Titans final 53-man roster projection ahead of final cuts

Quarterback (3)

In: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, Will Levis

Out: None

There’s just no way that all three aren’t on the roster. Levis and Tannehill obviously aren’t getting cut, and Willis has played too well to cut. I think Willis starts off as the backup after an impressive preseason. Expect the team to sign a young developmental QB for the practice squad.

Running back (3)

In: Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut

Out: Hassan Haskins, Jacques Patrick, Jonathan Ward

After impressive performances from Chestnut and Patrick, the writing is on the wall for Ward and Haskins. I’d like to keep Patrick as well, but I just don’t see the team keeping four backs when Spears and Henry will see so many carries. Patrick would probably be added to the practice squad.

Wide receiver (6)

In: DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chris Moore, Kyle Philips, Kearis Jackson

Out: Colton Dowell, Racey McMath, Mason Kinsey, Tre’Shaun Harrison, Gavin Holmes, Reggie Roberson Jr.

The top five are totally set. The final spot is a question, but I think Jackson deserves it. The UDFA has impressed on special teams and has made a couple of nice catches. Harrison and Roberson impressed at camp but did nothing in the preseason games to inspire confidence. I think the final spot is either to Jackson or Kinsey. 

Tight end (4)

In: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Trevon Wesco, Josh Whyle, Thomas Odukoya

Out: Kevin Rader, Justin Rigg, Alize Mack

Wesco will play the Geoff Swaim role behind the pass-catching Okonkwo. Whyle hasn’t looked great, but he’s a rookie and won’t be cut just yet. Finally, international player Odukoya has received praise from Mike Vrabel and could be kept as extra depth.

Offensive line (9) 

In: Andre Dillard, Peter Skoronski, Aaron Brewer, Daniel Brunskill, Chris Hubbard, Jaelyn Duncan, Justin Murray, Corey Levin, Jordan Roos

Out: Zack Johnson, John Leglue, Xavier Newman, Jimmy Murray, Andrew Rupcich, John Ojukwu

Roos makes the team as Radunz is still on the PUP list. If Radunz comes back at some point, I could see Roos getting bumped out. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a waiver claim made, specifically for an interior lineman. 

Defensive line (6)

In: Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Jeffery Simmons, Jayden Peevy, Michael Dwumfour, Kyle Peko 

Out: Naquan Jones, TK McClendon Jr., Tyler Shelvin, Jaleel Johnson, Trevon Coley, Shakel Brown (IR) 

Autry, Tart, Simmons, and Peevy can all be classified as locks. Behind that, the team may decide to keep just one, but I have Dwumfour and Peko for now. Dwumfour dominated against the Patriots collecting two sacks. This is a good group.

Outside linebacker (4) 

In: Harold Landry III, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, Caleb Murphy

Out: Thomas Rush, Sam Okuayinonu

This group hasn’t changed. Murphy has had an awesome summer and the other three guys will be key pieces. This is a much better group when Landry is on the field. Okuayinonu should land on the practice squad. 

Inside linebacker (5)

In: Azeez Al-Shaair, Jack Gibbens, Monty Rice, Ben Niemann, Luke Gifford

Out: Chance Campbell, Otis Reese IV

This is a talented group that will be hard to crack. The Titans really love Campbell and Reese, but I just don’t see how it’s possible to keep either. I have seen some rumblings about Rice being in Vrabel’s doghouse, but I doubt the team will cut him already. This is a talented group. Al-Shaair is a sleeper team MVP pick. 

Cornerback (6)

In: Kristian Fulton, Roger McCreary, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Elijah Molden, Tre Avery, Eric Garror

Out: Armani Marsh, Alonzo Davis, Anthony Kendall, Steven Jones Jr. 

Garror balled out this preseason and I believe secured his spot on the roster. Avery showed flashes last season and again looked serviceable this summer. However, Avery could be on the chopping block if/when Caleb Farley returns. Expect Marsh to land on the practice squad. 

Safety (4)

In: Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, Josh Thompson, Shyheim Carter

Out: Tyreque Jones, Mike Brown, Matthew Jackson

Thompson and Carter get the edge here. Thompson has experience starting and Carter has worked his tail off this summer. I expect Jackson and Jones to be practice squad players.

Specialists (3)

In: TBD (K), Ryan Stonehouse (P), Morgan Cox (LS)

Out: Michael Badgley(K)

Badgley was released on Sunday, leaving the Titans without a kicker on the roster. It seems like the team may be interested in a player who is already available or may be anticipating a player to be released soon. Either way, we have no clue who the kicker will be.