So far, so good for rookie 4th round draft pick Rashad Weaver (at least on the field). In Friday’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the first year outside linebacker turned some heads, as the Tennessee Titans won, 23-3. Given that Bud Dupree and Harold Landry both sat out, and that you want to get a good look at how your rookies are progressing, Weaver got significant playing time, and produced with it. He posted a sack and a half, two tackles for loss, two total quarterback hits, and a pass defensed. But, it was also the eye test that he passed with flying colors – at times, he just looked flat out overwhelming against the Falcons offensive line, using his length and power to move guys around and effect the passer.
It’s worth mentioning that it is just the preseason opener, so take it for what it is, but I’d put it like this – you’d certainly rather see this sort of start than the alternative. Mike Vrabel has been pretty vocal about wanting the rookies to ‘earn their spot,’ and I’d imagine that Weaver is a shining example of just how to do that. Excelling in Friday night’s game means he might get an expanded role and a chance at more significant snaps moving forward. Really, it’d be ideal for the Titans if he were to continue on this trajectory, and really cement himself as the Titans third option in that pass rush rotation.
This is a unit that was, by and large, totally ineffective in 2020. They have a guy with a fastball in Landry. But, they needed a thoroughbred, so they went out and got Dupree. That wasn’t enough for an anemic pass rush that was in major need of an infusion of talent. So, they invested a fourth round pick in Weaver, signed veteran John Simon, brought in Ola Adeniyi (albeit for his projected value on special teams). This re-tooled group also has Wyatt Ray (who also saw major minutes on Friday night and led the team in tackling) and Derick Roberson, who will continue to get an extended look at the position. It’s a deeper group than it was a year ago, but the Titans need at least one of these guys to step up into a reliable and useful third guy in the rotation.
Landry has played a billion snaps throughout his career so far, and Dupree is coming off of an injury. Someone is needed to give these guys a break from time to time. Not to mention, having a sort of security blanket in place could allow the Titans to ease Dupree back from injury, and not rely on him for a hundred snaps a game right off the bat. Could Weaver develop into that third guy? He’s off to the right start.
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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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