Tennessee Titans: Projecting Roster Bubble & Practice Squad

Dec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass during the third quarter of an NFL Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass during the third quarter of an NFL Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Which Tennessee Titans players will be on the fringes of the roster, and which ones will be assigned to the practice squad in 2017?

The draft and rookie minicamp is over and OTAs are starting; what an exciting time to be a Tennessee Titans fan! One thing we know for sure is that the 90 man roster is going to continue to change. I am going to make some predictions as if the 90 man stands as of now. A few weeks back, our own Luke Worsham did the projected 53 man roster, but I am going to take it a step further and predict who I think will be on the Titans roster bubble and who will make the practice squad.

Players on the Bubble

When writing this up, it makes me think of March Madness, when experts are predicting who is in or out of the tournament. This same type of predicting can go on within NFL rosters. As the roster stands now, there are a few players that I think are on the bubble to make the team. I have briefly explained why I think these players will or won’t make the final roster.

  1. Jace Amaro, TE – Titans might want the extra TE as Mike Mularkey isn’t afraid to keep four tight ends on the roster. The Titans adding Jonnu Smith and re-signing Phillip Supernaw puts him on the roster bubble.
  2. Harry Douglas, WR – Adding Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor already has me thinking Douglas is at the bottom of the list of wide receivers. Douglas being the veteran in the wide receiver room and Tajae Sharpe’s uncertainty makes it look like he could land on the roster.
  3. Antwaun Woods, NT – I think if the Titans want to continue to have great depth on the defensive line, Woods would be a great add, but the only way Woods makes the team is if Austin Johnson or Sylvester Williams do not play up to their potential. Spoiler: I think Woods will go back to the practice squad.
  4. Curtis Riley, DB- Riley has been a good depth player for the Titans. He has the ability to play special teams if needed. With the signing of Brynden Trawick, I can’t see Riley making the roster. Another spoiler: Riley is a good candidate for the practice squad.
  5. Eric Weems, WR/KR/PR – With the drafting of Adoree’ Jackson and Khalfani Muhmmad, who have kick/punt return ability, it is just too hard to imagine Weems making the team.
  6. D’Joun Smith, CB – Smith was a former 3rd round selection by the Indianapolis Colts and he has the potential to add some quality depth to the roster and can also play special teams. With the lack of great depth the Titans have at corner, Smith can make a name for himself and earn a spot.
  7. Jonathan Krause, WR – Krause was a mid-season practice squad add in 2016. He adds some flexibility and youth to the position. If Sharpe is let go, he might be able to make the team.
  8. KeVonn Mabon, WR – The undrafted free agent from Ball State could be a nice add to the Titans roster. He has been a productive receiver over the course of his college career and is in the same situation as the other wide receivers.

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Practice Squad

The practice squad will always change throughout the year as the Titans made numerous claims in 2016. For fun, with using the 90 man roster, I am going to predict who I think will make the squad.

  1. Tyler Ferguson, rookie quarterback out of Western Kentucky. Ferguson and Taylor had some great chemistry in college and I think this will translate to the NFL. As a result, I think Ferguson will push out Alex Tanney for that 3rd QB spot
  2. David Fluellen, a fourth-year running back who has a similar running style to Henry and Murray.  I think the Titans would like to have the same style of runner in case of an injury.
  3. KeVonn Mabon, the rookie Wide Receiver from Ball State. Mabon is a productive player and  with the court case with Sharpe and a good preseason, he might make the team.
  4. Antwaun Woods is a second-year nose tackle from USC. As I said before, Woods is on the roster bubble, but did have good production in his lone game in 2016, which is why he will make the squad.
  5. D’Joun Smith is a third-year corner and was added on waivers last year. I think Smith could fight for some reps at CB and special teams. I think he adds value at the position if someone were to go down.
  6. Jerome Cunningham is a fourth-year tight end from Southern Connecticut State. Cunningham, who was picked up and added off waivers mid-year last season, can add some competition to a talented group already.
  7. Josue Matias is a third-year guard/tackle from Florida State. He has the ability to play both numerous positions hence why he is a valuable asset to have.
  8. Brad Seaton is a rookie offensive tackle out of Villanova. Seaton has the ability to make the roster based on the pending case that involves Sebastian Tretola.  I think he can be a nice add to the practice squad in case of an unwanted injury.
  9. Jonathan Krause is a fourth-year wide receiver from Vandy. Krause was a  mid-season practice squad add in 2016.
  10.  Mehdi Abdesmad is a second-year defensive end who played well when moved up last year and who can provide good depth to an already deep position.

Schedule