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Mike Moraitis

Final Titans 53-man roster projection ahead of cutdown day

The time for the Tennessee Titans to trim their roster down to the final 53 is nearly upon us, with cutdown day just two days away.

Before then, we’ll see cuts trickle out via reports over the next few days, but the initial 53-man roster must be set by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

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That will be the “initial” 53-man roster because the group is likely to undergo some changes ahead of the start of the season, which is still a few weeks away.

With the preseason in the books and cutdown day almost here, we’re taking a look at one final 53-man roster projection for the Titans based on everything we’ve seen this offseason.

As always, you won’t find Nicholas Petit-Frere in this projection, as he’s suspended for the first six games, and Caleb Farley and Dillon Radunz remain on the PUP list.

Now, the projection.

Note: follow along with all of the Titans’ latest reported roster cuts with our 53-man roster cuts tracker right here.

Quarterbacks (3)

Syndication: The Tennessean

QB Ryan Tannehill

QB Malik Willis

QB Will Levis

Head coach Mike Vrabel said no decision has been made on QB2 yet, but I think Willis gets the nod to start the season. Levis is right there, though, and showing development in practice could push him up the depth chart.

Running backs (3)

Syndication: The Tennessean

RB Derrick Henry

RB Tyjae Spears

RB Julius Chestnut

It’s very possible the Titans carry a fourth back here, and if so it’ll be between Jonathan Ward and Hassan Haskins, both of whom have special teams value. However, both have missed significant time due to injury, so who knows where either one stands with the team right now.

Whatever the case, Chestnut has earned his spot after being one of the biggest standouts in preseason play.

Wide receivers (6)

Syndication: The Tennessean

WR DeAndre Hopkins

WR Treylon Burks

WR Kyle Philips

WR Chris Moore

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

WR Kearis Jackson

The Titans showed they are, at least, seriously considering Jackson to take one of the return jobs, and I think that ultimately gets him a spot on this roster.

If Philips indeed starts the season on IR, look for Tennessee to bring back one of Colton Dowell, Mason Kinsey, Reggie Roberson, Tre’Shaun Harrison or Racey McMath to the active roster. We’ll also likely see two from this group added to the practice squad.

Tight ends (4)

Syndication: The Tennessean

TE Chigoziem Okonkwo

TE Trevon Wesco

TE Josh Whyle

TE Thomas Odukoya

The final tight end spot is between Alize Mack and Odukoya, but the latter gets the nod after showing out as a blocker in preseason play. I like Mack to be brought back on the practice squad.

Offensive line (9)

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

LT Andre Dillard

LG Peter Skoronski

C Aaron Brewer

RG Daniel Brunskill

RT Chris Hubbard

G/C Corey Levin

G/T Justin Murray

OT Jaelyn Duncan

OG Jordan Roos

Levin will serve as the main backup on the interior, while Murray gets the nod as the first tackle off the bench.

Duncan, who didn’t play in preseason Week 3 due to injury, is the shakiest of this group. Keep an eye on Andrew Rupcich, who will likely be brought back on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the cut over Duncan.

Defensive line (5)

Syndication: The Tennessean

DL Jeffery Simmons

DL Teair Tart

DL Denico Autry

DL Jayden Peevy

DL Michael Dwumfour

Dwumfour has exploded onto the scene after being signed ahead of preseason Week 2 and earns himself a roster spot. Peevy was solid in preseason play and was praised by coaches during the offseason.

Linebackers (5)

Syndication: The Tennessean

LB Azeez Al-Shaair

LB Jack Gibbens

LB Monty Rice

LB Chance Campbell

LB Luke Gifford

I actually think Rice is the shakiest of this group after missing a lot of time due to injury, but the Titans need some speed at linebacker, which Rice offers. Watch out for Ben Niemann, either in Rice or Campbell’s spot.

Outside linebackers (5)

Syndication: The Tennessean

OLB Harold Landry

OLB Arden Key

OLB Rashad Weaver

OLB Caleb Murphy

OLB Sam Okuayinonu

I think the top four are locked-in, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Sam O. get the boot in favor of another traditional d-lineman. The fact that Murphy has shined as much as he has really hurt Okuayinonu’s chances.

Cornerbacks (5)

AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

CB Kristian Fulton

CB Sean Murphy-Bunting

CB Roger McCreary

CB Tre Avery

CB Eric Garror

Despite his small frame, Garror has played big throughout training camp and the preseason en route to securing his place on the 53-man roster. He’s one of the best stories of the entire preseason in Tennessee.

Safeties (5)

Syndication: The Tennessean

S Kevin Byard

S Amani Hooker

S Elijah Molden

S Mike Brown

S Shyheim Carter

I’d like to put Josh Thompson here because of his special teams prowess, but he missed significant time in training camp and has barely played any snaps during the preseason.

As a result, Carter is the choice, along with Brown, who has regularly been a stand out. Molden will serve as a backup safety and see snaps in the slot.

Specialists (3)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

UPDATE: Well, it took mere hours for this 53-man projection to get blown up, as the Titans have released kicker Michael Badgley, leaving them with nobody at the position for now.


P Ryan Stonehouse

K Michael Badgley

LS Morgan Cox

After an ugly preseason Week 3, Badgley’s spot is anything but secure. Cox and Stonehouse are, of course, locked-in.

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