The Titans are now at the half way point of the preseason, beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 and falling to the New England Patriots in Week 2.
Now, the have their eyes shift their eyes to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3’s match up.
Over this two week time period, here’s a look at whose stock has gone up, and whose stock has dropped as roster cuts loom.
Stock up: WRs Kalif Raymond and Cody Hollister
We recently spoke with WKRN Sports Anchor Corey Curtis about darkhorse candidates on the Titans’ roster.
Raymond and Hollister are the first two names who threw out. He specifically noted that the two have quickly been climbing the depth chart, and have taken a few snaps with the first team offense in practice.
Through two preseason games, Raymond has caught 7 passes for 101 yard, showcasing his toughness and dependable hands. Hollister has also impressed, and snagged 4 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Stock Down: WR Taywan Taylor
Ahead of this season, Taylor has consistently been terribly inconsistent. He’s had a few nice catches, but he’s also had some horrible drops.
We even saw Taylor running with the third-team offense during last night’s game, which doesn’t bode well for the 24-year-old.
Curtis also mentioned Taylor has lacked consistency on the practice field. But despite all this, it would take a lot for Taylor to lose a roster spot. The Titans did invest a third-round pick in him, and he would have to have a string of forgettable performances while Raymond or Hollister continued to perform at a high level to take his spot on the roster.
Stock Up: QB Logan Woodside
Woodside has had a good preseason so far. While he did struggle against the Patriots, that can largely be blamed on the struggles of the offensive line.
The former AAF signal-caller has been careful and mostly accurate, and hasn’t turned the ball over yet with two touchdowns under his belt.
If he doesn’t make the Titans’ final 53-man roster, and he finishes the preseason strong as he’s started it, it’s only a matter of time before he’s picked up by another team as a second-string quarterback.
Stock Down: K Austin Barnard
It’s no secret Barnard has struggled in the kicking game to this point. He’s missed two field goals – although one was blocked – and he’s missed an extra point.
There was some hype at the beginning of training camp around Barnard for being the man who could do two jobs, but we haven’t seen it translate on to the field yet.
Stock Up: DT Isaiah Mack and DE Matt Dickerson
Mack was the second name Curtis threw out when asked about underdog candidates.
He talked about how Mack has had a strong training camp, and how he is a perfect scheme fit for what they Titans want to do.
Dickerson has also received some praise during training camp, and earned an offseason award.
With Mack and Dickerson on the defensive line together, the Patriots’ offensive line had their hands full as Mack was able to register a sack.
Stock Down: TE Anthony Firkser
By the end of last season, Titans fans wondered why Firkser making the roster was even a question.
However, this season Mycole Pruitt seems to be firmly entrenched ahead of Firkser, and Firkser is in a three-way competition at the bottom of the roster with Ryan Hewitt and Cole Wick.
To make things even muddier, Jonnu Smith hasn’t even returned from injury yet, and is expected to be the team’s number two behind Delanie Walker when he does.
