Training camp has finally arrived! The Tennessee Titans report to Vanderbilt Health Football Center for training camp on Tuesday, July 28th. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Mike Borgonzi will speak with local media, and the team's first practice is scheduled for Wednesday.
The Titans will also partake in joint practices with all three of their preseason opponents (49ers, Seahawks, Bears). Training camp, joint practices, and the preseason will help Borgonzi finalize his 53-man roster.
NFL rules did the Titans no favors this year. Cut-down day is Sunday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. CT. The Titans play their preseason finale precisely 24 hours earlier, Sunday Aug. 29th. Borgonzi will need to combat that challenge by remaining fluid with his roster evaluation. With camp finally starting, we've delivered our first 53-man roster projection of the season.
Titans 53-man roster projection 1.0: Before training camp begins
Offense
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Mitch Trubisky (2)
The belief is that Will Levis will be traded before the Titans finalize their initial 53-man roster. The Titans don't need more than two quarterbacks on the roster. Cam Ward is the franchise quarterback, and Mitch Trubisky is entrenched as the backup.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nicholas Singleton, Julius Chestnut (6)
Tony Pollard is the bellcow, and Tyjae Spears is the change-of-pace No. 2. Rookie Nicholas Singleton will make the roster, though capturing an actual role will be difficult. The Titans could carry a fourth running back for special teams purposes, with Julius Chestnut getting the nod in our projection for now.
Wide receivers: Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver (12)
The Titans are starting camp legitimately five-deep at wide receiver. There's legitimate excitement around Carnell Tate, but free-agent addition Wan'Dale Robinson will also play a huge role. The sixth (and presumed final) spot is clearly up for grabs, with special teams ace Bryce Oliver having an early advantage.
Tight ends: Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, Kylen Granson, Jaren Kanak (16)
Gunnar Helm and Daniel Bellinger are expected to split duties as the offense's top tight ends. Jaren Kanak is probably granted a roster spot due to his rookie designation. The Titans could carry four at the position, with us giving the nod to Kylen Granson over David Martin-Robinson for now.
Offensive line: Dan Moore, Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Cordell Volson, JC Latham, Austin Deculus, Jackson Slater, Pat Coogan, Fernando Carmona (25)
The only position battle for a starting role in the lineup is occurring at right guard between Cordell Volson and Jackson Slater. The Titans desperately need a better swing tackle (especially with JC Latham starting camp on the PUP), so veteran addition Austin Deculus gets the nod for now. Rookies Fernando Carmona and Pat Coogan lock up roster spots.
Defense
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Jackie Marshall (30)
Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers are expected to form a fearsome duo at defensive tackle. The team brought in Solomon Thomas and Jordan Elliott due to their familiarity with Saleh's scheme. Rookie Jackie Marshall gets the fifth and possibly final spot.
EDGE: Jermaine Johnson II, Femi Oladejo, Jacob Martin, Keldric Faulk, Jaylen Harrell (35)
How the pass-rushing rotation shakes out at defensive end is among the bigger storylines at camp. Newcomers Jermaine Johnson II and Jacob Martin have played for Saleh before. Keldric Faulk is the team's other first-round pick, and Femi Oladejo is entering a critical sophomore season.
Linebacker: Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, Anthony Hill Jr., James Williams, Dorian Mausi (40)
Can rookie Anthony Hill Jr. push veteran Cody Barton for playing time? Both James Williams and Dorian Mausi can be excellent special teams players and quality backup linebackers. We go a little heavy with five linebackers.
Cornerback: Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, Marcus Harris, Joshua Williams, Micah Robinson, Nazeeh Johnson (46)
Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott were paid handsomely to be the boundary starters. Marcus Harris appears to be the unquestioned nickel. The Titans recently signed Nazeeh Johnson, so we have him joining Micah Robinson and Joshua Williams as the backups.
Safety: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Tony Adams, Jerrick Reed II (50)
Hopefully veteran safety Amani Hooker isn't on the PUP for long. Everyone expects sophomore safety Kevin Winston Jr. to make a big second-year leap. Tony Adams is a valued backup due to his experience with Coach Saleh, and Jerrick Reed II is a special teamer.
Special teams: Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS, 53)
Joey Slye is back as the Titans' placekicker. Tommy Townsend was signed to be an upgrade at punter. The legendary Morgan Cox is also back as the long snapper. There aren't any position battles here.
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