Written by: Joseph Yun
Twitter: ItsDuckinTooYun
With the final roster decision deadline looming right around the corner (Saturday September 5th), it’s time to take a gander at who could comprise the 53 man and 16 man practice squad for the Tennessee Titans. This season, the NFL has allotted 16 practice squad slots due to the pandemic (up from the originally scheduled 12).
Who could surprise and stick on the senior squad? What changed from the initial roster projection from earlier this summer? Keep in mind that this article is without one Jadaveon Clowney (who many have projected to sign with the team) while the NFL world is breathlessly awaiting his decision. Also, things can rapidly change for players who thought they were safe only to lose a spot due to other teams’ cuts coming in.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (2)
Ryan Tannehill
Trevor Siemian
- The Titans released rookie Cole McDonald after a few days of camp due to ineffectiveness. In his stead, they brought in “veteran” signal-caller Trevor Siemian (last seen getting his ankle crushed by Myles Garrett) to compete with Logan Woodside for backup duties. Siemian wins out as he has actual live fire NFL game experience (whether its bad or somewhat decent is for the viewer to decide) over Woodside. Still, the backup situation in Nashville is tenuous at best.
Running Back (4)
Derrick Henry
Darrynton Evans
Jeremy McNichols
Khari Blasingame
- Nothing new at the top as Henry signed a long term contract with a team-friendly cap hit. Evans has been dealing with an injury lately so it's entirely possible that the team could elect to carry five backs. McNichols has experience in the system as he was with the team for brief stretches last season. Blasingame is the starter at fullback and the Titans’ rushing attack was quite productive with him in that role.
Wide Receiver (6)
Corey Davis
A.J. Brown
Adam Humphries
Kalif Raymond
Rashard Davis
Krishawn Hogan
- We all know that the top three are secure in their roles for the 2020 season. Breakout star Kalif Raymond is the team’s nominal vertical threat and has been having a great camp according to all reports. The back end of the depth chart isn’t ideal, to say the least. Davis makes the cut due to his return ability. It was a rather contentious debate between Hogan and UDFA rookie to see who gets the sixth receiver slot.
Tight End (3)
Jonnu Smith
Anthony Firkser
MyCole Pruitt
- The team did sign long time veteran Geoff Swaim to bolster depth but continuity wins out here at this position. Smith is poised to break out on a national scale after posting solid numbers in his debut campaign as the top tight end option in 2019. Firkser and Pruitt are reliable in their roles if not flashy. There’s always a place in the NFL for that.
Offensive Tackle (5)
Taylor Lewan
Dennis Kelly
Isaiah Wilson
David Quessenberry
Ty Sambrailo
- It appears that Dennis Kelly has won the right tackle job over first-round rookie Isaiah Wilson and is on a decent contract. Sambrailo makes the team as a swing guard/tackle type who can play either position if necessary. Quessenberry has prior experience with the team so he makes it as well. Plus, the unstoppable tackles catching touchdowns play is still in the playbook.
Guard (3)
Roger Saffold
Nate Davis
Daniel Munyer
- The Titans depth at guard is severely lacking behind big-ticket starter Roger Saffold and promising rising sophomore Nate Davis. Munyer makes the 53 man roster by default with the release of Avery Gennesy. Guard might be a possible area that the front office looks at upgrading once final cuts are done.
Center (2)
Ben Jones
Jamil Douglas
- Jones is the unquestioned starter at center. Douglas has won the team’s hearts and minds as the interior swing guy despite his subpar play but he’s the primary backup to Jones so he slots in here.
DEFENSE
Defensive End (3)
Jeffery Simmons
Jack Crawford
Matt Dickerson
- Simmons anchors the defensive end group after Jurrell Casey was traded to the Broncos during the offseason. Veteran Jack Crawford has the ability to play both end and tackle so his versatility will be useful inline short on bodies. Dickerson makes it in to help.
Defensive Tackle / Nose Tackle (3)
DaQuan Jones
Larell Murchinson
Isaiah Mack
- Jones has developed into a steady veteran presence for a number of years now while Murch is a promising fifth-round rookie. Mack returns as a back end of the roster type after a reliable 2019 given his role.
Outside Linebacker (4)
Harold Landry
Vic Beasley
D’Andre Walker
Kamalei Correa
- The key question is free-agent addition Vic Beasley’s ability to contribute after all the drama he’s placed the team under. He missed the initial start of camp with unexcused absences, got “injured”, and hasn’t practiced due to being placed on the NFI list. Correa broke out last season and has a relatively big contract so he’s in no danger. Walker’s season was cut short in 2019 due to injury and never took a regular-season snap.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Jayon Brown
Rashaan Evans
David Long, Jr
Nick Dzubnar
Will Compton
- Brown and Evans are the unquestioned starters at the top, obviously. Long Jr acquitted himself well last year when pressed into duty as a rookie. Dzubnar and the recently reacquired podcast extraordinaire Will Compton are special teams aces and will be limited to such duties if all goes well.
Cornerback (5)
Adoree Jackson
Malcolm Butler
Johnathan Joseph
Kristian Fulton
Chris Jackson
- The only notable change is that seventh-round rookie Chris Jackson has reportedly impressed the team in camp so he makes it in. The other four are set in stone in some order. Jonathan Joseph is the “player-coach” presence that’s familiar with what Mike Vrabel and cornerbacks coach Anthony Midget wants to do on defense. Kristian Fulton has missed some time in camp but is expected to contribute significantly as a highly touted rookie. Butler is finally eligible to come off IR (if you know, you know).
Safety (5)
Kevin Byard
Kenny Vaccaro
Amani Hooker
Dane Cruikshank
Joshua Kalu
- Nothing big here for the safeties as the Titans have one of the better safety duos in the league. Hooker and Cruikshank were valuable special teams dudes who can play corner in a pinch. Kalu is a special teams ace and won’t lose you games if he has to play safety either.
Special Teams (3)
Stephen Gostkowski
Brett Kern
Beau Brinkley
- The Titans just brought in newly moved to Nashville, former Patriot stalwart Gostkowski and released Greg Joseph as a result. Kern and Brinkley return to reprise their excellent roles as punter and long snapper, respectively.
Practice Squad (16)
QB Logan Woodside / Cole McDonald / FA?
RB Senorise Perry
RB Marcus Marshall
WR Cody Holister
WR Kristian Wilkerson
OL Aaron Brewer
OL Brandon Kemp
TE Tommy Hudson
TE Geoff Swaim
DL Jamal Davis II
DL Teair Tart
DL Joey Ivie IV
LB Cale Garrett
LB Wyatt Ray
DB Tye Smith
DB Chris Milton
- The team seems to love what Woodside brings to the table as he’s familiar with the offense. Cole McDonald could be a darkhorse to rejoin the team as a “project” if Woodside isn’t retained. The Titans could also look for another team’s quarterback cuts as well. Ray was a college teammate of Harold Landry and was a recent signing by the team. Garrett’s college pedigree might see him stick on the practice squad. Tennessee also appreciates Tye Smith as he’s made it through multiple coaching staffs now.
Offense Total: 25
Defense Total: 25
Special Teams: 3