With preseason Week 2 in the books following the Tennessee Titans’ 13-3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night, we’re taking our latest crack at a 53-man roster projection for the Titans.
The Titans will make their latest round of cuts on Tuesday, trimming their roster from 85 to 80. And then, following their final preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 27, the Titans will have their final cutdown to 53.
The latest exhibition contest further helped clarify who on the roster bubble has a better shot than others to make the initial 53-man group, but there’s still time for those struggling to rebound with another preseason game left to play.
While the left guard job appears to have been decided, things are still open at right tackle between Nicholas Petit-Frere and Dillon Radunz, and at cornerback between Roger McCreary and Caleb Farley.
Wide receiver hasn’t exactly been decided yet, either. Robert Woods stands to be the No. 1 and Kyle Philips should operate out of the slot, but can Treylon Burks surpass Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for the No. 2 role?
Here’s a look at our latest 53-man roster projection after preseason Week 2.
Quarterbacks (2)
Quarterbacks: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis
I still find it hard to believe the Titans will leave Willis as the lone backup, but as of right now Logan Woodside is not doing enough to earn a spot on this roster. Don’t be surprised if the Titans explore adding another backup.
Running backs (4)
Running backs: Derrick Henry, Dontrell Hilliard, Hassan Haskins, Tory Carter (FB)
If Trenton Cannon or Julius Chestnut are going to make the roster, it’ll have to be via the Titans carrying an extra back aside from the four listed above. Neither player has done enough, in my humble opinion, but Chestnut is closer than Cannon is.
Wide receivers (7)
Wide receivers: Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Treylon Burks, Racey McMath, Dez Fitzpatrick, Reggie Roberson
Kinsey was ahead of Fitzpatrick and Roberson, but that changed in preseason Week 2, where Kinsey was held without a catch and dropped his lone target. If the Titans only carry six receivers, Roberson would likely be the odd man out of this group, but he and Fitzpatrick are neck-and-neck.
It might seem like a lot to carry seven receivers, but the Titans have done it in recent years, and it’s possible once again in 2022 with the uncertain situation the Titans have at the position.
Tight ends (3)
Tight ends: Austin Hooper, Geoff Swaim, Chigoziem Okonkwo
Carrying a fourth tight end certainly isn’t out of the question. If Tennessee takes that route, it’ll be Tommy Hudson.
Offensive line (9)
Offensive line: LT Taylor Lewan, LG Aaron Brewer, C Ben Jones, RG Nate Davis, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT Dillon Radunz, G/T Jamarco Jones, G Jordan Roos, OT Jalen McKenzie
Roos has been getting significant reps at right guard while Nate Davis has been sidelined, and McKenzie was the first man off the bench in preseason Week 2 after Lewan exited following a few series. That leads me to believe both have a great shot to make the cut.
This group offers plenty of versatility. Brewer is our projected starter at left guard but can move over to center in the event Ben Jones gets hurt, and Jamarco Jones can play guard or tackle. Roos provides more depth inside.
Defensive line (5)
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Naquan Jones, DeMarcus Walker
Tart has outplayed Jones, his biggest competition for snaps at nose tackle, and one has to wonder if the 2021 UDFA is completely safe after what has been a quiet offseason thus far.
If the Titans carry a sixth, it’ll likely be Larrell Murchison or Da’Shawn hand, and we could see either one of those players unseating Jones here. Hand has been more impressive than Murch.
Inside linebackers (5)
Inside linebackers: Zach Cunningham, David Long, Monty Rice, Chance Campbell, Jack Gibbens
Campbell and Gibbens, both of whom were billed more as run-stuffers than anything else, have flashed in coverage this preseason and should be able to adequately handle special teams duties. Gibbens in particular has drawn praise from head coach Mike Vrabel for how far along he already is.
Outside linebackers (5)
Outside linebackers: Harold Landry, Bud Dupree, Rashad Weaver, Ola Adeniyi, David Anenih
Anenih is the only outside linebacker aside from the first four who has done enough to make the cut, notching three sacks in two preseason contests. He isn’t a lock by any stretch, but if anyone can break through, it’s him.
Cornerbacks (5)
Cornerbacks: Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley, Elijah Molden, Roger McCreary, Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Johnson came on strong in preseason Week 2, his first contest with the Titans. He can play both corner and safety, and we saw him in the Dane Cruikshank tight-end matchup role, also.
Safeties (5)
Safeties: Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, A.J. Moore, Tyree Gillespie, Adrian Colbert
Theo Jackson, who has been quiet in training camp and the preseason, is on the outside looking in after the additions of Johnson, Gillespie, Joshua Kalu and Adrian Colbert. Keep an eye on Colbert and Kalu for the final spots on the depth chart.
Specialists (3)
Specialists: K Randy Bullock, P Brett Kern, LS Morgan Cox
I’ve been really impressed with Ryan Stonehouse, who has a monster leg, but he doesn’t offer the accuracy and touch that Kern does. The long-time Titans punter will be the starter for at least another year. Stonehouse could still end up on the practice squad, but he’ll have to pass through waivers first.
