A three-day mini-camp is underway in Nashville as the Tennessee Titans wrap up their offseason program this week. Wait…I think this is technically the end of the offseason program? Like, it’s the last thing before training camp and doesn’t training camp mark the beginning of a new season? I’m rambling, I know. Gosh, I’m so embarrassed.
Nonetheless, it’s time to look at this massive roster and those individuals who reside on the bubble of it. Who needs to have a good summer in order to find themselves on the final 53-man squad?
Before we dig in, I’m not including Marcus Mariota on this list. I’m already growing tired of the ‘Mariota needs to have a big year’ take. Like, we get it, guys. He’s in a contract year. Seems I’ve heard that somewhere. Also, let’s be real – Mariota’s the guy. He could have a terrible summer and he’s still going to make the fucking roster. Just trying to fend off some of the inevitable Mariota comments I’m going to get here.
Titans Who Need to Have a Good Summer
Cameron Batson – I liked Batson from the moment I saw him at training camp a season ago. He’s a talented receiver who could hold on to a spot if he can beat out Darius Jennings for a returning role (but Jennings was pretty damn good at that in 2018). But, given the investments in receivers this offseason, I think he’ll have to have a whale of a training camp to stick to this roster.
Anthony Firkser – Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith will both be back as the unquestioned TE1 and TE2. There’s so much upside with MyCole Pruitt. Is Firkser one of the 53 best players on the roster? I absolutely think so. But, by virtue of such a crowded tight end room, he could end up being cut so the Titans can keep an eight offensive lineman or something like that. He needs to make his case for the roster undeniable.
David Fluellen – Is he the third best back on the team? Probably. Will the Titans need three running backs? Most certainly. But, for whatever reason, Flu Season just hasn’t stood out when given the opportunity in meaningful minutes. I like UDFA Alex Barnes a lot and think if he doesn’t make the Titans roster, he’ll make one somewhere in the NFL. I think that puts pressure on Fluellen.
Austin Johnson – I know a lot of folks think Johnson is a lock for the 53-man roster and the thought of him not making the cut is absurd. Maybe they’re right, but I think Johnson still has plenty to prove along this defensive line. He regressed big time in 2018, and the Titans added pieces around him. I don’t think that’s exactly working in his favor – he needs to re-establish himself as the defensive lineman we thought he could be.
Corey Levin – It feels like the ‘Corey Levin is the center of the future’ takes have been going on for five years now. But, 2019 presents an opportunity like Levin hasn’t had before. Ben Jones is aging, and the offensive line as a whole took a step back in 2018. Perhaps, this is the season for a shakeup? Levin will have to be ready to capitalize if so.
Joshua Kalu – Right now, I’d say Malcolm Butler, Adoree Jackson, Logan Ryan, and LeShaun Sims are locks to make the final 53-man roster. But, that fifth cornerback spot, a position that will likely see the field plenty in 2019, is up for grabs. The front-runner has to be Tye Smith at the moment, so the field’s awfully crowded. Kalu was an undrafted free agent in 2018, and I like his toughness and potential. But, he’s going to need a big summer if he’s going to hang on to this roster.
Tajae Sharpe – No one’s going to be feeling the heat in the receiving corps this summer quite like Sharpe. He’s a dependable route runner, but he’s had chance after chance to step up and become this team’s #2 or even #1 since being drafted out of UMass in 2016. He just hasn’t clicked the way people thought he would. Sharpe is one of the most interesting players to watch this summer. If he plays to his potential, he could be a solid depth option who can be used to convert first downs.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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