We’ve seen plenty of flashes from promising Tennessee Titans players this offseason.
But in some cases, it was also made evident that some players are either in the midst of a prove-it year, or even fighting to keep their place on the squad.
Here are six Titans players you should turn your attention to when training camp kicks off in late July.
1. WR A.J. Brown
Hardly any other rookie has caught the attention of analysts quite in the way that Brown has.
From his “accidental” one-handed catch to his strong work ethic, Brown has shown he’s got what it takes both mentally and physically to become a favorite for quarterback Marcus Mariota.
He’s also got a great mentor on the team in Corey Davis, who has found plenty of success in recent times.
If he can translate what he did at Ole Miss over to the professional level, the wideout has a chance to become a major playmaker in his rookie year.
2. OL Jack Conklin
Conklin just hasn’t been the same since he sustained his first injury. It seems he’s never made a full recovery, nor has he been able to match the high level of play he once performed at.
There’s a reason the Titans declined his fifth-year option, and he’s going to have to fight for it if he wants to continue to make his presence felt and hold a place on the roster long-term.
3. QB Marcus Mariota
Practically everyone knows that 2019 stands to be a make-or-break year for Mariota.
The quarterback has received many mixed reviews from analysts after offseason practices, struggling on some passes, while sometimes finding more success on shorter throws and in red-zone situations.
Obviously, there’s only so much meaning that can be put into the looks a signal-caller gives ahead of the season like this. The real judgement for Mariota starts when the regular season opens this fall.
4. WR Adam Humphries
Coming off a career year, this former Tampa Bay Buccaneer is expected to bring a lot to the table for the Titans. He’s impressed so far this offseason, finding no trouble getting open and showing his reliability as a target for Mariota in practices.
The key is for the slot receiver to be able to adapt to a larger role in Tennessee while maintaining a high level of impact.
5. OL Dennis Kelly
Eyes have been on Kelly since he stepped up – and frankly outperformed – in Conklin’s place last year.
Continued changes within the entire Titans offensive line are expected ahead of the season, and Kelly stands a serious chance at winning the right tackle position battle over Conklin.
6. LB Rashaan Evans
Evans showed that he could be a force last year, but it’s already evident he’s settling in even more in 2019.
Titans reporter Jim Wyatt noted earlier this week that Evans appears to have gotten faster overall, and “got into the backfield as a rusher on numerous occasions as well.”
Tennessee’s defense as a whole is expected to be potent in the upcoming season, but Evans is one member in particular who could have a standout year.
