4 defensive players to watch in Titans' preseason debut vs. 49ers

Jaylen Harrell, EDGE

Rookie seventh-round selection Jaylen Harrell has consistently strung together impressive practice performances. Harrell has been explosive as a pass rusher and physical as an edge-setter versus the run. His head coach is extremely excited to watch him make his in-game debut against the 49ers.

"The one guy I'd have to single out that's been fantastic is Jaylen Harrell," head coach Brian Callahan said on Thursday. "He's come in and done everything right. He's shown real ability to rush [the quarterback]. He's going to play and we'll see if it translates. I've been really impressed with what he's done so far. Put him on the list of guys I'm excited to go watch play on Saturday," Callahan concluded.

If Harrell's practice form translates, he possesses a legitimate opportunity to capture an early-down role. Snaps are up for grabs following Arden Key's six-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. The likes of Rashad Weaver could end up forfeiting snaps to Harrell if the ex Michigan standout blows up during the preseason.

Shane Ray, OLB

The Titans took a flier on 2015 first-rounder Shane Ray by signing him to a one-year contract in July. Ray previously impressed the Titans during a rookie minicamp tryout in May. It's worth acknowledging he hasn't been a legitimate NFL contributor since 2018 (and he only had one sack that year), and spent 2021 and 2022 playing for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

But Ray has strung together quality practice reps while flashing speed and explosiveness. His opportunity to make the roster and actually play meaningful snaps greatly increased following Key's aforementioned six game suspension. Titans DC Dennard Wilson has expressed confidence in his in-house solutions following Key’s suspension, meaning Ray is battling for a role.