Predicting the final 53-man Tennessee Titans roster
Breaking down and projecting the Tennessee Titans’ 2017 roster.
Training Camp is about to take shape and the anticipation is finally over. The Tennessee Titans have very high expectations and it is a very exciting time to be a Titans fan! One thing we do know is that the 90 man roster is going to continue to change, due to players getting cut, injuries, lack of performance and the list goes on. As of right now, there are less than a few hours before training camp begins and I will attempt to make my 53 man roster prediction. Briefly going through position by position, placing my thoughts as to why the player will make the roster. Starting with the most important position, the Quarterback:
Quarterback
1. Marcus Mariota – Starting Quarterback – Do I need to say more?
2. Matt Cassel – Backup – The Titans recently re-signed Cassel and he was and still is a security blanket in case Marcus is not ready for the season opener.
Running Backs
3. DeMarco Murray – THE Starting Running Back.
4. Derrick Henry – Role Player – Will continue to get increased amount of touches. As Mike Mularkey explained, Murray will be the lead back with Henry being the guy to spell him. They want to continue to get Henry more and more reps to take the load off of Murray. I think Henry is going to have a much better year, and I expect big things from him
5. Khalfani Muhmmad – Rookie Scat Back – He is a change of pace from the two powerful runners in Murray and Henry.
6. Jalston Fowler (FB) – While the Titans just brought in Joe Bacci, I still think Fowler, who was a fourth round selection, will make the cut.
Tackle
7. Taylor Lewan – Pro-Bowl Starting Left Tackle
8.Jack Conklin – All-Pro Starting Right Tackle
9. Dennis Kelly – Swing Tackle – Was just recently signed to an extension. In addition to this, I still think it is crazy the Titans won that trade with the Eagles last year.
Guard
10. Josh Kline – Projected Starting Right Guard
11. Quinton Spain – Projected Starting Left Guard
12. Josue Matias – Swing Guard/Tackle – Matias has been on the practice squad and a guy who will be able make a statement as the Titans have released Tratola.
13. Corey Levin – Rookie Swing Guard – Levin also has the ability to play center or tackle position if needed. Levin seems like he is a versatile player who might see some playing time this year.
Center
14. Ben Jones – Starting Center
15. Tim Lelito – Swing Center/Guard/Tackle
Tight End
16. Delanie Walker – Starting Tight End
17. Jonnu Smith – Rookie Tight End – Has the ability to be a carbon copy of Walker.
18. Phillip Supernaw – Has the ability to be the blocking tight end and also has the ability to play special teams.
Wide Receiver
19. Rishard Matthews – Starting Wide Receiver
20. Corey Davis – Rookie Starting Wide Receiver
21. Eric Decker – Slot Wide Receiver
22. Taywan Taylor – Rookie Slot Wide Receiver
23. Tajae Sharpe – Rotational Wide Receiver
24. Tre McBride – Rotational Wide Receiver/Special Teams Player
Defensive Ends
25. Jurrell Casey – Starter
26. DaQuan Jones – Starter
27. Karl Klug – Situational Pass Rusher
28. Angelo Blackson – Backup – Defensive end but has the ability to play a few positions on the defensive line.
Nose Tackle
29 Sylvester Williams – Starter
30. Austin Johnson – Backup Nose Tackle but has been able to play multiple positions on the defensive line.
Inside Linebackers
31. Avery Williamson – Starter
32. Wesley Woodyard – Starter
33. Jayon Brown – Rookie/Situational Nickel Linebacker
34. Nate Palmer – Rotational Linebacker/Special Teamer
35. Daren Bates – Special Teamer
Outside Linebackers
36. Brian Orakpo – Starter
37. Derrick Morgan – Starter
38. Kevin Dodd- Backup – Injuries have killed his career thus far but has shown he can perform well (game against the Lions in 2016).
39. Aaron Wallace- Back-up/Versatile LB – Has the ability to play inside and outside backer.
40. Erik Walden – Veteran pass rusher – Even though Walden was signed right before camp, he recorded 11 sacks in 2016 with the Colts. As a result, I think he can be a good rotational pass rusher.
Cornerbacks
41. Ryan Logan – Starter
42. Adoree’ Jackson – Rookie Starter – He has the ability to be a great return man for the team
43. Leshaun Sims – Rotational Cornerback – A player that excelled in the latter half of 2016 and was a surprise as a rookie, I think he and Adoree’ will be fighting for the other corner back starting spot, but I think Sims will see the field often in 2017.
44. Brice MCain – Slot Cornerback
45. Kalan Reed – Rotational Cornerback
46. Demontre Hurst – Special Teams Ace
Safety
47. Kevin Byard – Starting Free Safety – I can see Byard having a much larger role in his second year with the Titans.
48. Johnathan Cyprien – Starting Strong Safety – He has the ability to play as a linebacker in nickel or dime situations.
49. Da’Norris Searcy – Rotational Strong Safety – Searcy will have the ability to see the field very often as the Titans have run a ton of three-safety defenses, which I think he will be a huge part of again.
50. Brynden Trawick – Special Teams Ace – Furthermore, Trawick will be able to see the field on defense as the Titans love to rotate the secondary players.
Special Teams
51. Ryan Succop – Kicker
52. Brett Kern – Punter
53. Beau Brinkley – Long Snapper
Overall, I think this Titans team might be one of the best rosters that Titans fans have seen in a while. Jon Robinson and the Titans organization continues to select quality players that will continue to make this roster competitive to compete to win the AFC South.