We’ve made it to training camp week. Tennessee Titans GM Ran Carthon will speak to the media on Tuesday afternoon and training camp for the 2024 season will begin.
Soon we will get to see 90 players in action at practice and the competition to make the 53-man roster will heat up. Before the start of the regular season, some difficult cuts are going to be made. Every player fighting for a roster spot will also be auditioning for 31 other organizations around the NFL.
Before camp kicks off, it’s time we preview Tennessee’s depth chart and who’s expected to make the roster. Here’s a look at the Titans’ secondary, one of the most improved position groups from 2023 to today.
Roster (10)
CB L’Jarius Sneed (S)
CB Chidobe Awuzie (S)
CB Roger McCreary (S)
CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
CB Eric Garror
CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally
S Amani Hooker (S)
S Elijah Molden (S)
S Jamal Adams
S Mike Brown
While Dennard Wilson’ defense in Baltimore last season kept 11 defensive backs on the initial 53-man roster, it’s far more common or a team to keep that number at 10. That’s especially the case when you have quality depth on the defensive line and a front-loaded depth chart.
The additions of players like L’Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, and Jamal Adams in Tennessee’s secondary should give the Titans coaching staff confidence in their starters. Defensive backs coming off the bench will not be in the defensive rotation as frequently as they were in the past, thus making special teams value and scheme fit more important than experience when it comes to the final roster spots.
I think fifth-round draft pick Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and undrafted rookie Gabe Jeudy-Lally profile best to fit in Dennard Wilson’s defense due to their length and physicality. That also could help them have an impact on special teams. Both rookies impressed during OTAs this summer. Second-year cornerback Eric Garror is the next best slot option for Tennessee behind McCreary that also presents the Titans with another option at punt returner.
At safety, it’s Mike Brown who I give the edge to as a backup free safety. He showed promising flashes in 2023 on 113 defensive snaps. Matthew Jackson and Shyheim Carter were also names I considered. It should be very competitive when it comes to those last couple spots, especially if there’s another addition coming.
Cut Candidates
S Keaton Ellis
S Matthew Jackson
S Tay Gowan
S Shyheim Carter
CB Anthony Kendall
CB Caleb Farley
CB Robert Javier
CB Tre Avery
Tre Avery is one of the more notable defensive backs I have on the outside of the initial 53-man roster. Avery has seen significant playing time with the titans in each of the last two seasons, but eh took a big step backwards in 2023 and I’m not sure I see where he adds value in the new defensive scheme.
If healthy throughout training camp, Caleb Farley is a dark horse name to watch. But at this point in time, I haven’t seen enough to put him on my projected roster.