All offseason long, Tennessee Titans 2021 third-round pick and linebacker Monty Rice has been projected to be one of the starters alongside Azeez Al-Shaair, but it appears fellow linebacker Jack Gibbens may give him a run for his money.
According to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, Gibbens, who was pretty solid last season while filling in because of injuries, was rotating with Rice on the first-team defense, something head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about after practice on Monday.
“I think just right now they’re just trying to develop a role on this football team,” Vrabel said of Rice and Gibbens. “Obviously, Gibby’s got a little bit more length, Monty’s probably a little bit quicker and maybe a little faster.
“But other than that, they both have been productive thus far and I thought they both showed up today. I saw Monty show up on the sideline, being able to run and go chase down Tyjae (Spears). So, he showed up and, again, that’s the play speed that we’re talking about at times last year about being around the ball and flying. That’s good to see and we’ll keep having them in a competition and know that they’ll continue to get better.”
#Titans ILBs Jack Gibbons and Monty Rice are rotating with the first team. Mike Vrabel pointed to Gibbons' length while Rice brings speed and quickness. pic.twitter.com/o1rGNR9xqw
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) July 31, 2023
With speed being so important in today’s game, Rice’s advantage in that area gives him a leg up in this competition, but clearly Dr. Gibby is doing enough to earn a look for a starting spot.
As for the other starting spot, Al-Shaair seems to be firmly planted there. After practice, he spoke about wearing the green dot on his helmet, which means he’s calling the plays for the defense.
#Titans LB Azeez Al-Shaair said he's embracing calling the plays on defense. It was something he did w/the 49ers during practice when he worked with the second group and at times on game day when Fred Warner went down.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) July 31, 2023
