Tennessee Titans UDFAs who are impressing at training camp so far
OLB Derick Roberson and the rest
Once again, per the immortal Jim Wyatt of Titans Online, here are a slew of other Tennessee Titans UDFAs who have caught his eye in the early stages of camp.
"It’s hard to say right now because it’s so early. But a few who’ve caught my eye: Cornerback D’Andre Payne, safety LaDarius Wiley, running back Alex Barnes, tight end Parker Hesse and linebacker Derick Roberson. Chattanooga’s Isaiah Mack and Joseph Parker have been active in practices as well. It’s going to be tough to stick on the 53, so some are fighting for practice squad spots."
When you go up and down that list, it’s clear the deck is stacked against these UDFAs for making the 53-man roster. The Titans are so deep at positions like corner and safety, as well as running back, tight end, and linebacker, that these youngsters’ best bet is the practice squad.
We already spoke about Barnes, who has been one of the bigger UDFA standouts this offseason, but a guy like tight end Parker Hesse is way back in the pecking order for now, also. Hesse is a converted tight end who played multiple positions on defense at Iowa.
Cornerback D’Andre Payne played three years at Iowa State after transferring from Tennessee. He compiled 134 combined tackles (13 for loss), two picks and 14 passes defended during his collegiate career.
Former Vanderbilt safety Ladarius Wiley totaled 158 combined tackles (six for loss), two picks and 11 passes defended in four years.
Outside linebacker Derick Roberson out of Sam Houston State was a beast last season, notching 11.5 sacks and 50 combined tackles. Out of all the UDFAs we’ve listed in this article, Roberson stands the best chance of making the 53-man roster when it’s all said and done.