Thomas Rush is one of several players vying for a rotational pass-rushing role this summer
The Tennessee Titans signed Thomas Rush to an undrafted contract following the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent training camp and preseason on the roster before being waived during 53-man roster cuts. Rush played in all three exhibition games last August, but was overshadowed by fellow UDFA Caleb Murphy, who led the Titans in sacks.
Training camp, which begins in approximately two weeks, represents a new opportunity for Rush. His chances of making the 53-man roster are significantly stronger this time around. He’s competing with Murphy, seventh-round rookie Jaylen Harrell, and rookie UDFA Khalid Duke for one, possibly two, rotational roster spots behind Harold Landry, Arden Key, and Rashad Weaver.
Sources I spoke with during mandatory minicamp indicated Rush showed up as a man transformed. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has said to have added significant bulk and play-strength to his repertoire this offseason. One source went as far to indicate Rush looked leaps-and-bounds better than Harrell or Murphy, two players who seemingly have better standing based on their history or draft positioning.
Titans outside linebackers coach Ben Bloom has been impressed.
Titans OLB coach Ben Bloom on Thomas Rush, who has been a standout this spring at the EDGE position: pic.twitter.com/vTx8M1jPvu
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) June 11, 2024
“He’s a very hard worker and intentional with everything he does,” Bloom told Broadway Sports’ Easton Freeze. “He’s terrific in the classroom, very detailed. On the field, he’s someone that gets better. He listens to the coaching [points] and applies himself. When you see a player do that within a drill, he does it and gets better. The next time he does it, he’s even better and doing it at a higher level. Wow, Tommy [Rush], you’ve done a heck of a job improving, Bloom concluded.
Rush’s chances of making the 53-man roster are better this season. He’s a better and more well-rounded pass rusher, and the Titans got worse at the position following Denico Autry’s departure. Don’t be surprised if Rush continues outperforming Murphy, Harrell, and Duke at training camp.