Young Titans Duo Showing Early Signs of Defensive Stardom

The 2025 Tennessee Titans have taken their share of punches, but inside a season defined by growing pains, safety Kevin Winston Jr. and cornerback Marcus Harris are quietly carving out identities that could shape the franchise’s future.

Winston walks the field before every game alongside defensive backs coach Steven Jackson. It’s a ritual now — a slow lap, a soft conversation, a moment for refinement. Jackson points out details. Winston absorbs them.

“There is so much I have to work on,” Winston said.“ Just staying at it each day, being a sponge, being adaptive — that’s what I have to do right now.”

The third-round pick has embraced every snap. One week he’s in nickel, the next he’s deep in centerfield or flying downhill at the quarterback.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson says the rookie’s willingness to learn is what sets him apart. Wilson said “He actually listens”, noting how veteran safeties have accelerated Winston’s development.

Across the defense, Harris is undergoing his own transformation.

Once an outside corner, Harris shifted into the nickel after the team moved on from Roger McCreary. Coaches point to his maturity and seriousness traits that have helped him settle into one of the most demanding positions on the field.

“I love Marcus’ attitude toward football,” Wilson said. “He takes it extremely seriously.”

The contributions of Winston and Harris come amid a broader youth movement. Cameron Ward, Gunnar Helm, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike have all provided steady play but it’s the quiet emergence of the two rookie defenders that has turned heads inside the building.

Interim head coach Mike McCoy sees what’s coming and believes they have “very bright futures.”

For a rebuilding Titans team searching for foundational pieces, Winston and Harris may be the first sign of a defense beginning to take shape.