The Tennessee Titans’ first preseason game is in the books after the team left Baltimore with a 23-10 loss to the Ravens.
The majority of the starters did not play on a day that was mostly dedicated to letting the rest of the roster prove their worth. Although they didn’t get the result they were looking for, the Titans were able to head home healthy and with quite a bit to be optimistic about going forward.
On Tuesday, the Titans will begin cutting their roster down, going from 90 to 85 players. After that, there will be two more cutdown days, one on Aug. 23 (85 to 80), and then the final one on Aug. 30 (80 to 53).
The Titans have several interesting battles happening throughout the roster. These competitions range from battling for a starting spot to other positional battles where the players are competing just to make the team.
Now that we have had the opportunity to evaluate these fringe players in live-game action, let’s take a closer look at how I see the 53-man roster shaking out after the Titans’ preseason opener.
Quarterbacks (2)
Quarterbacks: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis
One of the things that I’ve been consistent about has been my belief that Malik Willis needs to earn everything he gets.
I’ve always felt that protecting the young quarterback from being thrown in before he’s ready is the smart way to go about it unless Willis shows that he’s truly ready to be a backup in the league.
Well, we’re one game into the preseason and the Liberty product seemingly took a big step towards proving he’s ready to be the No. 2 quarterback for the Titans.
This prediction was amplified by the fact that Logan Woodside had arguably his worst preseason outing as an NFL quarterback. The Toledo product threw two costly interceptions, while often seeming like the inferior quarterback between the two.
Willis wasn’t perfect by any means; he missed several open receivers due to his reluctance to get rid of the ball on time. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said that he pulled Willis early in the third quarter because he was becoming overly reliant on his legs.
If Willis lets this fly we might be having a different Burks discussion today pic.twitter.com/0Zepb3sast
— Kevin Cole (@KevinColePFF) August 12, 2022
Having said all that, there’s no denying how electrifying Willis was on Thursday night.
.@Titans @malikwillis what wasn’t there to like about the 30 play debut of this ex-Liberty Flame. Exciting beginning and much to build upon. He made a couple of throws that can be bumped to an early resume’ reel #Titans #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/cByQE4R1k7
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 12, 2022
Does he still have room to grow? Absolutely, but that’s not new information.
Truth be told, anyone who was disappointed by Willis’ performance on Thursday either had unrealistic expectations to begin with or they made up their opinion on him long before he took the field.
Willis was never going to show up in Week 1 of the preseason and be a polished product after a few weeks of training camp. But what the Titans’ quarterback did show was that he’s clearly learning, developing, and in my opinion, he’s already exceeding expectations.
The 3rd round pick Malik Willis…gthoh pic.twitter.com/BF9oxDVFvD
— The QB School (@theqbschool) August 12, 2022
The Liberty legend has limitless potential with proper patience and guidance. If Willis continues to show that potential while also displaying an efficient command of the offense, I believe he will have earned the right to be the Titans’ No. 2 quarterback.
Running Backs (4)
Running Backs (4): Derrick Henry, Dontrell Hilliard, Hassan Haskins, Tory Carter (FB)
No true surprises here. I was tempted to give Trenton Cannon a spot based on his special teams abilities, but that final roster spot could add depth to another position that truly needs it, so I went elsewhere.
Julius Chestnut is another intriguing option, but I think he’s likely destined for a practice squad spot when it’s all said and done.
Wide Receivers (6)
Wide Receivers (6): Robert Woods, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Racey McMath, Mason Kinsey
The first five wide receivers are a lock, in my opinion. Therefore, there’s a good chunk of wide receivers who are all competing for that sixth and final spot on the depth chart.
The likeliest four are Dez Fitzpatrick, Mason Kinsey, Josh Malone, and Terry Godwin. But considering the Titans already have four big-bodied receivers, I believe they will opt to add another shiftier option for the final spot.
I haven’t been shy about my skepticism with Fitzpatrick in the past, and I haven’t seen anything to alter that belief. Meanwhile, for the last few years, Mason Kinsey has been scratching and clawing for a roster spot, and I believe this is the year it could become a reality.
Malik Willis dart to Mason Kinsey for 20 yards #TENvsBAL pic.twitter.com/ydcOLruAVe
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) August 12, 2022
Kinsey is a savvy route-runner who historically shows up when his number has been called upon in the preseason.
Terry Godwin is another one who could steal that final spot due to his versatility to return kicks, but I need to see more over the final two preseason games before I can give it to the former Georgia product.
This battle is still up in the air, but I will give the slight edge to Kinsey as of now, with Godwin and Malone lurking behind him.
