Tennessee Titans UDFAs who are impressing at training camp so far

RB Alex Barnes

We’ve heard a lot about Barnes during the offseason, creating some hype around the 22-year-old Tennessee Titans running back. Admittedly, we thought we’d hear more about him in camp, but it is early and he appears to be off to a good start regardless.

Per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online, Barnes has looked good thus far, but again he’s in competition at a deep position group just like Ratliff-Williams.

In fact, fellow back Jeremy McNichols, a 2017 draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is only making things more complicated for the UDFA out of Kansas State.

"Barnes had another good day on Monday. But running back Jeremy McNichols is making the most of his chances, too. Both backs had nice runs on Monday, and they’re getting extra work with Derrick Henry sidelined."

With Henry sidelined for what ESPN’s Adam Schefter told us would be at least the next two weeks with a strained calf, Barnes will get more looks at camp. As our own Will Lomas pointed out, he needs to do more with them.

Whether he uses that time to further improve his stock and earn a spot on this team remains to be seen, but it’s a golden opportunity for him to take advantage of. Even if Barnes can jump McNichols, he still has to worry about David Fluellen in front of him.

The best hope Barnes has is for the Titans to carry four running backs, which could happen but is no guarantee at this point. Should Henry’s injury linger, the Titans could decide that carrying a fourth back is optimal.

Barnes was a breakout player for Kansas State last season, totaling 1,355 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 194 yards.