Titans: Updated 53-man roster projection
A couple of weeks ago, I published a 53-man roster projection. Since that time, we’ve seen a couple of weeks worth of practices and one preseason game. While most things have stayed the same, there was quite a bit of shuffling near the bottom of the roster.
For example, there is now one UDFA that I am confident will make the team. In my first projection, this player wasn’t even on my radar.
Quarterback (3)
In: Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, Will Levis
Out: None
Nothing changes here. Not only do I have the team keeping all three, but I believe Willis stays the backup. Levis has not impressed this summer and Willis has looked surprisingly competent. Anyone giving up on Levis is insane, but there’s no denying he’s looked pretty bad so far.
Running back (3)
In: Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut
Out: Hassan Haskins, Jacques Patrick, Jonathan Ward
Honestly, I thought this group was shallow earlier this summer. Now, I think this group is kind of deep. Haskins (legal issues notwithstanding), Patrick, and Ward would make several NFL rosters. With Wesco being a TE/FB hybrid, I just don’t see room for a fourth RB.
Wide receiver (6)
In: DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chris Moore, Kyle Philips, Reggie Roberson Jr.
Out: Colton Dowell, Racey McMath, Mason Kinsey, Tre’Shaun Harrison, Gavin Holmes, Kearis Jackson
The top five are totally set. The final spot is still up for grabs, and I believe Roberson is now the favorite. Dowell has looked absolutely atrocious this summer and no longer seems like a lock. McMath and Kinsey have been good, but both are redundant when the rest of the room is factored in. Harrison, Holmes, and Jackson have all looked better than expected and should earn practice squad spots.
Tight end (4)
In: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Trevon Wesco, Josh Whyle, Alize Mack
Out: Kevin Rader, Justin Rigg, Thomas Odukoya
This group stays the same. Wesco is valuable because has fullback and special teams experience, as well as being a solid blocker. Whyle was terrible in his first preseason game, but he’s a rookie and the team won’t give up on him so easily. Mack showed some receiving upside in the XFL.
Offensive line (9)
In: Andre Dillard, Peter Skoronski, Aaron Brewer, Daniel Brunskill, Chris Hubbard, Jaelyn Duncan, Justin Murray, Corey Levin, Dillon Radunz
Out: Jordan Roos, Zack Johnson, John Leglue, Xavier Newman, Jimmy Murray, Andrew Rupcich, John Ojukwu
I have some changes here. I hate to leave Roos out, but I think the team prefers the upside of Radunz. Johnson has looked good this summer, but I went with Murray’s starting experience instead. Duncan is a raw rookie but could be a nice swing tackle eventually. Levin is a solid backup on the interior.
Defensive line (6)
In: Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Jeffery Simmons, Jayden Peevy, Jaleel Johnson, Tyler Shelvin
Out: Naquan Jones, TK McClendon Jr., Kyle Peko, Michael Dwumfour, Shakel Brown (IR)
After the way he’s performed this summer, there’s no way Peevy gets left out. Jones should have been a lock, but he’s played horribly so far. I wouldn’t be surprised if an outside addition is made to this group before Week 1.
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 proven he deserves a spot and the other three guys will play big roles. Autry and Simmons generate a ton of pressure as well, so four edge-rushers are plenty.
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. I thought Gibbens would fall off, but he’s instead started getting first-team reps. Niemann and Gifford are both solid veterans who are needed for depth. Rice could still end up starting eventually.
Cornerback (6)
In: Kristian Fulton, Roger McCreary, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Elijah Molden, Tre Avery, Eric Garror
Out: Caleb Farley, Armani Marsh, Alonzo Davis, Anthony Kendall, Steven Jones Jr.
It’s no longer a hot take to think Garror would contribute more than Farley. I know Farley was a top pick, but he’s done absolutely nothing to help the team since being drafted. I expect Carthon to continue to get rid of Jon Robinson’s busts.
Safety (4)
In: Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, AJ Moore, Shyheim Carter
Out: Tyreque Jones, Mike Brown, Josh Thompson, Matthew Jackson
I originally had Moore and Jones, but Carter has been great so far. Ultimately I think this is a solid group. Jones should have a practice squad spot at least.
Specialists (3)
In: Caleb Shudak (K), Ryan Stonehouse (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Out: Trey Wolff (K)
Shudak is now the clear favorite as Wolff has missed several kicks this summer. Shudak had a kickoff go out of bounds, but at least he’s hit his kicks. Stonehouse and Cox are elite.