Tight Ends (4)
Tight ends (4): Austin Hooper, Geoff Swaim, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tommy Hudson
After seeing the Titans officially posting their depth chart as 12-personnel, it’s probably a safe bet that the team is leaning towards using more two tight end looks in 2022.
If so, they will likely carry four tight ends on their roster and Tommy Hudson has always impressed me in a limited sample size. He’s a relatively reliable receiver who’s also a willing blocker.
As long as Hudson stays healthy (he got banged up in the preseason opener), I believe he will join the other three tight ends who are undoubtedly locks to make the roster.
Offensive Tackles (4)
Offensive Tackles (4) Taylor Lewan, Dillon Radunz, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Christian DiLauro
The first three listed are obviously locks to make the team. Taylor Lewan will once again anchor the left side, while Dillon Radunz is in the midst of a legitimate battle with Nicholas Petit-Frere for the starting right tackle spot.
Radunz has looked good throughout camp and in the preseason thus far, but Petit-Frere is quickly making up ground.
Christian DiLauro rounds out the room as a valuable depth piece up front but he could easily be dethroned by someone like Jalen McKenzie when it’s all said and done.
Interior offensive linemen (5)
Interior offensive linemen (5): Ben Jones, Aaron Brewer, Nate Davis, Jamarco Jones, Corey Levin
Another group with no real surprises. I was tempted to go with Xavier Newman over Corey Levin, but the former Baylor Bear is probably better suited for the practice squad to start the year.
Defensive line (6)
Defensive line (6): Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Teair Tart, DeMarcus Walker, Naquan Jones, Jayden Peevy
The most notable prediction within this group is the selection of Jayden Peevy. The undrafted free agent has been building some positive momentum for himself over the last few weeks. Peevy often makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass.
Atta kid @JAYDENPEEVY 👏🏻 #NFLAggies pic.twitter.com/782qRleDLS
— Tim England (@tengland_150) August 13, 2022
If the former Texas A&M star can continue to stack positive practices and games, he’s going to find himself with a realistic chance at making this football team at the end of the month.
Outside linebackers (4)
Outside linebackers (4): Harold Landry III, Bud Dupree, Rashad Weaver, Ola Adeniyi
This is arguably the easiest group to predict. All four of the players listed above will contribute throughout the year in some capacity.
David Anenih has the potential to make things interesting, but Ola Adeniyi’s ability to contribute at a high level on both defense and special teams ultimately gives him the edge.
Inside linebackers (5)
Inside linebackers (5): Zach Cunningham, David Long, Monty Rice, Dylan Cole, Chance Campbell,
Zach Cunningham and David Long are safely entrenched as the team’s starting inside linebackers, while Monty Rice will provide valuable depth behind the two of them once he returns from the PUP list.
Dylan Cole, on the other hand, has proven to be a consistent commodity to the special teams units, while rookie linebacker Chance Campbell has already flashed some of the skills that helped him get drafted.
Cornerbacks (6)
Cornerbacks (6): Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley, Roger McCreary, Elijah Molden, Shakur Brown, Chris Jackson
If you would have told me when Shakur Brown signed a few weeks ago that I would have him in my 53-man roster predictions, I probably would have laughed.
However, there’s no denying the amount of momentum the former USFL corner has built for himself since he arrived. Brown has been stout in practice and that consistency carried directly over to the first preseason game.
Shakur Brown with a near pick. He has shown up on the practice field with several plays since being signed out of the USFL.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 12, 2022
If the former Pittsburgh Maulers cornerback can continue on this upward trajectory, he will have a great chance of earning his way onto the final roster.
Chris Jackson, on the other hand, has seemingly been going in the wrong direction as of late. I won’t go as far as saying he won’t make the team, but I think he’s right on the roster bubble and I would not be surprised if Tennessee gives his spot to somebody else.
Safeties (4)
Safeties (4): Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, AJ Moore, Theo Jackson
The Titans have arguably the best safety tandem in the league and those two will be counted on throughout the year. A.J. Moore and Theo Jackson will occasionally contribute on defense, but those two will also be heavily relied upon on special teams.
Specialists (3)
Specialists: P Brett Kern, K Randy Bullock, LS Morgan Cox
Ryan Stonehouse’s powerful leg will make the punter competition more interesting than in years past, but until he can consistently be a weapon that can coffin punt balls inside the 10, I have to go with Brett Kern.
Practice Squad priority: WR Dez Fitzpatrick, OLB David Anenih, IOL Xavier Newman, RB Julius Chestnut, OT Jalen McKenzie
Practice squad priority
Practice Squad priority: WR Dez Fitzpatrick, OLB David Anenih, IOL Xavier Newman, RB Julius Chestnut, OT Jalen McKenzie
