The Tennessee Titans closed out their exhibition slate on Saturday night time by topping the Arizona Cardinals in preseason Week 3 at Nissan Stadium, 26-23.
With the preseason now within the books, the Titans will flip their consideration to ultimate cuts. The deadline for groups to trim their rosters all the way down to the ultimate 53 comes on Tuesday at 4 p.m. EDT, however there’s a very good likelihood we’ll get some strikes beforehand.
Following the reveal of the preliminary 53-man roster on Tuesday, the Titans will then work on placing collectively their 16-man apply squad on Wednesday.
With the preseason over, we’re taking one ultimate crack at a 53-man roster projection for the Titans primarily based on what we’ve seen this offseason.
Have a look.
Quarterbacks (2)
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Quarterbacks: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis
I’m hesitant to go away Willis as the only real backup right here as a result of I believe there’s nonetheless an excellent likelihood the Titans hold Woodside to keep away from the rookie being an harm away from seeing the sector in 2022.
That’s actually the one motive to maintain Woodside, as Willis has earned the No. 2 job, however the Titans even have the choice of preserving Woodside on the apply squad, as he’d seemingly clear waivers upon being lower.
Operating backs (4)
Operating backs: Derrick Henry, Dontrell Hilliard, Hassan Haskins, Tory Carter (FB)
Trenton Cannon has not achieved a lot this offseason, and whereas Julius Chestnut has been higher, I’m unsure both of those gamers have achieved sufficient to drive Tennessee to maintain an additional again. Particular groups is Cannon’s solely hope.
Large receivers (7)
Large receivers: Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Treylon Burks, Racey McMath, Dez Fitzpatrick, Reggie Roberson
I’m sticking with seven right here and giving Roberson the nod over Mason Kinsey as a result of he can convey a possible deep-threat aspect that solely McMath can ship if the 2022 UDFA doesn’t make the lower.
I’m not in love with preserving Dez in any respect after one other lackluster displaying this offseason, however the Titans are going to offer him another likelihood, largely as a result of he’s a current mid-round draft decide.
Tight ends (3)
Tight ends: Austin Hooper, Geoff Swaim, Chigoziem Okonkwo
The Titans might very nicely determine to maintain 4, particularly in the event that they plan on operating extra two tight-end units. If that’s the case, it’ll seemingly be Tommy Hudson, however the 2020 UDFA has had points staying wholesome.
Offensive linemen (8)
Offensive linemen: LT Taylor Lewan, LG Aaron Brewer, C Ben Jones, RG Nate Davis, RT Nicholas Petit-Frere, G/T Dillon Radunz, G/T Jamarco Jones, G/C Corey Levin
After the primary seven it’s a complete toss-up, as Tennessee’s depth choices have been very disappointing this offseason. We’ll give the sting to Levin for his expertise, however I’m unsure I’d use a roster spot on anybody else.
Defensive linemen (5)
Line of defense: Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Naquan Jones, DeMarcus Walker
Primarily based on this, Larrell Murchison’s time in Nashville involves an finish, until he can clear waivers and be saved on the apply squad, which is feasible. Tennessee’s signing of Walker was the loss of life knell.
Inside linebackers (5)
Inside linebackers: Zach Cunningham, David Lengthy, Joe Jones, Likelihood Campbell, Jack Gibbens, Monty Rice (PUP)
Rice is listed right here however doesn’t rely in the direction of the 53-man roster after being positioned on the PUP checklist, forcing him to overlook the primary 4 video games.
I believe we’ve seen sufficient good issues from Campbell and Gibbens that we can provide them a spot. From there, it’s between Joe Jones and Dylan Cole, and I believe Jones has achieved extra to safe a spot.
Outdoors linebackers (5)
Outdoors linebackers: Harold Landry, Bud Dupree, Rashad Weaver, Ola Adeniyi, David Anenih
The one semblance of a shock right here is Anenih, nevertheless it isn’t a shock for those who’ve been maintaining with issues throughout the offseason. Anenih has persistently been a standout, each in video games and apply.
Cornerbacks (5)
Cornerbacks: Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley, Elijah Molden, Roger McCreary, Greb Mabin
The primary 4 listed below are locks, however the fifth spot is up for grabs. Mabin or Chris Jackson will seemingly seize the spot, however I haven’t been impressed with both. Regulate Tre Avery, additionally.
Safeties (6)
Safeties: Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, A.J. Moore, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Ugo Amadi, Theo Jackson
Johnson could possibly be listed at cornerback or security along with his skill to play at each spots, however the Titans deployed him at security in preseason Week 3. Amadi was a standout in Tennessee’s exhibition finale, and Jackson has achieved simply sufficient to warrant a spot. Joshua Kalu is one other chance as a substitute of Jackson.
Specialists (3)
Specialists: Ok Randy Bullock, P Ryan Stonehouse, LS Morgan Cox
I’d wish to assume the Titans would hold each Brett Kern and Stonehouse, however I only a staff preserving two punters. What provides me hope is that the Titans know considered one of these two could possibly be heading to Buffalo, the place the Payments need assistance.
I believe Stonehouse did sufficient in preseason Week 3 to seal the job, and the Titans will need to go along with a participant who could possibly be the answer for the following decade over a man who might solely be round another yr. Including to that, reducing Kern will save the staff $2.2 million.