The Tennessee Titans released their first 2024 unofficial depth chart on Monday evening. The Titans wisely printed the word "unofficial" in large bold letters to prevent readers from mistaking it for an official depth chart, something that won't be released until the conclusion of training camp and the preseason, and when the initial 53-man roster is finalized. To summarize, it's early.
That doesn't necessarily mean we can't analyze the unofficial depth chart though. The Titans are approximately two weeks into their training camp period and will play their first exhibition contest versus the San Francisco 49ers at Nissan Stadium this Saturday. The time for analysis is now.
We've identified five takeaways after analyzing the unofficial depth chart.
Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears listed as co-starters at RB
Not all organizations choose to utilize slashes to list co-starters, but the Titans have. To nobody's surprise, Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard are listed as co-starters at running back. It's a development I anticipate still being the case even when the Titans release a finalized and updated official depth chart.
Head coach Brian Callahan has consistently claimed both Spears and Pollard will be heavily involved. Running backs coach Randy Jordan has declined opportunities to name a starter, and has said the rotation could take a "hot hand" approach as the regular season progresses forward. Spears and Pollard will legitimately share backfield duties.
Spears and Pollard possess somewhat interchangeable skill sets. Both ball carriers are capable of running between the tackles, bouncing runs outside, playing in protection, and perhaps most importantly in Callahan's offense, running routes and catching balls out of the backfield. Callahan will frequently utilize both starting-caliber backs.
Daniel Brunskill isn't even listed at right guard
Last year's starting right guard Daniel Brunskill entered the offseason workout program in a perceived three-player competition. As that period progressed, it became increasingly clear that Brunskill wasn't in Bill Callahan's plans at guard. It's been Saahdiq Charles and Dillon Radunz at right guard, and this is now officially a two-man battle.
Brunskill has instead been relegated to backup center duties behind Lloyd Cushenberry. The team also recently re-signed veteran center Corey Levin. We're not even convinced Brunskill will make the 53 man roster.
Charles is listed as the starting right guard on the unofficial depth chart. Radunz is the second-stringer, and veteran journeyman Lachavious Simmons is the third option. Brunskill is in real trouble.
Garret Wallow listed ahead of Cedric Gray, Otis Reese
There is a mini surprise at off-ball linebacker. Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens are listed as the starters, which should surprise nobody based on training camp. What qualifies as a little unexpected is that Garret Wallow (and Chance Campbell, for that matter) is listed ahead of Cedric Gray and Otis Reese as a primary backup.
Gray is the defense's rookie fourth-round selection. Unfounded speculation was quick to anoint the former North Carolina standout as the starter and green-dot communicator opposite Murray. Not so fast, as the rookie linebacker has looked every bit of the inexperienced player he is at camp. Reese, who flashed in Weeks 17 and 18 last season, also hasn't maximized his opportunities.
Wallow on the other hand has consistently made plays in team periods. Wallow featured in Tennessee’s final three forgettable games last season, totaling 48 snaps in a rotational role, accumulating six tackles and three stops. He was a big-time performer at TCU where he racked up 287 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks across three seasons.
Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle listed as co-starting TEs
The Titans utilized the same co-starter strategy at tight end with Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle both being listed as first-team players. The unofficial depth chart is presented in 11 personnel (three receivers), which is expected to be Brian Callahan's preferred formation. That leaves just one spot for a starting tight end, leaving Okonkwo and Whyle to share that duty.
Like Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard at running back, expect the tight end situation to remain equally fluid. Don't expect Whyle or Okonkwo to create sizable separation from one another. Whyle is the more versatile player with a larger frame capable of serving as an in-line blocker when required. He also possesses untapped potential as a pass catcher, though Okonkwo is the more dynamic receiver.
Nicholas Petit-Frere is listed as the starting right tackle
Nicholas Petit-Frere just recently got back healthy after rehabbing last year's season-ending shoulder injury before undergoing a clean-up surgery on his knee. Petit-Frere hasn't even endured a handful of padded practices yet. That didn't prevent the Titans from listing him as the starting right tackle.
That adds fuel to the speculation that right tackle is Petit-Frere's job to lose. John Ojukwu, who received the majority of first-team reps in NPF's absence, is listed as the immediate back up. Last year's sixth-round pick Jaelyn Duncan is listed as the third-string right tackle.