Since outlets started releasing their NFL power rankings for the 2021 season, the Tennessee Titans have typically just barely made the top 10 or have been right outside of it.

However, Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield is giving them more respect. He has Tennessee ranked at No. 6 in his latest power rankings, the highest we’ve seen the Titans placed in any power rankings so far this offseason.

One of the biggest changes since our post-draft power rankings, at least within the league, was the trade that sent Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans. As we broke down, Jones might be a perfect fit for what the Titans do on offense.

But the biggest questions facing Tennessee are on the defensive side of the football. Ultimately, how successful the Titans are in 2021 might depend upon whether the defense takes a step forward. There are some new faces, including pass rusher Bud Dupree, cornerback Caleb Farley and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Can this unit hold up their end of the bargain in 2021?

The five teams ranked ahead of the Titans are as follows:

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  2. Kansas City Chiefs
  3. Buffalo Bills
  4. Baltimore Ravens
  5. Cleveland Browns

If the defense can improve and complement what figures to be an elite offense, the Titans will be capable of making serious noise in 2021.