Titans rookies have it all riding on final preseason game

Round 4 (No. 103 overall): Chimere Dike

We've been vocal in our position that the Titans won the fourth round, and aside from Cam Ward in the first, the players Tennessee added in round four are the most likely to make a major, immediate impact.

The first of those additions was someone with whom SEC fans are certainly familiar, as Chimere Dike was excellent at Florida. Unfortunately, he has been underwhelming in his first two preseason games, with only one catch for 6 yards off of four targets. The good news is that Dike's speed and deep-threat ability mean he will likely be deployed differently in the regular season. The final preseason game will give him an opportunity to display more versatility and reliability, especially out of the slot.

Round 4 (No. 120 overall): Gunnar Helm

A preseason standout through two games, Gunnar Helm may be the most impressive of the Titans rookies so far. Helm has caught 5-of-6 targets for 64 yards and a touchdown (with two Falcons defenders draped on him), all of which lead Tennessee pass-catchers this preseason.

Helm has looked the part of a high-caliber NFL tight end by running crisp routes, making difficult catches, ably blocking in the run game, and likely securing the number two spot on the depth chart. Another performance like the first two could convince Callahan to incorporate more two-TE sets, and though Chig Okonkwo has shown plenty of flashes during three years, a true breakout season may be necessary to keep Gunnar from becoming TE1 at some point this year.

Round 4 (No. 136 overall): Elic Ayomanor

The Titans final pick of the fourth round has been another impressive preseason performer. Though he may not have put up gaudy numbers yet, he was on the receiving end of Ward's most impressive completion of the Falcons game and has shown enough to warrant serious playing time.

Many experts expected Ayomanor to go earlier in the draft, and everyone is beginning to see why. His prototypical X receiver size, play speed, route running, YAC ability, and good hands all indicate a future starter and reliable target for a young quarterback. The final preseason game could give him the opportunity to work his way towards the starting lineup sooner than expected.

Round 5 (No. 167 overall): Jackson Slater

Guard Jackson Slater has been another solid performer so far. According to the 33rd Team, he was tied for the third most pass protection snaps by a rookie without allowing a QB pressure in Week 1 of the preseason. In college, Slater displayed the versatility all teams love with interior offensive linemen, playing both guard and center.

While the starting offensive line is already set in stone, Slater provides an excellent depth piece who could play anywhere along the interior. This is football after all, and although we cross our fingers and hope for the best, injuries happen. Another solid performance against Minnesota could give the coaching staff even more confidence in the offensive line depth, and that Slater might be more than just the G/C of the future.

Round 6 (No. 183 overall): Marcus Harris

Last year, the Titans drafted a late-round cornerback who developed quickly and projects as a starter this year. While Marcus Harris has not quite looked like Jarvis Brownlee yet, he has shown flashes of potential.

Harris should have plenty of snaps in the final game of the preseason to validate Coach Callahan's belief and work his way up the DB depth chart.

Round 6 (No. 188 overall): Kalel Mullings

Another sixth rounder who should get plenty of playing time Friday is running back Kalel Mullings. With two similar runners at the top of the depth chart, Tennessee is hoping that their rookie ball-carrier's powerful running style can add an element that was missing from last year's offense. Through two games, Mullings is tied with Jordan Mims for the team lead in both carries (15) and rushing yards (58), but given his youth and recent draft position, coaches would obviously prefer that him to separate himself from Mims against Minnesota.

Fortunately for him, he should have plenty of opportunity to do just that, especially given Tyjae Spears's ankle injury. Displaying the vision, power, and breakaway speed that made him a star at Michigan could ensure him more than a special teams role once the regular season begins.