted in the later rounds, Jackson was considered a special teams addition at first glance. But during OTA and minicamp sessions, Jackson’s explosiveness and crisp route running have forced coaches to take notice.
According to insiders from TennesseeTitans.com, Jackson has been “lighting up” seven-on-seven drills, frequently beating defensive backs with his acceleration and sharp cuts.
“He’s one of those guys you don’t notice at first, but then he’s open every play,” one team scout remarked anonymously. “He’s slippery, fast, and fearless across the middle.”
The Titans offense, under OC Nick Holz, is searching for reliable third and fourth receiving options, especially with questions still lingering about Burks’ consistency. Jackson could carve out a role as a slot receiver or gadget player, providing spark plays and special teams value.
Don’t be surprised if by midseason, Jha’Quan Jackson becomes one of Cam Ward’s favorite targets in pressure situations.
✅ Summary of Titans Underrated Sleepers:
Player Position Why They Could Break Out
Arden Key EDGE Full-time starter, team leader, entering prime
Jha’Quan Jackson WR Electric speed, surprising camp standout, potential slot weapon
Final Word: With a young QB and a defense in transition, the Titans need more than just stars to step up in 2025. Arden Key’s leadership on defense and Jha’Quan Jackson’s playmaking on offense could provide the hidden boost Tennessee needs to turn the corner.
Stay tuned to NFL Reports for updates as training camp battles heat up.
