The Tennessee Titans officially begin their preseason at home on Saturday evening, and so many positions on the team remain undecided. Many of the battles taking place have been well documented with various starting and backup spots up for grabs.
But there is one other battle that not a lot of people are talking about, and it is at tight end. Beyond the top spot being decided by Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle, who will both have roles, the third spot on the depth chart is equally as intriguing.
Nick Vannett is the perceived favorite given his veteran experience. Vannett was signed by the Titans earlier this offseason, presumably to be their blocking tight end. But based on what we saw last preseason, paired with some recent comments by Brian Callahan, do not be so quick to assume he's locked down the job.
Thomas Odukoya has a great chance to build on what he started in 2023
Thomas Odukoya turned a lot of heads with his performance during last preseason, and many were clamoring for him to make the Titans' 53-man roster. He looked like he had a legit chance to be a difference maker as a blocker, standing out several times last August.
Odukoya did not end up making the roster, but former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said good things about his play, and about him as a person. It was clear that even if he was going to be on the practice squad, the team had a guy they wanted to develop over the long haul.
It looks like Odukoya has picked up right where he left off and only continued to get better. Callahan recently expressed a big vote of confidence in him. During that same presser, he made a notable play in practice, showing that he is on a mission to prove he belongs on the roster this year.
Odukoya is never going to be the kind of player who puts up jaw-dropping stats, and will almost never make the highlight reel plays many offensive guys are known for. But you need tight ends who can be super physical in the trenches, and as an undrafted player, Odukoya possesses that blue-collar, tenacious style that translates well to being an effective blocker.
It's also worth comparing Odukoya to Vannett to illustrate the battle between the two, and one thing going in Odukoya's favor is that he is four full years younger. Vannett has also not played more than nine games in a season since 2020 and is not a factor as a pass catcher, so there is no reason to believe their floors aren't similar.
Odukoya has the higher ceiling. Odukoya has enjoyed an excellent training camp and his performances should translate over to the preseason. You shouldn't gloss over his ongoing position battle with Vannett, and undrafted tight ends David-Martin Robinson and Steven Stilianos.