The Tennessee Titans seem to have found their match at quarterback in former Miami Dolphins signal-caller Ryan Tannehill, but history has shown the backup position also holds a lot of weight for the team.
The Titans have two other quarterbacks currently on roster — Logan Woodside and a newly drafted Cole McDonald.
Here’s a look into the former.
Pros
Woodside’s abilities at the NFL level remain mostly unknown considering we’ve only seen him play in the preseason.
But he did make a splash in the short-lived Alliance of American Football, tying quarterback Garrett Gilbert for the most big-time throws at one point. So, we know Woodside has the ability to come in clutch for his team.
Between his time in the league and his college career at Toledo, Woodside appeared to have the mental makeup a team looks for in a quarterback, showing leadership ability and the ability to anticipate routes and get his receivers open.
He finished out the season, which ended prematurely when the league folded, with a completion percentage of nearly 58 percent for 1,385 yards, with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Woodside also carried the ball 26 times for 45 yards, fumbling once.
Cons
Looking at arm strength, Woodside leaves something to be desired. His 6-foot-1, 213-pound frame doesn’t exactly wow anyone in terms of size, either.
Woodside’s touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7:8 in the AAF is also somewhat alarming, and it’s difficult to find a redeeming factor in his game that makes up for areas he’s lacking in.
Woodside gives the impression of being a competent quarterback — no more, no less.
Biggest strength: Ball placement / work ethic
Woodside has still yet to do much of anything of significance at the NFL level, but there have been some flashes. There’s a reason the Titans are holding on to him.
This play from his time with the San Antonio Commanders shows just how tight of a window he can put the ball in when he’s performing at his best.
Tennessee also seems to be pleased with his preparation and the work he’s put in.
“The body of work that we have for Logan is through the preseason and through practices,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “But his grasp … (I) watched him prepare while he was on injured reserve last year, watched him prepare mentally and was very impressed with that, which is something that for a young player you have concern about sometimes. Can he stay engaged?”
Biggest weakness: Arm strength / absence of an elite trait
The numbers from the AAF don’t show anything special in Woodside, and he lacks the raw physical traits that someone like McDonald brings to the table.
There’s not much zip on the ball when Woodside throws it, and he’s not overly athletic, either. Much about the quarterback makes him seem, well, average.
Bottom Line
Simply put, Woodside is a bit underwhelming overall. He’s a game-manager at best, and may not bring enough to the table to stick as a long-term backup with a team like the Titans.
There’s nothing that stands out about him that makes you think he should be the guy if ever asked to step up in place of Tannehill, and the Titans were wise to bring in some additional competition by drafting McDonald.
One could argue Woodside has the slight edge in terms of experience over McDonald, but he still hasn’t taken a snap in the regular season.
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