The Tennessee Titans are now four days into training camp practices, and we’re beginning to get a good look at which players have been impressing enough to make a run for the final 53-man roster.
Between the 2019 NFL Draft, the free agency period and significant offseason moves made by general manager Jon Robinson, we’ll see many new faces in two-toned blue this year.
Here’s a glance at what the final group of players could look like as the Titans enter their first regular season game of the year against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8.
Quarterbacks (2)
Marcus Mariota, Ryan Tannehill
This one is pretty straight-forward. The Titans brought on Tannehill as an overqualified insurance policy for Mariota. While Logan Woodside has been impressive enough, it won’t be enough for the team to keep three quarterbacks and give him a spot on the roster.
Running backs (3)
Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis, David Fluellen
We know Henry had a lot of steam toward the end of 2018, and he looks to only build off of it and further solidify the run game in the 2019 season. It’s hard to forget how long he spent playing second-fiddle to Lewis, though, who will also earn a roster spot. Fluellen has paid his dues, and can come into play on special teams, so he’ll likely cement a place on the final roster as well.
Wide receivers (6)
Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, A.J. Brown, Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, Cameron Batson
The Titans have a lot of depth and new promising talent at the position right now, but it’s hard to envision the final roster without these six names. Davis, Humphries and Brown should be a lock without question.
Taylor and Sharpe have both proven to be playmakers when they’re at full capacity
Darius Jennings has been an impact player on special teams, in addition to limited receiver work. But Batson has caught the eye of many while putting on solid showings throughout training camp, and poses a serious threat to Jennings’ place on the roster.
Tight ends (4)
Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, Ryan Hewitt, Anthony Firkser
Walker is easily in, as is a steadily rising Smith. Firkser made came up with some crucial plays to help keep the Titans’ offense in the mix last year, and has appeared to be consistently reliable in camp.
It will be interesting to see just what the Titans do with Hewitt, who has seen time at tight end for the division rival Indianapolis Colts, but also can fill a fullback role like Fluellen is set to.
Offensive linemen (10)
Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly, Rodger Saffold, Corey Levin, Ben Jones, Aaron Stinnie, Nate Davis, Kevin Pamphile, Tyler Marz
The Titans have their bookend on the left in Lewan, and the only time that’s expected to change is when he faces his four-game suspension. There’s uncertainly elsewhere, though, as important position battles unfold at right tackle and right guard.
Defensive linemen (6)
Jurrell Casey, Jeffery Simmons (PUP), Isaiah Mack, DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson, Brent Urban
Of course the veteran Casey will find a place at the top of the depth chart, and he’ll be serving as a mentor for Simmons, who will begin the season on the PUP list. With this, Mack, and undrafted free agent, has a chance to slide into the final roster. Urban, a free agency acquisition, will also be a new name this year.
Linebackers (10)
Cameron Wake, Harold Landry, Kamalei Correa, Sharif Finch, D’Andre Walker, Wesley Woodyard, Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans, David Long Jr., Derrick Roberson
Woodyard has a roster spot in place without question, while Evans and Brown both showed potential to make even more of an impact during 2018.
The addition of a veteran figure on the edge in Wake fills a pressing need for the Titans, while players like Roberson, Walker and Long Jr. bring younger potential in.
Expect this to be a solid group overall.
Cornerbacks (5)
Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Adoree’ Jackson, Leshaun Sims, Tye Smith
Ryan is one of the best at his position in the NFL, while Butler and Jackson have made their presence felt in recent seasons. If Butler is able to work off the momentum he ended with last season, he’s in for a good 2019 season.
Safeties (4)
Kevin Byard, Kenny Vaccaro, Dane Cruikshank, Amani Hooker
Byard and Vaccaro have become staples of the Titans’ defense at this point, while Cruikshank has been impressive particularly on special teams. Hooker provides a promising rookie prospect, and has been practicing with the first team group.
Special teams (3)
Ryan Succop, Brett Kern, Beau Brinkley
The Titans have run five years with this combination. There’s no need to fix what’s not broken.
