​As media outlets release their final player countdowns ahead of training camp, it is interesting to see how they view Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who is now the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.Simmons is coming off a monster season in which he set career highs across multiple statistical categories and was dominant week in and week out. Now, heading into 2026 with an improved surrounding cast and a defensive-minded head coach, he could be in a position to be even better.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEva Geitheim, Karl Rasmussen, and Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated broke down the top defensive tackles, and Simmons topped the list.No. 1: Jeffery Simmons – Tennessee TitansThe 2025 season might have been a down year for the Titans, but it certainly wasn’t for Simmons, who earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career.Simmons was phenomenal in ’25. According to NFL Researcher, Simmons ranked first among defensive tackles in sacks, pressures, pressures against double teams, and turnovers caused by pressures. He finished second among defensive tackles in pass-rush win rate, trailing only Chris Jones. To put it simply, Simmons was dominant rushing the passer in 2025. Accordingly, the Titans have recently signed him to a three-year extension that makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league.Simmons will look to build off his career year in his first season in Robert Saleh’s defense.Simmons made an impact in every game in 2025, at times dominating opponents and consistently in their backfields. Now, with Robert Saleh’s attacking scheme in place, he should be unleashed to take that impact up a notch. If you ask me, not bad for NFL.com’s 83rd-ranked player.This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans’ Jeffery Simmons named NFL’s top defensive tackle by SI