Tennessee Titans defense: 7 who need to prove something vs Philadelphia Eagles

Dane Cruikshank, DB

I’m not worried about Cruikshank’s spot on the roster because I think he showed in the preseason last year and with his big touchdown against the Houston Texans, that he can be an asset on special teams.

However, I think it is quickly becoming likely that the long term plans for Cruikshank may be shifting to him as a potential backup and not a role player for the Tennessee Titans.

Despite his intriguing athleticism and production in college, Amani Hooker boasts a similar profile and also has the potential of playing slot cornerback. It is in the best interest of the Titans to develop him short and long term.

That leaves Cruikshank as a forgotten man, but a nice day against the Philadelphia Eagles could allow him to make his case for why he isn’t chopped liver on defense.

Jon Robinson has always liked hybrid DBs, so it is completely likely that he keeps Cruikshank and Hooker both under the “DB” umbrellas as both develop into those chess piece players.

While I think Hooker is a better run defender, Cruikshank was a better prospect as a pure ballhawk. A nice game as a deep safety where he could show off his range could be just what the doctor ordered.