The Tennessee Titans play their first preseason game of the 2024 campaign against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday (Aug. 10) evening. The exhibition represents an opportunity for fringe players to confirm a spot on the 53-man roster.
Not every back-end player waits for the preseason to clinch their positioning, however. Several underrated Titans talents have all but assured they’ll survive roster cut-down day with strong performances at training camp.
We’ve identified three of them.
John Ojukwu, OT
Sophomore undrafted offensive tackle John Ojukwu was receiving the majority of first-team reps through Spring workouts and the early portion of training camp. That changed when Nicholas Petit-Frere recovered from offseason knee surgery and returned to the lineup. Though he’s now trailing Petit-Frere in the right tackle competition, I still view Ojukwu’s roster chances as likely.
Ojukwu is still well-positioned to be the team’s third offensive tackle behind Petit-Frere and JC Latham. He’s routinely outperformed the likes of Jaelyn Duncan, Geron Christian, and Leroy Watson at practice. An injury prevented Ojukwu from truly competing for a 53-man roster spot last season, but things are pointing up this year.
Shane Ray, OLB
The Titans are taking a flier on outside linebacker Shane Ray, who hasn’t recorded an NFL sack since 2018. Ray’s journey is one of overcoming trials and tribulations. The former first-rounder even spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
#Titans Shane Ray off the edge. 💨 pic.twitter.com/zwquqyRnZm
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 7, 2024
Ray has looked explosive and resurgent at training camp as he attempts to write one of the league’s more heartwarming comeback stories. Though Arden Key’s six-game suspension is still being finalized, his expected absence increased Ray’s chances of making the initial roster. He’s easily Tennessee’s most experienced and productive pass-rushing option opposite Harold Landry while Key serves his suspension.
Jaylen Harrell, OLB
Arden Key’s upcoming six-game suspension has also created more opportunities for the younger pass rushers on Tennessee’s roster. Seventh-round rookies aren’t always guaranteed to make a roster. In this case, Jaylen Harrell should feel pretty secure.
Harrell has made some eye-opening plays at training camp practices, though he’s been a little inconsistent. The former Michigan standout is battling with Caleb Murphy, Thomas Rush, and Khalid Duke for playing time and a roster spot. Murphy and Rush are sophomore undrafted free agents, and Duke is a rookie UDFA. Harrell has been the most impressive of the bunch, and could see legit playing time this season.
