Ah yes, we got that midsummer glow going on outside. It’s late July – the air is hot and steamy, and we are gearing up for real life professional NFL football as the 2021 season approaches. Training camp is about to begin for the Tennessee Titans – rookies are set to report tomorrow, and the vets on July 27th, according to a press release from the NFL, which I receive because I am a big time journalist and not at all because literally anyone with a website and email address can sign up to receive them. Anyway, I figure why not finally get my training camp preview out on the internet a day before camp starts? LFG.
Camp Battles to Watch for the 2021 Tennessee Titans
1. Right tackle – It’s THE battle to watch this summer, and it’s one of only two (maybe three if you count DL) positions at which a starting spot is on the line. After the Titans elected to release Dennis Kelly and sign Kendall Lamm, I figured Lamm would be the incumbent. The Titans drafted Dillon Radunz in the 2nd round, and the rookie seems to have made an impression on the coaching staff so far. Lamm (and Ty Sambrailo, for that matter) affords the Titans the opportunity to ease Radunz into a starting role, but that is definitely the expectation at some point. It’s just a matter of who starts Week 1, and folks – that’s what training camp is for.
2. Tight end – All signs point towards Anthony Firkser getting a fair shake at the starting role, at which I believe he’ll excel if he polishes up his blocking skills. Geoff Swaim is a tremendous blocker, who will see an expanded role as well, but the competition between the two will dictate what that timeshare looks like come time for the season. Also, it’s worth noting that there’s not a lot of depth behind those two, so the competition between Miller Forristall, Tommy Hudson, Jared Pinkney, and Briley Moore to make the roster will be one to watch as well.
3. Kicker – The other battle that is definitely going to dictate who starts and who sits, the Titans have a huge question mark at kicker. Tucker McCann floated around on the practice squad all 2020, but despite finding themselves in situations that called for a new kicker, McCann never got a shot to play on Sundays. I don’t know that the confidence level is in second year man out of Mizzou. The Titans brought in Blake Haubeil as an undrafted free agent rookie, and I think the kid has a good chance to start.
4. Defensive line – I’m curious about the confidence in Teair Tart inside that building. The Titans are saying all the right things, and if actions speak louder than words, they really do believe in Tart. They didn’t draft a defensive tackle or make a splash DT signing in free agency. Tart surprised as an UDFA a season ago, and figures to be the guy in situations when the Titans field a nose tackle. But, I like the depth in veteran Abry Jones and UDFA Naquan Jones. This could be a sneaky fun battle to watch.
5. Cornerback – No starting spots will be on the line, as we pretty much know who’s going to start. It’s just a matter of where the Titans end up playing Janoris Jenki…excuse me, Jackrabbit…Caleb Farley, and Kristian Fulton. Who’s going to start outside vs. who’s going to start in the slot – that sort of thing. The secondary was a liability, and the Titans elected to pretty much blow the entire unit up, so I’ll be interested to see how this competition shakes down.
6. Backup quarterback – For whatever reason, the Titans are still trying to make Logan Woodside happen. At one point, he looked pretty good, like he was well on his way to becoming the next Billy Volek or Charlie Whitehurst of this franchise. But, without any meaningful action, he’s fizzled out a bit. Plus, the Titans added DeShone Kizer to serve as covid quarterback a season ago, and I’ve made it know that I think we lose sight of how talented he truly is. His athleticism and skillset makes him a better fit to replace Ryan Tannehill if need be.
7. Wide receiver – The top three are locks. We know AJ Brown, Julio Jones, and Josh Reynolds are going to run shit in this receiving corps. But, there’s a log jam on the back end of this receiving group, and I doubt the Titans will keep more than six guys. Cameron Batson offers a different dynamic at the position that could really round out the group well, and he adds value as a returner. I think he’s safe. Then, there are the draft picks Dez Fitzpatrick and Racey McMath, who will get a good look. And, beyond that, there’s a slew of guys battling for a roster spot. All in all, I figure there are about nine guys competing for two spots. It’s a real mess to sort out, but the good kind of mess.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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