The Tennessee Titans will face their stiffest test of training camp this week. They'll hold a joint practice on Thursday with the reigning NFC South division champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They'll then play the Bucs in Saturday's preseason opener, though Thursday's joint session will arguably be more informative.
General manager Mike Borgonzi remains in the process of finalizing a 53-man roster. The Titans released their debut unofficial depth chart ahead of traveling to Tampa. Key word, unofficial, but there's always interesting tidbits to note and identify.
Having spoken with sources, analyzed practice reports, and sorted through the unofficial depth chart, we've identified a handful of Titans tumbling down the pecking order.
5 Titans tumbling down the depth chart at training camp
RB Julius Chestnut
Julius Chestnut is listed as the third-team running back, but it feels like a facade. Sixth-round ball-carrier Kalel Mullings is getting the rookie treatment on the unofficial depth chart, being placed behind a veteran by default. Everything at camp has indicated Mullings is the RB3.
LB Cedric Gray
Cedric Gray is listed as a backup linebacker behind James Williams. This would-be competition feels lifeless, with Williams taking all of the first-team reps at practice. The Titans aren't ready to end the "competition" yet, but the starting gig at linebacker opposite Cody Barton feels decided.
WR Jha'Quan Jackson
Jha'Quan Jackson has consistently been the ninth or 10th best receiver at camp. Cutting the sophomore sixth-round pick feels like a foregone conclusion. Jackson is notably listed as the starting kickoff returner, but that feels like a challenge for rookie wideout Chimere Dike, listed second, to win the job.
CB Amani Oruwariye
Cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally is the only Titans player on offense or defense listed in multiple spots, claiming backup roles at both boundary corner and nickel. That speaks volumes of his 53-man roster chances, which spells bad news for veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye. Elsewhere, the Titans could still consider adding an experienced corner via free agency.
TE Josh Whyle
Josh Whyle is listed as the TE3 behind Chig Okonkwo and rookie Gunnar Helm, but all indications are this is a "grain of salt" listing. David Martin-Robinson is the current favorite to make the roster. Whyle is firmly on the bubble.