Tennessee Titans: Mariota’s classmates get sobering reminder
By P. L. Colter
The Tennessee Titans released an unofficial depth chart yesterday, and it lines up pretty consistently to what we’ve seen and heard out of training camp so far.
Five Titans, however, saw something they’ve probably never seen before…their name buried on a football roster depth chart.
Welcome to the NFL rookie class.
Marcus Mariota wasn’t the only rookie brought in to push for immediate playing time, especially on offense. But based on this recent release, it appears that none of his draft classmates will be joining him in the starting lineup any time soon.
Second round pick Dorial Green-Beckham is listed third at one wide receiver position behind Harry Douglas and Hakeem Nicks. On the other side, Justin Hunter is listed second behind Kendall Wright. Both of them would rank ahead of Green-Beckham as well. DGB has a steep hill to climb.
Third round pick Jeremiah Poutasi is listed second at right tackle behind Byron Bell. With a rookie quarterback under center, Bell holds the advantage given his veteran experience. Poutasi will have to play lights out this preseason, and be aided by a Bell meltdown, to start week one at right tackle.
Fourth round pick Angelo Blackson is listed third at defensive end despite having a good training camp so far. And that’s because he’s behind DaQuan Jones and Ropati Pitoitua, this year’s starter and last year’s starter. Blackson is sledding uphill.
Full back Jalston Fowler, Tennessee’s second 4th round pick, is a unique case. The Titans currently list Anthony Fasano as a second starting tight end, with Fowler listed behind him. But that could be interchangeable, depending on the look that Tennessee decides to show on offense any given week.
Fifth round pick David Cobb was widely thought to be an immediate running back threat to incumbent starter Bishop Sankey. Not only is Sankey currently listed as the starter, but seldom used Dexter McCluster is currently listed second. Cobb is listed third, indicative of his struggles so far in training camp.
Sixth round pick, center Andy Gallik, stirred up talk of having starter potential when he was initially drafted. Today he is currently listed fourth on the depth chart. No metaphor needed.
A couple of months ago the entire class seemed primed for breakout rookie seasons. All spring long they were courted and praised. They shook hands, conducted interviews, and smiled for the camera.
The release of the depth chart served as a sobering reminder that the honeymoon is over. They are now fighting for a place in the league like everyone else.
Next: Tennessee Titans release first unofficial 2015 depth chart