The Tennessee Titans roster, along with that of every other NFL team’s, must be trimmed down to a 53 players by Aug. 31 at 4:00 p.m.
Before this time rolls around, general manager Jon Robinson and the coaching staff have some tough decisions to make.
The roster currently sits at 90 players, and there is talent stacked from top to bottom.
Here’s a look at who could still be active for the team after cuts are made.
Quarterbacks (2)
• Marcus Mariota
• Ryan Tannehill
While Logan Woodside has looked good thus far, it’s not likely he’ll find his name on the roster when cuts are made.
Running backs (4)
- Derrick Henry
- David Fluellen
- Dion Lewis
- Jeremy McNichols
With both Henry and Fluellen sidelined lately, some of the younger running backs have gotten the chance to showcase their abilities. Henry and Lewis will sit atop the depth chart, while Fluellen will see time at fullback and on special teams.
With his versatility and playmaking ability, McNichols could edge his way on to the list as well.
Wide Receiver (7)
• Corey Davis
• Adam Humphries
• A.J. Brown
• Tajae Sharpe
• Taywan Taylor
• Darius Jennings
• Kalif Raymond
Davis, Humphries, Brown, and Sharpe are virtually locks to make the roster, while Jennings figures to play the team’s main kick returner role.
Raymond has been a bit of an underdog, but has had an outstanding preseason and contributes on special teams. Taylor has been wildly inconsistent, but the team invested a third round pick in him, and he’s the main deep threat so he should remain on roster.
Tight End (4)
• Delanie Walker
• Jonnu Smith
• Mycole Pruitt
• Anthony Firkser
Walker is a stud, and one of the best overall players in the league. He has been with Mariota for five years now, and the two have a built up chemistry.
Smith was originally in line to be Walker’s successor, and we’ve seen flashes from him, but we’re still waiting on the consistency. Smith has also taken snaps at full back.
Pruitt is a well-rounded tight end who can block and catch underneath passes, and should make the roster. Firkser has made some big plays between last season and this preseason, and has developed a reputation for having dependable hands and has the ability to line up in the slot.
Offensive Line (9)
• Taylor Lewan
• Roger Saffold
• Ben Jones
• Kevin Pamphile
• Jack Conklin
• Dennis Kelly
• Nate Davis
• Corey Levin
• Austin Pasztor
The offensive line has been a big question mark for the Titans this offseason. Lewan, Saffold, Kelly, Conklin, Jones, and Pamphile should be a lock to make the roster. The Titans spent a third-round pick on Davis, Levin can play center or guard, and Pasztor is a former starter in the league.
Defensive Line (6)
• Jurrell Casey
• DaQuan Jones
• Austin Johnson
• Jeffery Simmons/ Isaiah Mack
• Brent Urban
• Matt Dickerson
Casey, Jones, and Johnson will likely be the team’s starters until Simmons returns.
With Simmons being out until week 8 at the earliest, Mack gets the roster spot who is having a phenomenal preseason. Mack could be moved down to the practice squad at that point. Urban will see time on passing downs, and is an asset with his pass rush skills and towering six-foot-six frame.
Dickerson provides quality depth, and should be able to crack the 53-man roster.
Linebacker (9)
• Wesley Woodyard
• Jayon Brown
• Rashaan Evans
• David Long
• Harold Landry
• Cameron Wake
• Sharif Finch
• Kamalei Correa
• Derick Roberson
Woodyard will continue to serve as a key piece of this group and as a veteran presence. Brown will hope to build off of his breakout year, as Evans also builds off of last season’s success.
Long may see time on third-and-long situations and contribute on special teams.
Landry is gearing up for his first season as a full-time starter after showing flashes last season, while the Titans have a veteran edge rusher in Wake. At Wake’s age, Finch will see heavy rotation, while Correa and Roberson provide additional depth.
Cornerbacks (5)
• Adoree’ Jackson
• Malcolm Butler
• Logan Ryan
• LeShaun Simms
• Tye Smith
Jackson and Butler will serve as starters and defend receivers on the outside, while Ryan will continue to work from the nickel. Simms has been a quality depth player for years now, and will only continue to grow in 2019.
Smith was having a great offseason last year, until an injury sidelined him. This year. he has picked up where he left off and has looked good in training camp.
Safeties (4)
• Kevin Byard
• Kenny Vaccaro
• Amani Hooker
• Dane Cruikshank
The Titans just made Byard the highest paid safety in the NFL and extended Vaccaro over the offseason. Hooker is a rookie fourth-rounder who has shown flashes, while Cruikshank will provide depth, as well as contribute on special teams.
Special teams (3)
• LS Beau Brinkley
• K Ryan Succop
• P Brett Kern
There’s no need to fix what isn’t broken, and this group has delivered consistent performances.
Narrowly missed the cut
• WR Cody Hollister
• TE Ryan Hewitt
• CB Kenneth Durden
If an injury were to occur in the receiver group, we could see Hollister break his way into the roster. Hewitt’s ability to line up at fullback landed him in heavy consideration.
Durden has had a solid offseason and provided quality depth last season, but he just misses the cut in the cornerback room.
