While the majority of undrafted free agents primarily compete for practice squad spots, some find their way onto the active roster.
Following the 2024 NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans signed 16 undrafted free agents to bring into camp. Of those, Cole Spencer was among the three offensive linemen to bolster a position group that struggled to keep Titans’ quarterbacks upright over the last couple of seasons.
The 25-year-old was recently named “1 UDFA with Best Chance to Make the Roster in Every NFL Team’s Training Camp” by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine.
Here is Ballentine’s analysis:
There are a few things working for Cole Spencer to make the Tennessee Titans’ roster.
The first is the coaching change for the Titans. Going from Mike Vrabel to Brian Callahan resets the player evaluation process and provides more even footing for all rookies who are trying to make the roster.
The other is that Bill Callahan is one of the best offensive line coaches in the business. So when the Titans give out more guaranteed money to a lineman than any of their other UDFA’, it’s worth noting.
Spencer played left tackle, left guard and right tackle in stops with Western Kentucky and Texas Tech. He does have an extensive injury history, which probably played a role in him going undrafted, but he ran a 4.89-second 40 and posted a 30.5″ vertical at his pro day, giving a glimpse into his athleticism.
Spencer spent the last two years at Texas Tech, but as the analysis notes, he was limited to just six games during that stretch. Injuries forced him to miss the entire 2022 season and half of last year as well. However, when healthy, Spencer has the potential to be a gem.
While he primarily played at left guard for the Red Raiders, Spencer also has experience at both tackle positions, offering plenty of versatility to a Titans offensive line that has been challenged with injuries in recent years.
In 2023, he was responsible for just one sack allowed and one quarterback pressure, offering a glimpse of the player he was in 2021 with Western Kentucky when he was ranked as the best pass-blocker in the Conference USA by Pro Football Focus.
The right side of Tennessee’s offensive line has been a weak spot in the early stages of training camp. The Titans are expected to get Nicholas Petit-Frere back soon, which should help stabilize the position, but Spencer will have a very real possibility to compete for a backup role.
