For years, the Tennessee Titans have been known for their gritty defense, a relentless unit that embodies the hard-nosed identity of Nashville football. Yet within that system, a name has often flown under the radar, quietly putting up numbers and producing results that rival some of the league’s most recognizable stars. That name is Denico Autry.
Recently named the most underrated player on the Titans roster—and one of the most underrated in the NFL—Autry has managed to stand out in a league dominated by flashy pass rushers and big-market personalities. While others garner national media attention and lucrative endorsement deals, Autry simply suits up, straps on his helmet, and goes to work. And that work has not only been consistent, it’s been elite.
Since joining the Titans in 2021, Autry has served as a catalyst for the defensive line. Playing alongside Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry III, and other notable defenders, Autry’s presence has elevated the entire unit. His versatility has allowed the Titans to deploy him at multiple spots across the defensive front, creating matchup problems for offensive lines and freeing up his teammates to make impact plays.
But the most telling part of Autry’s value isn’t always reflected in highlight reels. It’s in the film study, the advanced metrics, and the unheralded impact he brings to each snap. He’s a disrupter—a player who consistently pressures the quarterback, collapses pockets, and forces mistakes. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus and other analytics-based evaluators, Autry ranks among the most efficient pass rushers in terms of pressure rate and win percentage on pass-rushing downs over the past few seasons. And yet, his name rarely comes up in national conversations.
That’s what makes the recent recognition all the more significant. It’s not just about giving Autry a pat on the back; it’s about acknowledging a player whose production has demanded respect. Over the past three seasons, he has tallied double-digit sacks twice, an impressive feat considering he’s often moved inside on passing downs and asked to engage guards and centers instead of tackles. That flexibility—being able to rush from the edge or from the interior—is something few linemen possess at a high level. And Autry has made it his calling card.
While others chase sacks, Autry plays team defense. He reads run plays with discipline, sets the edge when necessary, and shows an understanding of situational football that reflects his experience. Coaches love that about him. His preparation. His leadership. His understanding of leverage and technique. He’s not the fastest or flashiest player on the field, but he’s almost always one of the smartest. And that intelligence translates into results.
Teammates have also taken note. Jeffery Simmons, a Pro Bowl talent in his own right, has often credited Autry with helping to mentor younger players and set the tone in the locker room. “Denico’s one of those guys who doesn’t need the spotlight to be great,” Simmons said in a postgame interview. “He just goes out there and dominates. He’s a professional, through and through.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come easily in NFL circles. But for those who have lined up next to Autry, the appreciation is genuine. It’s hard not to respect a man who leads by example—one who is just as committed on a Wednesday in the film room as he is on a Sunday in front of 70,000 fans.
Autry’s path to prominence wasn’t a straight shot. Undrafted out of Mississippi State in 2014, he began his career with the Oakland Raiders, slowly carving out a role through persistence and adaptability. He wasn’t a blue-chip prospect, and he didn’t walk into a starting job. Everything he has today, he earned the hard way—through sweat equity and attention to detail. That background, that blue-collar mentality, is part of what makes his journey so compelling.
When he signed with the Colts in 2018, Autry finally started to turn heads. He posted 20 sacks over three seasons in Indianapolis, drawing attention from opposing coaches and front office executives. But still, he remained largely overlooked by the media. That changed—at least in Tennessee—when the Titans brought him on board in free agency. The signing was widely viewed as a solid addition, but few expected Autry to become one of the team’s most important defensive pieces. That’s exactly what he did.
In his first season with the Titans, Autry made an immediate impact, posting nine sacks and dozens of quarterback pressures. He followed it up with more strong performances, routinely disrupting offensive game plans and showcasing his value as a hybrid defensive lineman. Whether Tennessee was facing a dynamic rushing attack or a pass-heavy offense, Autry adapted to the task at hand. That reliability is a huge asset in a league where injuries and inconsistency can derail even the most talented units.
Now entering what many consider the latter stages of his career, Autry remains as effective as ever. His technique, motor, and football IQ allow him to maintain a high level of play even as younger, faster players enter the league. That consistency is part of what makes him so underrated—because when a player performs at a high level year after year, it becomes easy to take that production for granted.
But for Titans fans and those who watch the team closely, Autry’s contributions are anything but invisible. He’s become a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defense, one whose value goes beyond numbers on a stat sheet. He sets the tone, holds teammates accountable, and delivers in critical moments. That kind of player is rare—and invaluable.
As the Titans look to reassert themselves in the AFC South, Autry’s role will remain pivotal. With uncertainty surrounding some key positions on both sides of the ball, having a dependable veteran on the defensive front gives Tennessee stability and leadership. He may not be the face of the franchise, but he’s one of its most essential pieces.
There’s also a broader lesson in Autry’s story. In an era where social media hype and highlight culture dominate the conversation, it’s easy to overlook the players who just put their heads down and go to work. But those players are the backbone of every successful team. They’re the ones who show up every day, do their job, and elevate those around them. Denico Autry fits that mold perfectly.
Recognition doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it’s a quiet nod of appreciation from your peers, or a well-earned accolade from analysts who finally take a closer look. Being named the most underrated player on the Titans may not come with a trophy or a parade, but it’s a testament to everything Autry represents—consistency, toughness, professionalism, and results.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes may not be on Denico Autry. And that’s probably just the way he likes it. He’ll continue to work, continue to lead, and continue to impact games in ways that might not always show up in box scores. But for those who know football, those who understand the grind and the nuance, Autry’s value is undeniable.
And maybe, just maybe, the rest of the league will finally start to notice what Titans fans have known for years: that Denico Autry isn’t just underrated. He’s elite.