The Tennessee Titans report to training camp today
The Tennessee Titans report to training camp on Tuesday. We’ll likely hear from head coach Brian Callahan and all three coordinators at the podium. The team won’t hold their first practice session until Wednesday. On Monday, quarterback Will Levis was placed on season-ending IR after opting to undergo shoulder surgery to repair his AC joint.
The beginning of training camp marks the official start of position battles. The Titans will hold multiple competitions all throughout the roster. With Wednesday’s practice looming, we’ve identified the battles worth monitoring.
Wide receiver
How the wide receiver rotation shakes out will be fascinating. Calvin Ridley is the team’s unquestioned No. 1 wideout. After that, everything is up for debate. Veteran free-agent addition Tyler Lockett is likely the slot receiver and second-most playable wideout on offense. The “X” position (boundary) will be battled for by Van Jefferson, rookie Elic Ayomanor, and Bryce Oliver. A healthy Treylon Burks could also get in the mix. Rookie Xavier Restrepo will contend for reps in the slot (if he makes the team), and Chimere Dike is versatile enough to play snaps across every position.
Figuring out the rotation is imperative to Cam Ward’s success as a rookie.
EDGE
The EDGE position is the biggest concern on the Titans’ roster. The defense recorded the third-fewest sacks in the league last season and they don’t appear to have added any difference makers this offseason. Arden Key is the lone returning veteran. Femi Oladejo was drafted in the second round. He’s a raw linebacker-turned-pass rusher who needs reps to continue acclimating. Dre’Mont Jones and Lorenzo Carter signed one-year contracts in free agency. Pretty much any combination of these rushers is a plausible outcome.
Linebacker
Veteran free-agent addition Cody Barton is the best linebacker on the roster spot. The second spot will be determined by a position battle between inexperienced sophomores Cedric Gray and James Williams. Otis Reese IV and Anfernee Orji have an underdog chance to make noise. UDFA David Gbenda, Amani Burney, and Curtis Jacobs are also on the 90-man roster.
Tight end
Chig Okonkwo is likely TE1, but does rookie Gunnar Helm capture a legitimate role? Does Josh Whyle even make the team? The coaching staff is excited to see sophomore UDFA David Martin-Robinson after another offseason of development. Blocking expert Thomas Odukoya will attempt to convince Callahan the offense needs an in-line player.