Dec 5, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Hakeem Smith (29) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Hidden gems occasionally slip through the seven-round draft process. Every team has a chance to sign a share of those undrafted free agents, allowing them to compete on their training-camp rosters. Following the 2014 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have added 14 undrafted free agents. Below is a list of those players. The team has not confirmed these and won’t become official until tomorrow. Players from NFL.com and Jim Wyatt tweets.
Undrafted Free Agents (Final Update)
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)
James Gayle (defensive end, Virginia Tech)
Jamal Merrel (linebacker, Rutgers)
Rishard Anderson (cornerback, Syracuse)
Hakeem Smith (safety, Louisville)
(Titansonline does not have William Poehls (offensive lineman, Montana) listed on its final 13).
Kicker Travis Coons has the best opportunity to make the 53-man roster. Coons will likely compete with Maikon Bonani for the starting kicker gig that was opened following Rob Bironas’ release. Bonani must prove more reliable than he was last offseason or the team will either go with Coons or sign a veteran before next season begins.
There’s no doubt that Tennessee wanted more competition for its reserve wide receiver and interior offensive linemen positions. That’s evidenced because half of the 14 signings were wide receiver (4) or offensive linemen (3). These wide receivers would likely compete with Marc Mariani and/or Brian Robiskie for a potential No. 5 role. That doesn’t include utilityman Dexter McCluster, who’ll certainly play some slot receiver.
Keep an eye on safety Hakeem Smith. With the top three safeties on the depth chart at age 29 or older, the Titans could use more youth in their secondary. Daimion Stafford and possibly Marqueston Huff (depending on whether he plays cornerback or safety) are younger players who can provide depth behind the top three.
Antonio Andrews is another player to watch. Many locals are familiar with him as he’s a member of the Sun Belt Conference’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. The Titans’ current running back depth chart includes Shonn Greene, Dexter McCluster, Bishop Sankey, Jackie Battle and Leon Washington. The Titans will use Washington as a return specialist. Andrews has a chance to beat out Battle but he’ll have to provide significant contributions as a special-teamer to have any chance.
Any players that excite you? Give us your take in the comments or social media.