Nov 24, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans receiver Justin Hunter (15) is defended by Oakland Raiders safety Brandian Ross (29) cornerback Phillip Adams (28) on a 54-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
How is the 2014 Tennessee Titans roster shaping up following draft weekend? Below is an early depth chart that includes every player listed on the Titans Online roster (plus the six rookies).
Undrafted Free Agents, Offense (UPDATED AS OF 8:40 PM CT)
Antonio Andrews (running back, Western Kentucky)
Josh Stewart (wide receiver, Oklahoma State)
Derel Walker (wide receiver, Texas A&M)
Eric Ward (wide receiver, Texas Tech)
Jaz Reynolds (wide receiver, Oklahoma)
David Wright (tight end, Westminster)
Gabe Ikard (center, Oklahoma)
Justin McCray (offensive lineman, Central Florida)
Travis Coons (kicker, Washington)
(Note: William Poehls (offensive lineman, Montana) wasn’t on titansonline.com’s final list).
Analysis: Look at all those wide receivers and interior offensive lineman. Anybody stand out as a potential No. 5 or No. 6 option for the 2014-15 roster? Travis Coons has a very strong chance of making this team with an impressive training camp.
Quarterback
Jake Locker
Charlie Whitehurst
Zach Mettenberger
Tyler Wilson
Analysis: Mettenberger will get every opportunity to win the No. 3 job. Barring another Locker injury, don’t expect the team to rush him into the starting lineup. I’m interested to see what happens to Wilson, especially if he clearly outperforms Mettenberger in training camp. Would the Titans keep four quarterbacks or try to sneak Mettenberger on to the practice squad?
Running Back
Shonn Greene
Dexter McCluster (also plays wide receiver)
Bishop Sankey (rookie)
Jackie Battle
Leon Washington
Colin Mooney
Quinn Johnson
Analysis: Expect a running-back-by-committee featuring Greene, Sankey and the ever-versatile McCluster. Battle has enough special-teams value to earn a roster spot. Washington should make the team as the No. 1 returner. The Titans should try to keep McCluster reserved to offense. Don’t risk him on special teams.
Wide Receivers
Kendall Wright
Justin Hunter
Nate Washington
Michael Preston
Brian Robiskie
Marc Mariani
Lamont Bryant
Isaiah Williams
Analysis: Wright, Hunter and Washington are all-but-certain locks in the top three. There’s no reason that Preston doesn’t start next season as a No. 4. He’s worth keeping an eye on. Robiskie, Mariani, and everyone else will battle for a No. 5 and possibly No. 6 job. I don’t see them keeping six wide receives because McCluster already provides them that option.
Tight Ends
Delanie Walker
Craig Stevens
Taylor Thompson
Jason Schepler
Adam Schiltz
Analysis:Don’t expect Schepler or Schiltz to factor into the 53-man roster equation. Only major difference may come with Thompson competing against any potential undrafted free-agent tight end. If Thompson wins a spot, then expect the same depth chart as last season.
Offensive Line
Michael Roos (left tackle)
Andy Levitre (left guard)
Brian Schwenke (center)
Chance Warmack (right guard)
Michael Oher (right tackle)
Taylor Lewan (rookie)
Byron Stingily
Chris Spencer
Jeff Adams
Eric Olsen
Tyler Horn
Analysis: The first and most important question: can Lewan upend Oher for the starting right tackle job? How will the team use him assuming everybody stays healthy? Adams, Olsen, Horn, or any potential undrafted free agent could have a chance to win a spot as a reserve interior offensive lineman. Stingily’s job appears safe.
Special Teams
Maikon Bonani (Kicker)
Brett Kern (Punter)
Beau Brinkley (Long-Snapper)
Dexter McCluster (return specialist)
Leon Washington (return specialist)
Marc Mariani (return specialist)
Analysis: The Titans will bring in kicker competition through undrafted free agency. Bonani was way too inaccurate to just get the job without competing for it. Mariani probably won’t make the team unless McCluster / Washington get injured or he shows enormous improvement as a wide receiver. For that to matter, Mariani must remain healthy.
Stay tuned. Defense comes later tonight.