NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans’ starting 53-man roster includes at least two surprises and a wealth of defensive linemen.
Less likely were free agents, both undrafted: Sacred Heart University’s Julius Chestnut and Rutgers cornerback Tre Avery. Chestnut led the Titans in preseason rushing (26 carries, 101 yards, 1 touchdown) and Avery recorded eight tackles.
The starting roster has seven defensive linemen, but that number could change in the coming days as Denico Autry could go on the disabled list (meaning he’ll play four games). must be absent). Additionally, the Titans could ask for a player or more waivers, perhaps by cutting defensive linemen to make room.
The analysis for each of the first 53 positions is as follows.
quarterback (2)
Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis
Outlook: At the start of offseason training, and possibly training camp, the Titans looked to be a three-quarterback team with Logan Woodside backing up Tannehill. However, Willis showed enough progress and playmaking ability to earn a backup spot, and Woodside’s semi-standard training camp and preseason led to his release. Woodside looks like a rock on the practice team if he clears waivers. Meanwhile, Tannehill, who started the regular season in 43 straight games for the Titans, is hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2021 season.
running back (5)
Derrick Henry, Dontrell Hilliard, Hassan Haskins, Julius Chestnut, Tory Carter
Outlook: The big surprise here is Chestnut, who beat the odds. He’s big and agile, but can the Titans really carry his five-running back at any given moment?Henry will be back again in 2021 after missing his nine regular-season games with a broken leg. will be a key player. Hilliard proved an excellent change of pace that allowed him to step onto third down. Haskins, who was his fourth-round pick last April, was running behind his lineman on the Reserve’s offensive during the preseason, but didn’t stand out much. But he has shown good hands (his eight receptions, a team-best) and ability to guard passers.
wide receiver (5)
Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Iquin, Tralon Burks, Kyle Phillips, Lacey McMath
Outlook: There are many uncertainties in this position. Woods is a proven veterinarian, but he has to show how well he recovers from ACL surgery. Burks, who was his first-round pick on the team last April, was showing off his skills but was sidelined with injuries, conditioning and asthma issues. It’s no surprise to see the Titans claim wide receiver waivers after cutting Dez Fitzpatrick.
tight end (3)
Austin Hooper, Jeff Swaim, Chigu Okonkwo
Outlook: Hooper is an upgrade from the tight end group for 2021 and should have plenty of targets. The question is whether his numbers are closer to his last two seasons in Cleveland (84 combined catches, 7 touchdowns) or his two Pro Bowl campaigns before him in Atlanta (146 combined). catch, 10 touchdowns). Okonkwo, who was drafted in his fourth round last April, is an X-factor here and could be a playmaker if he can make progress in the blocking division and Root his running division.
Offensive Line (9)
Taylor Lewan, Aaron Brewer, Ben Jones, Nate Davis, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Dillon Radunz, Dennis Daley, Jamarco Jones, Corey Levin
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Outlook: This group has to prove that they are just as good as last year when they were just average. Will Brewer’s speed and athleticism advantage be able to make up for his lack of physique?Petit Frère ready to start Wright his tackle his spot as a rookie?The Titans will give him which Do I need to give some help?These are two big questions for beginners. As for the Reserves, it says a lot that the Titans felt the need to acquire the versatile Daley from Carolina on Monday. Other players, including Radunz, often appeared shaken during training camps and preseason. I feel like
line of defense (7)
Jeffrey Simmons, Denico Autry, Teal Tart, Naquan Jones, DeMarcus Walker, Kevin Strong, DaShawn Hand
Outlook: The Titans needed to keep Autry on their starting 53-man roster to qualify for the season, but they missed much of camp. Also, the defensive lineman could be cut if the Titans claim waivers at other positions. That said, this might be the most well-stocked position aside from Edge Rusher. Last season Autry and Simmons combined he tallied 17.5 sacks and both wreaked havoc in the attacking backfield. Tarte seems to have spent the offseason and training his camp very strongly. Jones provides another big body in the middle of the line, and Walker adds inside/outside versatility to the group.
Inside Linebacker (4)
name: Zach Cunningham, David Long, Chance Campbell, Dylan Cole (Note: (Monty Rice has to miss the first four games on the Reserve PUP list. He does not count on the 53 man roster.) Hmm.)
Outlook: Starters Cunningham and Long look like an ideal complementary pair, as Cunningham is particularly strong against runs and Long has actually improved his pass coverage. Based on his production that was, it would be an ideal third. Campbell is a rookie, Cole is with the Titans and he’s only played nine games.
Outside Linebacker (4)
Harold Landry, Bud Dupree, Rashad Weaver, Ola Adenny
Outlook: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better group of positions on this roster. Especially if Dupree is back in 2020 to where he was before suffering his torn ACL. Note that Autry also spends a lot of time on the edge in pass rush situations. should do.
cornerback (6)
Christian Fulton, Roger McCreary, Caleb Farley, Elijah Malden, Hugo Amadi, Tre Avery
Outlook: The Titans’ top four picks have one first-round pick (Furley), one second-round pick (McReery and Fulton), and one third-round pick (Molden), so the potential is there. There can be no doubt. However, the quartet boasts a total of four years of his NFL experience, including Farley’s 2021 rookie season of his 60 snaps. How many times did you practice during the training camp? As such, the addition of Amadi, who plays primarily slots, should be a boost. Avery was a big surprise, making the team an undrafted free agent from Rutgers.
safety (5)
Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, Josh Kull, Ronnie Johnson, AJ Moore
Outlook: Two-time All-Pro names Byard and Hooker form one of the best tandems in the game, so the starters are a no-brainer. But here the reserves are significantly reduced. Johnson was added late in the preseason, but Cal and Moore are known for their special teams work. Amadi has played safe in the past, so he can help if needed.
specialist (3)
Randy Bullock, Ryan Stonehouse, Morgan Cox
Outlook: Brock connected on 5 of 5 attempts in the preseason. This included field goals of 49, 50 and 51 yards. This is a good sign for someone from 40 he was 9 out of 14.plus But Stonehouse was a real standout in this group, averaging over 50 yards (gross) on 13 preseason punts, beating out veteran Brett Kahn. If he can get as good as Khan when it comes to pinning opponents deep, be careful.
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