The Tennessee Titans recently wrapped up mandatory minicamp. Their offseason roster is now on a six-week (approximate) break before training camp begins in late July. Head coach Brian Callahan will promote competition all throughout the roster once they reconvene for camp.
With training camp looming, we deliver our first 53-man roster projection.
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen
The big question at quarterback surrounds Will Levis. Will the Titans trade Levis before the regular season begins? We believe so, given the decision was already internally made to move on from him. Veteran journeyman Brandon Allen projects as Cam Ward's clip-holder due to his familiarity with Callahan's offense.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Kalel Mullings
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears should form an effective duo in Callahan's backfield. Rookie Kalel Mullings and Julius Chestnut are battling for the third and likely final spot. We went with Mullings, who projects as an impact special teamer due to having played linebacker in his past.
Wide receivers: Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Xavier Restrepo, Bryce Oliver
Calvin Ridley will be Ward's go-to target. There's plenty of back-end competition. First-round bust Treylon Burks is a candidate to be traded (or cut) once he's recovered from last year's ACL injury. UDFA Xavier Restrepo is the big 53-man roster question. Restrepo's chemistry with Ward could help him make the team. Bryce Oliver is an excellent special teams player, and reminded fans of his receiving prowess with a fantastic final practice at minicamp.
Tight ends: Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, Gunnar Helm
The tight end room feels fairly straightforward. It currently lacks a true blocking specialist, but Josh Whyle and rookie Gunnar Helm are more than capable as in-line players. Chig Okonkwo will be the primary pass catcher. David Martin-Robinson, who made the roster as a UDFA last year, has his work cut out for him.
Offensive line: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Kevin Zeitler, JC Latham, Blake Hance, Corey Levin, Jackson Slater, Andrew Rupcich
The starting five is set. Coach Callahan was filled with praise for veteran center Corey Levin at minicamp, who should claim the top reserve interior role. Free-agent signing Blake Hance is familiar with offensive line coach Bill Callahan and could be the swing tackle, with a little guard flexibility too. Hance's inside-outside capabilities could keep the Titans from needing to keep Jaelyn Duncan, John Ojukwu, or UDFA tackle Brendon Crenshaw-Dickson on the roster. Pick your poison between Andrew Rupcich, Duncan or Oli Udoh for the ninth and final spot.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Keondre Coburn, James Lynch
The defensive line feels set in stone, if all parties remain healthy. Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, and Sebastian Joseph-Day are the primary starters. Keondre Coburn is Sweat's backup. Re-signing James Lynch made it increasingly difficult for one of the UDFAs to make the roster.
EDGE: Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre'Mont Jones, Lorenzo Carter, Jaylen Harrell
The Titans will rely heavily on Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, and Dre'Mont Jones at EDGE. Veteran Lorenzo Carter will make the defense as part of Dennard Wilson's vision to field bigger edges. Jaylen Harrell was our 53rd and final man to make the roster in this scenario, but the Titans could go light with four rushers.
Linebackers: Cody Barton, James Williams, Cedric Gray, Anfernee Orji, David Gbenda
James Williams and Cedric Gray are competing to start at linebacker opposite Cody Barton. Otis Reese was hampered by an injury throughout minicamp and needs to get healthy for training camp. Anfernee Orji is a veteran worth monitoring who could take his roster spot. UDFA linebacker David Gbenda should also be in the mix ahead of Amari Burnley and Curtis Jacobs.
Cornerbacks: L'Jarius Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Roger McCreary, Marcus Harris, Darrell Baker Jr., Gabe Jeudy-Lally
The Titans desperately need L'Jarius Sneed to get healthy. His participation (or lack thereof) at training camp will be a massive story worth following. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is due for a big-time step forward. Sixth-round rookie Marcus Harris routinely impressed this offseason and could be in line for a bigger role than most realize. Familiarity helps Gabe Jeudy-Lally claim the final spot.
Safeties: Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Kevin Winston Jr., Mike Brown, Julius Wood
There's room for five safeties. Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, and Kevin Winston Jr. should all be heavily involved. Mike Brown is a quality reserve defender and Julius Wood is a good special teams player with more upside to explore.
Specialists: Joey Slye (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
There's zero competition at these spots.