It’s no secret that the Tennessee Titans’ 2022 season was rather disappointing.
On top of missing the playoffs in an embarrassing fashion, several of their top players missed significant playing time throughout the year, ultimately robbing fans of seeing their favorite players compete.
However, if there’s one positive in the situation, the Titans were essentially forced to give playing time to several younger players and got to see who would sink or swim.
This forced said players to either prove they could handle the life of a backup in the NFL, while others simply couldn’t hack it. One of them even had a historic season and looks every bit like a generational talent at his position.
This article is going to highlight four undrafted rookies who not only made the team, but found a way to positively impact the squad throughout the year.
Before we go forward, here’s a look at the 17 UDFAs the Titans signed last offseason: OLB David Anenih, CB Tre Avery, RB Julius Chestnut, DT Haskell Garrett, ILB Jack Gibbens, S Michael Griffin II, G Hayden Howerton, WR Brandon Lewis, OT Jalen McKenzie (Southern Cal), C/G Xavier Newman-Johnson, DT Sam Okuayinonu, DE Jayden Peevy, WR Reggie Roberson, OL Andrew Rupcich, K Caleb Shudak, P Ryan Stonehouse, CB Tre Swilling.
Now, let’s dive right into the three undrafted rookies (and one honorable mention) who impressed most in 2022.
P Ryan Stonehouse
The undrafted rookie out for Colorado State had a record-breaking season in Tennessee. The California native went on to break an 82-year-old record for the highest gross punting average over an entire season.
Stonehouse shattered Sammy Baugh’s single-season record set in 1940 after averaging 53.1 yards per punt, nearly two whole yards more than Baugh’s previous high of 51.4.
Needless to say, the Titans found a diamond in the rough in Stonehouse.
CB Tre Avery
The Rutgers product was a pleasant surprise this season. After a disastrous game against the Bills to start the campaign, Avery settled down and became one of the team’s most reliable cornerbacks.
Avery only allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 56 percent of the targets (22/39) thrown his way. The Titans’ undrafted free agent finished the season with a respectable overall grade of 63.7, per Pro Football Focus.
LB Jack Gibbens
The man known as Dr. Gibby didn’t log any playing time until the end of the season, but he took advantage of the opportunity when he got a chance.
Over the final five games of the year, Gibbens logged 28 tackles and finished with an impressive run grade of 73.7, per PFF. The Minnesota product also allowed a passer rating of just 68.6 when targeted, and notched a pick.
Things should only improve for Dr. Gibby in Year 2 now that he has meaningful experience under his belt.
Honorable mention: DL Sam Okuayinonu
The former Maryland product didn’t have a monstrous impact on the team, but Okuayinonu logged playing time in six contests, tallying seven tackles, a half of a sack, and four total pressures
Okuayinonu finished the year off strong with his final game of the year against Dallas where he ended the evening with his highest single-season grade of the season (74.6).
