Titans' Week 1 Breakout Picks: Johnson and Tate Lead the List
The article highlights four players who could break out in the Titans' opener against the Jets. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson faces his former team, while rookie receiver Carnell Tate aims to rebound from a quiet preseason. Both are expected to play significant roles in the season opener.
Jermaine Johnson arrives in Nashville after four seasons with the Jets, where he played under current Titans head coach Robert Saleh. His 2025 campaign marked a comeback from a torn Achilles, recording three sacks across 14 games. Now facing his former club, he is expected to see substantial snaps against a New York line featuring Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu.
Carnell Tate drew criticism after a zero-catch preseason, but coaches attributed that to a deliberately simplified offensive scheme. Wan'Dale Robinson, who worked with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in New York, projects as the primary target against a Jets secondary that recorded zero interceptions last season. Safety Kevin Winston Jr. also enters an expanded role in Tennessee's retooled defensive backfield.
This matchup could shape early-season narratives for both franchises. A strong performance from Johnson or Tate may boost confidence in Tennessee's new coaching staff and quiet external skepticism about the roster's offseason moves. For the Jets, facing a former player could test their offensive line's cohesion. Individual breakout efforts here may influence fantasy football decisions, fan engagement, and media coverage heading into the broader NFL season.