Dennard Wilson and the Titans’ Inside Linebacker Competition: “Extremely Wide Open”

When a defensive coordinator like Dennard Wilson, newly appointed to the Tennessee Titans in 2024, says the inside linebacker (ILB) competition is “extremely wide open,” that’s not just coachspeak — it signals a major transitional moment. For a franchise recalibrating its identity on defense, particularly under a fresh coaching staff, such words carry weight. Inside linebacker has traditionally been the heart of a defense, the place where grit meets intelligence, and where leadership is forged. The Titans are clearly looking for someone to seize that mantle.

This piece will break down why the ILB competition is so open, what’s at stake, who the key players are, how Wilson’s defensive philosophy plays into it, and what fans can expect as the 2025 season approaches.

The Titans have been reshaping their identity since the departure of Mike Vrabel and the appointment of Brian Callahan as head coach, with Dennard Wilson taking over the defense. Known for his aggressive, high-energy schemes, Wilson brings experience from successful stints with the Ravens, Eagles, and Jets. His arrival signals a shift toward an attacking style of defense — and the ILB position is crucial in executing it.

Wilson has inherited a defense that has talent but lacked cohesion and consistency. Injuries and inconsistent linebacker play in 2024 highlighted the need for a retool. The ILB spot, once a position of strength, became a glaring question mark.

When Wilson says the ILB battle is “wide open,” he’s pointing to more than just a lack of a starter — he’s indicating that:

• No one has clearly separated themselves in offseason work.
• There’s a fluid depth chart heading into training camp.
• The staff is willing to let performance, not pedigree, dictate who plays.

This kind of meritocratic approach can galvanize a team — or expose it. Either way, it’s a clear statement that past performance or contract status won’t guarantee snaps.

There are several key reasons the ILB spot is still unsettled:

• Departures: Azeez Al-Shaair, the team’s leading tackler in 2024, wasn’t retained. His leadership and reliability left a gap in the middle of the defense.
• Inconsistency: Players like Monty Rice, Jack Gibbens, and Luke Gifford showed flashes but never locked down the position. Injuries, coverage liabilities, and tackling issues plagued the group.
• Scheme Changes: With Wilson’s arrival, linebackers must learn a new system. Those who were effective under Vrabel’s hybrid fronts may struggle to adapt to Wilson’s more aggressive, coverage-heavy schemes.

4. Key Players in the Mix

Let’s look at the contenders for the starting ILB roles in 2025:

Monty Rice

A third-round pick in 2021, Rice has had opportunities but hasn’t consistently produced. He’s physical and instinctive against the run but can be a liability in coverage. With a fresh start under Wilson, Rice may finally carve out a role — but he’ll need to prove he can stay healthy and learn the new scheme

Nicknamed “Dr. Gibby,” Gibbens is a smart, high-effort player who impressed coaches with his work ethic. He started games in 2023 and 2024 but struggled with speed in space. He could make the roster as a core special teamer and rotational linebacker.

Signed in free agency after stints with the Seahawks and Commanders, Barton brings experience and athleticism. He’s a rangy player who can play sideline to sideline, but his play strength and block shedding need work. He may be penciled in as a starter — but “penciled” is the operative word.

A dark horse, Reese is an undrafted player who spent time on the practice squad and flashed in limited snaps. His aggression and physicality fit Wilson’s style, and he could surprise if he excels in camp.

If the Titans drafted an ILB in the 2025 NFL Draft (depending on actual draft results), he could easily step into a major role, especially if he’s known for coverage ability or leadership. Wilson, like many modern DCs, values linebackers who can run and cover.

Wilson’s defense puts a premium on communication, adaptability, and aggression. His ILBs must:

• Handle complex zone coverages and man assignments.
• React quickly in run fits and blitz lanes.
• Communicate calls and adjust pre-snap reads.

In many ways, ILBs in this system are the quarterback of the front seven. This means mental processing and leadership are just as important as physical tools. The player who can quickly digest playbooks and consistently make the right reads will rise to the top.

Wilson and the defensive staff will be watching for several traits during offseason work and training camp:

• Physicality: Can the linebacker tackle, shed blocks, and hit with authority?
• Speed and Range: Can they cover the middle of the field and keep up with athletic tight ends or backs?
• Football IQ: Are they consistently in the right place? Do they recognize offensive concepts pre-snap?
• Leadership: Can they be a field general and keep the front seven aligned?

Players who shine in those areas will not only earn starting reps but may also become foundational pieces of the new-look Titans defense.

The stakes are high. Tennessee’s defense has struggled in recent years to live up to its potential, and with a young, developing offense under a new coaching regime, the defense must hold its ground.

An unstable ILB unit could lead to big plays over the middle, poor run defense, and breakdowns in coverage — all of which were issues in 2024. On the flip side, a revitalized, disciplined linebacker group could give Wilson the tools to field one of the NFL’s most improved defenses.

The ILB position, then, isn’t just a personnel question — it’s a symbol of a defense in transition, looking for its new identity.

Wilson’s comment about the competition being “wide open” may also serve another purpose: motivation. In a young locker room, it sets a tone. Nothing is given. Veterans must earn it. Young players must grow quickly. And the staff will reward performance, not promise.

That kind of message can shift a culture — exactly what the Titans need as they try to climb back into playoff relevance in a crowded AFC South.

Dennard Wilson’s statement about the ILB competition being “extremely wide open” is more than an offseason soundbite. It’s a reflection of both challenge and opportunity — the kind of moment that can define a team’s trajectory. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on who emerges from the pack to lead the middle of the defense. Whoever wins the job will need to embody the core values Wilson preaches: effort, communication, toughness, and accountability.

One thing’s for sure — the Titans’ inside linebacker room is about to get very competitive