The veteran additions don't just add experience. Their length and physicality fit the way Robert Saleh wants his defense to play.
By PAUL KUHARSKY
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Before the 2025 draft, Mike Borgonzi quietly lowered the Titans' height standard for cornerbacks.
Chad Brinker preferred 6-foot. Borgonzi was comfortable dipping to 5-foot-11, pointing to Chiefs 5-10½ standout Trent McDuffie as proof elite play didn't require prototype size.
One offseason later, the Titans have gone right back to big corners.
That's not because Robert Saleh believes every corner should be big, but he does believe length is an advantage whenever his defense can let corners challenge receivers at the line.
Why Robert Saleh Still Values Length at Cornerback
Saleh doesn't simply prefer bigger corners. He understands the tradeoff. Bigger, longer defensive backs can sacrifice foot speed. Against condensed formations that prevent corners from getting their hands on receivers, that quickness matters. But when offenses give them room to press, he believes "those big, long corners will eat all day."
The Titans revamped their corner room not with draftees but with pricey veterans Cor’Dale Flott, listed at 6-2, and Alontae Taylor, who’s 6-1. That's no coincidence. Saleh has consistently valued long, physical outside corners who can challenge receivers at the line while trusting the front four to hurry the quarterback.
“It helps a lot being long and physical like that because you can play off and you can press,” Flott said. “So it creates this defense to be physical, which we've got a great front. So the ball will have to come out quick with the front we have and we got to make plays.”
Flott said he and Taylor will be the league’s best duo. Taylor said you can add nickel Marcus Harris and make it the best trio.
Cor'Dale Flott Showed the Fit in Practice
I watched Flott closely during the Titans red-zone period Monday, and he was against Calvin Ridley a lot. He played close to the line, got hands on Ridley early and stayed close to him consistently, taking him out of the equation for Cam Ward. Ridley made one catch inside the 5, but it came when he lined up on the left, cut across the field against zone and cleared a safety.
That work by Flott showed what Saleh’s fast and violent style translates to for a defensive back playing outside.
“Saleh’s got a good way of saying it: Putting your face in the fan and not slowing down when you're coming up to hit or make a tackle,” Flott said. “So that's what I lay my hat to, being the size I am. So that’s what I'm going to do.”
Saturday, Flott was matched against rookie Carnell Tate near the sideline as Cam Ward had a decision to make. Rather than give Tate the kind of contested-catch opportunity the Titans drafted him to win, Ward threw the ball over both players' heads. Had Tate enjoyed a size advantage, I think Ward makes a different decision.
The two newcomers worked out every day of the offseason together, Taylor said.
“We definitely pushed each other, we made sure that we were honest with one another,” he said. “By doing that, that just built the trust, and then hanging out outside the football field.”
Flott worked through an injury in the spring and Taylor only participated a bit. So Tate often worked against guys competing for depth spots like Micah Robinson and Keydrain Calligan.
It’s certainly different for him now.
“They both bring length, they’re both very physical and they’re both very quick,” Tate said. “They get in and out of their breaks very quick. Both can transition as well.”
McDuffie may have convinced Borgonzi shorter corners can thrive. But with Robert Saleh now running the defense, the Titans' roster suggests he'd still rather build with length whenever he has the choice.
Support independent Titans coverage
PaulKuharsky.com is independent Titans coverage supported by readers. Paul has covered this team since 1996 — longer than any active beat reporter.
Full access to every member story, film study, and podcast is $7.50/month or $81/year.
