Projected 53 Man Roster for the 2017 Tennessee Titans
By Luke Worsham
INSIDE LINEBACKER
40. Avery Williamson: Ever since stepping on the field as a rookie fifth round pick, Williamson has been a mainstay in the Titans’ base defense, leading the team in tackles each of the last two seasons. The one thing keeping Williamson from being a star is his inability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. He, too, is heading into a contract year.
41. Wesley Woodyard: Many wondered if Woodyard would become a cap casualty at the start of the offseason. That question was answered when he was not only retained, but signed to a two year contract extension. He isn’t going to blow you away in any particular area, but Woodyard has been very solid in his three years with the Titans.
42. Jayon Brown (R): For several years, the Titans defense has been abused by tight ends and nifty pass-catching running backs. In the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Jon Robinson took a step towards solving that problem by trading up to select Brown. Myles Jack’s successor at UCLA, Brown is an athletic though undersized linebacker who specializes in coverage and playing special teams. He could earn himself a prominent role on the Titans’ defense early on in the season.
43. Daren Bates: Bates was one of the first free agents signed by the Titans this offseason. He is essentially a pure special teams player, though a very good one. His lack of size will likely keep him from ever being considered for a role on defense.
44. Nate Palmer: Another waiver wire player acquired last offseason, Palmer signed a two-year extension with the Titans on the first day of this year’s free agency period. Mike Mularkey loves his special teams ability, and, unlike Bates, he has the size to also contribute on defense.