The Tennessee Titans are one game closer to naming their initial 53-man roster. They beat the Seattle Seahawks 19-16 on Sunday, improving to 2-0 in the preseason. Despite claiming victory, it was a relatively unimpressive showing that provided more questions than answers.
The Titans have one preseason game and joint practice left this offseason, with the Chicago Bears this week. General manager Mike Borgonzi possesses few remaining opportunities to make crucial roster decisions. Hopefully the exhibition win over the Seahawks provided some clarity.
We've got a 53-man projection following Week 2 of the preseason. The Titans' starters were outperformed on offense and defense versus the Seahawks.
Tennessee Titans 53-man roster projection after the Week 2 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Mitch Trubisky
We're still operating under the assumption that Will Levis and the Titans will successfully split before initial 53-man rosters are named. Borgonzi probably doesn't want to outright release him, so it's reliant on a trade proposal coming to light. If not, the Titans might be willing to roster Levis as a third quarterback.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nicholas Singleton, Kalel Mullings
Kalel Mullings has to get healthy to make the 53-man roster. We're including him for now, but Julius Chestnut and Michael Carter represent potential alternatives. Mullings possesses the inside track due to his special teams upside and short-yardage profile, though Chestnut keeps impressing.
Wide receivers: Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver
The Titans are deeper at wide receiver than they've ever been. Keeping seven is within the realm of possibility, but we're sticking with six for now. Bryce Oliver continues to out-position Xavier Restrepo, Hank Beatty, K.J. Osborn, and Mason Kinsey in our projections.
Tight ends: Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, Kylen Granson, David-Martin Robinson
The season-ending injury to rookie tight end Jaren Kanak changed things here. Veterans David Martin-Robinson and Kylen Granson both benefited. The Titans will run heavier tight end packages on offense this season.
Offensive line: Dan Moore, Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC Latham, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Jackson Slater, Pat Coogan, Cordell Volson
Rookie Fernando Carmona has taken over the right guard position. Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is winning the swing tackle spot, with veteran Austin Deculus playing poorly enough to be cut. Veteran Cordell Volson has been a popular cut-candidate lately, but has $2 million in dead money.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Jackie Marshall, Khalen Saunders
Rookie Jackie Marshall needs to be healthy to avoid beginning the season on PUP or IR. We went heavier here. Veteran Khalen Saunders has been capturing momentum at practice lately, working higher up the depth chart.
EDGE: Jermaine Johnson II, Femi Oladejo, Jacob Martin, Keldric Faulk
The season-ending injury to Jaylen Harrell altered our thinking. With John Franklin-Myers being versatile enough to kick outside, the Titans can go lighter. They currently don't have a fifth option (Malik Herring?) worth keeping.
Linebacker: Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, Anthony Hill Jr., James Williams, Dorian Mausi
The Titans are impressively deep at linebacker. Rookie Anthony Hill Jr. and James Williams Sr. keep making plays. Dorian Mausi is competing with Mohamoud Diabate. We gave the slight edge to Mausi.
Cornerback: Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, Marcus Harris, Joshua Williams, Micah Robinson, Keydrain Calligan
The Titans lost reserve cornerback Nazeeh Johnson to a suspension. Micah Robinson and Keydrain Calligan have clearly been the best back-end corners on the roster at training camp. There should be room for both of them.
Safety: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Tony Adams, Erick Hallett II
Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. are the starters. Veteran Tony Adams is appreciated for his knowledge of Saleh's defense. With a slew of safeties competing for the presumed final spot, Erick Hallett II has stood out at practice.
Special teams: Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Placekicker Joey Slye responded to his early-camp struggles nicely. Tommy Townsend has been booming punts lately. Morgan Cox is an elite long snapper.
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