Tennessee Titans sophomore linebacker James Williams entered training camp with an opportunity to start next to Cody Barton. Unfortunately for Williams, he was defeated in a position battle by Cedric Gray. Gray is third in the NFL in tackles with 102, and has arguably been the Titans' best defender this season.
That's meant little-to-no playing time for Williams. In fact, he's played zero snaps on defense through 11 weeks. Barton and Gray have essentially taken every snap at linebacker, with once-veteran practice squad call-up Kyzir White playing ahead of Williams in Week 3.
WIlliams has been a core special teamer, playing the second-most snaps (202) on that unit. The Titans are now giving him a brand-new opportunity to play himself onto the defense. Williams has been taking practice reps at outside linebacker, offering depth to a thin pass-rushing group.
Titans draft pick James Williams gets last-chance opportunity to make an impression
James Williams worked with the OLBs during practice this week. Mike McCoy said it's to add depth on case one of their edge guys go down and they have to move guys around. Williams and Kevin Winston Jr. both worked with OLB coach Ben Bloom. pic.twitter.com/T1AFhsgv1l
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 14, 2025
Williams came out of Miami as a safety who converted to linebacker. Potentially undergoing another position change to EDGE wouldn't indicate long-term success is in his future. Going through three possible position changes would indicate the Titans are unsure of how to maximize Williams' development.
The need for more depth at EDGE is clear, however. The Titans recently traded Dre'Mont Jones to the Baltimore Ravens, and rookie Femi Oladejo is still on IR. The Titans have been heavily reliant on Jihad Ward and Arden Key, the latter of whom recently returned from a multi-week injury. Even interior defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and James Lynch have taken snaps outside to help make up the numbers.
Williams began training camp with potential and untapped upside. Gray emerged and ensured he took the starting gig. Williams has been glued to the bench since, and is now receiving a last-ditch opportunity that doesn't bode well for his future outlook.