The Tennessee Titans are promoting competition at wide receiver at training camp. Now multiple practices into camp, the pecking order is starting to become clearer. Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson are the starters. Rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike, and Bryce Oliver round the roster locks (six) at the position.
The seventh receiver spot on the roster, assuming one exists, is being competed for by rookie UDFA Xavier Restrepo and veteran James Proche II. Proche has strung together multiple impressive practices in a row. Restrepo has a connection with rookie quarterback Cam Ward dating back to their Miami days.
All other receivers are falling behind. That's bad news for sophomore Jha'Quan Jackson. Jackson is starting to look like one of Tennessee's more obvious and notable roster decisions at camp.
Jha'Quan Jackson's future in question with Titans
Jackson has consistently worked with the reserves at every training camp practice. At Wednesday's session, he dropped a Ward pass that went right through his hands, per Parker Kelly. It's worth noting Jackson was said to have improved his practice performance on Friday.
It was previous general manager Ran Carthon who selected Jackson with a sixth-round pick in 2024. Jackson began his rookie season as a starting returner on special teams, but was eventually benched from that role after multiple fumbles and bad decisions.
Carthon was fired earlier this offseason and New GM Mike Borgonzi inherited Jackson from him. Since then, Borgonzi has acquired no less than five wide receivers who are either roster locks, or have a legitimate chance to make the initial 53. Jackson has been buried on the depth chart as a result.
Jackson was drafted to be an explosive returner on special teams. He wasted that opportunity last season, and has since lost influence on the roster following an offseason of change at the position. Jackson appears headed for the practice squad.