The Tennessee Titans have about a week of practice and one preseason game left before submitting their initial 53-man roster next Tuesday. The majority of decisions have likely been made. Friday’s exhibition finale versus the Minnesota Vikings will represent Brian Callahan’s final opportunity to assess his 90-man roster.
With cut-down day approximately a week away, we’ve submitted our latest 53-man roster projection.
Quarterbacks: Cameron Ward, Brandon Allen
Trevor Siemian has been an upgrade on Tim Boyle, but the Titans still shouldn’t keep
him as a third quarterback. Cameron Ward will be backed up by Brandon Allen. Perhaps another quarterback becomes available that’s worth adding, or replacing Allen with.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings
Tyjae Spears PUP*
We forecast Tyjae Spears starting on the PUP after suffering a high-ankle sprain. Julius Chestnut seems to be ahead of Jordan Mims and Jermar Jefferson for the current RB3 spot with Spears out. Rookie Kalel Mullings should be a special teams ace.
Wide receivers: Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, James Proche II
James Proche II continues to play his way onto the roster. UDFA fan favorite Xavier Restrepo hasn’t played on offense until the second half in both preseason contests. That doesn’t bode well for his 53-man roster chances. Could Van Jefferson be a surprise cut after his awful drop? That would create room for Restrepo.
Tight ends: Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson
The tight ends feel cut and dry. Gunnar Helm’s highlight-worthy TD versus the Atlanta Falcons established him as the TE2 behind Chig Okonkwo. David Martin-Robinson seems ahead of Josh Whyle and Thomas Odukoya for the TE3 role.
Offensive line: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Kevin Zeitler, JC Latham, John Ojukwu, Corey Levin, Jackson Slater, Oli Udoh
Oli Udoh has played ahead of Jaelyn Duncan in both preseason games, insinuating he and John Ojukwu are the swing tackles. Blake Hance and Andrew Rupcich were difficult cuts here, but the Titans have Corey Levin and Jackson Slater inside. The Titans actually have depth across the offensive line, and though we’ve kept nine, we wouldn’t rule out 10 players here.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, James Lynch, Carlos Watkins
James Lynch is a lock. Carlos Watkins, Cam Horsley, Isaiah Raikes, and Timmy Horne are competing for one spot. We went with the experienced Watkins, but one of the UDFAs (Horsley/Raikes) has more upside.
EDGE: Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre’Mont Jones, Jihad Ward, Jaylen Harrell
The Titans should consider using their No. 1 priority on the waiver wire here. Jihad Ward will be a veteran run stopper. Mike Borgonzi should look around the league for an upgrade on the fifth (Jaylen Harrell) spot.
Linebackers: Cody Barton, James Williams, Cedric Gray, Brian Asamoah, Curtis Jacobs
If the Titans keep a 10th offensive lineman, this may be where they go light (four linebackers). We have five, with newly acquired Brian Asamoah being a special teams keep. Depth is sorely lacking behind Cody Barton, James Williams, and Cedric Gray.
Cornerbacks: L’Jarius Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Roger McCreary, Marcus Harris, Darrell Baker Jr., Gabe Jeudy-Lally
Will L’Jarius Sneed get healthy in time to count towards the initial 53-man roster? Another waiver claim is likely here. Sophomore UDFA Gabe Jeudy-Lally has easily been the best back-end corner on the roster. Some of the UDFAs (Jalen Kimber and Clarence Lewis) have been terrible.
Safeties: Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Kevin Winston Jr., Julius Wood, Quandre Diggs
Kevin Winston Jr. should recover in time. Adding Quandre Diggs strengthened this group. Mike Brown, Kendell Brooks, and Julius Wood are in a three-man competition for one spot. Brooks had the pick-six versus the Falcons, and Brown has been a mainstay, but we’re going with the younger Wood.