Music City Miracles
The Tennessee Titans have about a week of practice and one preseason game left before submitting their initial 53-man roster next Tuesday. The majority of decisions have likely been made. Friday’s exhibition finale versus the Minnesota Vikings will represent Brian Callahan’s final opportunity to assess his 90-man roster.
With cut-down day approximately a week away, we’ve submitted our latest 53-man roster projection.
Trevor Siemian has been an upgrade on Tim Boyle, but the Titans still shouldn’t keep him as a third quarterback. Cameron Ward will be backed up by Brandon Allen. Perhaps another quarterback becomes available that’s worth adding, or replacing Allen with.
We forecast Tyjae Spears starting on the PUP after suffering a high-ankle sprain. Julius Chestnut seems to be ahead of Jordan Mims and Jermar Jefferson for the current RB3 spot with Spears out. Rookie Kalel Mullings should be a special teams ace.
James Proche II continues to play his way onto the roster. UDFA fan favorite Xavier Restrepo hasn’t played on offense until the second half in both preseason contests. That doesn’t bode well for his 53-man roster chances. Could Van Jefferson be a surprise cut after his awful drop? That would create room for Restrepo.
The tight ends feel cut and dry. Gunnar Helm’s highlight-worthy TD versus the Atlanta Falcons established him as the TE2 behind Chig Okonkwo. David Martin-Robinson seems ahead of Josh Whyle and Thomas Odukoya for the TE3 role.
Oli Udoh has played ahead of Jaelyn Duncan in both preseason games, insinuating he and John Ojukwu are the swing tackles. Blake Hance and Andrew Rupcich were difficult cuts here, but the Titans have Corey Levin and Jackson Slater inside. The Titans actually have depth across the offensive line, and though we’ve kept nine, we wouldn’t rule out 10 players here.
James Lynch is a lock. Carlos Watkins, Cam Horsley, Isaiah Raikes, and Timmy Horne are competing for one spot. We went with the experienced Watkins, but one of the UDFAs (Horsley/Raikes) has more upside.
The Titans should consider using their No. 1 priority on the waiver wire here. Jihad Ward will be a veteran run stopper. Mike Borgonzi should look around the league for an upgrade on the fifth (Jaylen Harrell) spot.
If the Titans keep a 10th offensive lineman, this may be where they go light (four linebackers). We have five, with newly acquired Brian Asamoah being a...
