The Tennessee Titans entered Wednesday's first training camp practice with significant question marks behind Harold Landry III and Arden Key at the EDGE position. Landry was absent from practice due to a sickness. That led to increased reps for other pass rushers trying to make the roster.
One of those beneficiaries was seventh-round rookie Jaylen Harrell. General manager Ran Carthon drafted Harrell with the No. 252 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Harrell made an immediate impact on Wednesday by forcing a turnover. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph completed a pass to reserve tight end Nick Vannett during a team period. Harrell punched the ball loose to force a fumble, which was recovered by safety Jamal Adams, according to Paul Kuharsky.
Turnover: Rudolph to Vannett, Harrell jarred it loose, Adams recovered.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 24, 2024
Soon after: Willis to Bryce Oliver, Otis Reese forced fumble, Oliver recovered. #Titans
Sam Phalen of A to Z Sports expanded by claiming Harrell "was everywhere" throughout practice. In addition to the forced fumble, Harrell allegedly recorded multiple quarterback pressures, and eventually earned reps versus the first-team offense. That's a quick climb up the pecking order for the former Michigan Wolverines pass rusher.
Jaylen Harrell was everywhere during team period at #Titans training camp today
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 24, 2024
Former Michigan Wolverines OLB forced a fumble, had multiple QB pressures, and saw action against 1st team offense.
It's simply one practice, one that featured no pads, but it's encouraging to hear that Harrell looked athletic and explosive. A National Championship winner in 2023, Harrell led Michigan in pressures (31), tackles for loss (10) and sacks (7.5) this past season. The Tampa, Florida native posted a career-best 19.9% pass-rush win rate this past season according to Pro Football Focus.
Harrell posted explosive testing numbers throughout the pre-draft process. He ran the 40-yard dash in a swift 4.68 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.64, and completed the short shuttle in an above-average 4.39 seconds. Harrell also leaped a 37 inch vertical and 9-foot-7 broad.
Harrell can play outside linebacker for the Titans, specifically the “SAM” position as a potential three-down defender. The Titans are looking for answers at the pass-rushing positions following the offseason departure of Denico Autry. The main contender for chief rotational snaps behind Landry and Key is Rashad Weaver, but he's not established enough to prevent Harrell from leaping over him on the depth chart if their on-field performances warrant an adjustment to the depth chart.
The other players Harrell are competing against include second-year undrafted free agents Caleb Murphy and Thomas Rush. Murphy initially made the 53-man roster last year, but only earned a handful of snaps, and Rush was a practice squad mainstay.
Hardly a murderer's row of competition in Harrell's way.