The time for the Tennessee Titans to trim their roster down to the final 53 is nearly upon us, with cutdown day just two days away.
Before then, we’ll see cuts trickle out via reports over the next few days, but the initial 53-man roster must be set by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
That will be the “initial” 53-man roster because the group is likely to undergo some changes ahead of the start of the season, which is still a few weeks away.
With the preseason in the books and cutdown day almost here, we’re taking a look at one final 53-man roster projection for the Titans based on everything we’ve seen this offseason.
As always, you won’t find Nicholas Petit-Frere in this projection, as he’s suspended for the first six games, and Caleb Farley and Dillon Radunz remain on the PUP list.
Now, the projection.
Note: follow along with all of the Titans’ latest reported roster cuts with our 53-man roster cuts tracker right here.
Quarterbacks (3)
QB Ryan Tannehill
QB Malik Willis
QB Will Levis
Head coach Mike Vrabel said no decision has been made on QB2 yet, but I think Willis gets the nod to start the season. Levis is right there, though, and showing development in practice could push him up the depth chart.
Running backs (3)
RB Derrick Henry
RB Tyjae Spears
RB Julius Chestnut
It’s very possible the Titans carry a fourth back here, and if so it’ll be between Jonathan Ward and Hassan Haskins, both of whom have special teams value. However, both have missed significant time due to injury, so who knows where either one stands with the team right now.
Whatever the case, Chestnut has earned his spot after being one of the biggest standouts in preseason play.
Wide receivers (6)
WR DeAndre Hopkins
WR Treylon Burks
WR Kyle Philips
WR Chris Moore
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
WR Kearis Jackson
The Titans showed they are, at least, seriously considering Jackson to take one of the return jobs, and I think that ultimately gets him a spot on this roster.
If Philips indeed starts the season on IR, look for Tennessee to bring back one of Colton Dowell, Mason Kinsey, Reggie Roberson, Tre’Shaun Harrison or Racey McMath to the active roster. We’ll also likely see two from this group added to the practice squad.
Tight ends (4)
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo
TE Trevon Wesco
TE Josh Whyle
TE Thomas Odukoya
The final tight end spot is between Alize Mack and Odukoya, but the latter gets the nod after showing out as a blocker in preseason play. I like Mack to be brought back on the practice squad.
Offensive line (9)
LT Andre Dillard
LG Peter Skoronski
C Aaron Brewer
RG Daniel Brunskill
RT Chris Hubbard
G/C Corey Levin
G/T Justin Murray
OT Jaelyn Duncan
OG Jordan Roos
Levin will serve as the main backup on the interior, while Murray gets the nod as the first tackle off the bench.
Duncan, who didn’t play in preseason Week 3 due to injury, is the shakiest of this group. Keep an eye on Andrew Rupcich, who will likely be brought back on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the cut over Duncan.
Defensive line (5)
DL Jeffery Simmons
DL Teair Tart
DL Denico Autry
DL Jayden Peevy
DL Michael Dwumfour
Dwumfour has exploded onto the scene after being signed ahead of preseason Week 2 and earns himself a roster spot. Peevy was solid in preseason play and was praised by coaches during the offseason.
Linebackers (5)
LB Azeez Al-Shaair
LB Jack Gibbens
LB Monty Rice
LB Chance Campbell
LB Luke Gifford
I actually think Rice is the shakiest of this group after missing a lot of time due to injury, but the Titans need some speed at linebacker, which Rice offers. Watch out for Ben Niemann, either in Rice or Campbell’s spot.
Outside linebackers (5)
OLB Harold Landry
OLB Arden Key
OLB Rashad Weaver
OLB Caleb Murphy
OLB Sam Okuayinonu
I think the top four are locked-in, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Sam O. get the boot in favor of another traditional d-lineman. The fact that Murphy has shined as much as he has really hurt Okuayinonu’s chances.
Cornerbacks (5)
CB Kristian Fulton
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
CB Roger McCreary
CB Tre Avery
CB Eric Garror
Despite his small frame, Garror has played big throughout training camp and the preseason en route to securing his place on the 53-man roster. He’s one of the best stories of the entire preseason in Tennessee.
Safeties (5)
S Kevin Byard
S Amani Hooker
S Elijah Molden
S Mike Brown
S Shyheim Carter
I’d like to put Josh Thompson here because of his special teams prowess, but he missed significant time in training camp and has barely played any snaps during the preseason.
As a result, Carter is the choice, along with Brown, who has regularly been a stand out. Molden will serve as a backup safety and see snaps in the slot.
Specialists (3)
UPDATE: Well, it took mere hours for this 53-man projection to get blown up, as the Titans have released kicker Michael Badgley, leaving them with nobody at the position for now.
P Ryan Stonehouse
K Michael Badgley
LS Morgan Cox
After an ugly preseason Week 3, Badgley’s spot is anything but secure. Cox and Stonehouse are, of course, locked-in.
