NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- First run through the roster, I have 44 definites, 20 on offense, 21 on defense and three specialists.
Second run to get to minimums at positions gets me to 22, 22 and three for 47.
That leaves six spots up for grabs, where there is a lot of room for guys we’ve regularly spoken of as fringe.
“The philosophy from the end of the back of the roster, that last six, seven spots is going to be less about checking the box that we have a fifth safety or fourth tight end—or whatever those numbers are going to be—and just finding the best players, regardless of the position,” Brian Callahan said.
“And so, we're trying to make sure that we don't lose a player that we think could be really good just because we need to check a box on a number. We're trying to make sure that we do the right job evaluating those players.” [Unlocked]
New this year: A player doesn’t have to be on the 53-man roster for 24 hours to head to returnable injured reserve. Two can be put directly on IR on cut day, but have to miss at least four games and count against the season total of eight players who can go on IR and come back to play.
While the Titans currently have several injured players, few are likely in the five-week range right now. Turf toe (TK McLendon) can be a longer-range issue. If they want to try to chance it with someone like Cedric Gray (shoulder) or Kyle Philips (hamstring) and suffer a lot of short injuries later, it could hurt their flexibility. It doesn't seem necessary.
A deeper look at how I think the Titans could fill out the back of the roster Tuesday, listing my locks in regular type, and my fringe picks in italics with discussion of the back-end guys:
Quarterbacks (2): Will Levis, Mason Rudolph
If Malik Willis makes it, it’s because they think he’s one of the six best football players for those final six spots. His better practice play didn’t really translate to his game-action on Saturday against Seattle, while Rudolph, working with mostly the same people, led scoring drives. Willis would be headed for the practice squad unless Callahan sees someone he likes better shake free.
The third QB rule for game day should not be a factor here. If they keep three, of course Willis will dress and can be an option if both Levis and Rudolph get hurt. But it’s not a reason to keep a third. How often do we see two QBs hurt in one game? It happened one time a couple of years ago in one playoff game and everyone overreacted.
Running backs (4): Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut, Hassan Haskins
I think Hassan Haskins makes it, despite the fact he just isn’t a very good running back. He’s a really good special teamer. Both Haskins and Chestnut played 11 snaps of special teams in the second preseason game, tied for fourth-most. Chestnuts were more of get-better variety. Haskins is already there.
Wide receiver (7): Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Boyd, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Jha’Quan Jackson, Kearis Jackson
The competition is among a glut of slots behind Boyd and the rookie Jackson, who should also be the punt returner. Mason Kinsey will try to return to play this week with a broken pinky and Kyle Philips is probably out through the game with a hamstring issue. Kearis Jackson has an average of 37 yards on three kickoff returns. All three are primarily slot guys. Brian Callahan has indicated Kinsey has the most positional flexibility but mentioned Kearis Jackson as well.
I think Philips has the best individual skill in his ability to separate in short areas, but his health is a constant issue. I’d judge Kearis Jackson as one of the six-best remaining players and keep him to return kicks. He's currently dealing with a knee bruise.
Tight end (4): Josh Whyle, Chig Okonkwo, Nick Vannett, David Martin-Robinson
They all need to play both tight end spots, but Whyle and Vannett are more the in-line Y types with Okonkwo more the moving F. David Martin-Robinson has been behind Okonkwo and done well getting open. Here’s a spot where a fourth could be seen as a bonus, but while the team has spots to keep its best players and being two-deep at each spot would be nice, even if the Titans will be less TE-centric. DMR could even outrank Vannett.
Offensive line (9): JC Latham, Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Dillon Radunz, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Daniel Brunskill, Andrew Rupcich, Jaelyn Duncan, Geron Christian
I feel pretty good about Rupcich by process of elimination. After that, I think we’re really guessing. Duncan is still clay that Bill Callahan can mold and a sixth-rounder from last year may be doing enough to get more time. Christian is stiff but his relationship with Bill Callahan from Cleveland has meaning and he has more experience (25 starts, 58 games) than Leroy Watson (no starts, seven games).
Defensive line (6): Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Keondre Coburn, Quinton Bohanna, TK McLendon
Depth was a real issue here even before losing Marlon Davidson for the year to a biceps injury. Now McLendon is dealing with turf toe which can linger. Outside help is a possibility.
Inside linebackers (5): Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, Chance Campbell, James Williams, Cedric Gray
Gray didn’t make noise before a shoulder injury kept him out of the first two preseason games. The fourth-rounder would be in big trouble if the Titans were deeper.
Outside linebackers (4): Harold Landry, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, Jaylen Harrell
Dennard Walker just spoke highly of Caleb Murphy, but he still feels like a project. Shane Ray has been quieter at practice. Did he play only 14 snaps against Seattle, second-fewest on defense, because they are being careful with him or because he’s sinking? I suspect the latter.
Safeties (4): Quandre Diggs, Amani Hooker, Elijah Molden, Jamal Adams
With Diggs, Hooker and Adams all out of the second preseason game, Matthew Jackson played two snaps on defense but 15 on special teams, the second-most on the team. He was tied for the team lead in special teams tackles last season. He’s my last man off here with Molden now available for special teams. Perhaps I am underrating him versus Haskins and Kearis Jackson.
Cornerbacks (5): L’Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, Roger McCreary, Jarvis Brownlee, Gabe Jeudy-Lally
Jeudy-Lally's been good enough to be a certainty. Tre Avery is a drop-off in coverage, but he’d also be the fifth outside option and the third inside with Brownlee shifting inside for McCreary if he’s hurt. Plus they have big nickel and dime options that will involve safeties. Avery has played a good bit of gunner on the punt coverage team, which is what gives him his chance.
Kicker (1): Nick Folk
Punter (1): Ryan Stonehouse
Long Snapper (1): Morgan Cox