The Tennessee Titans must cut their roster to 53 by 4 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 2. Here’s a final 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel
Alex Tanney is out of practice squad eligibility and the 29-year-old doesn't provide a lot of value for the Titans as a third-string quarterback. Cassel has proved to be a reliable backup and mentor for Mariota.
RUNNING BACK (4): DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, David Fluellen, Jalston Fowler
Murray and Henry will monopolize the backfield touches. Fluellen's impressive summer wins him the third running back spot over seventh-round pick Khalfani Muhammad. Tennessee could add another running back to this room after waiver claims.
WIDE RECEIVER (7): Rishard Matthews, Corey Davis, Eric Decker, Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, Harry Douglas, Eric Weems
Seven receivers is a little heavy, particularly for the run-heavy Titans, but Weems' special-teams prowess and reliable return ability earn him a spot. Titans coach Mike Mularkey called Douglas "invaluable." He will be a coach on the field and vocal leader for a young receiving corps.
TIGHT END (3): Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, Phillip Supernaw
Walker and Smith in two-TE sets will add a unique element for opposing defenses. Supernaw separated himself as the Titans' third tight end with his blocking ability.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Taylor Lewan, Quinton Spain, Ben Jones, Josh Kline, Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly, Tyler Marz, Tim Lelito, Corey Levin
All four backup offensive linemen have the versatility to play multiple spots, which gives the Titans the flexibility to eventually trim this group to eight. The Titans are high on Marz, an undrafted free agent from a year ago.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Jurrell Casey, Sylvester Williams, DaQuan Jones, Karl Klug, Austin Johnson, Antwaun Woods
The Titans will use their flexible defensive line talent to present versatile fronts for offenses. Johnson has flashed enough to lock up his roster spot. Woods was one of the Titans' cuts after a strong summer last season, but he does enough to make it over the hump this year beating out 2015 fourth-round pick Angelo Blackson.
LINEBACKER (9): Brian Orakpo, Avery Williamson, Wesley Woodyard, Derrick Morgan, Erik Walden, Kevin Dodd, Aaron Wallace, Jayon Brown, Nate Palmer
Brown has separated himself as the Titans' third inside linebacker and Palmer wins the fourth spot in a competitive battle against Daren Bates and Justin Staples. Wallace's pass rush, potential and versatility helps him stick over seventh-round pick Josh Carraway.
SECONDARY (10): Logan Ryan, Johnathan Cyprien, Kevin Byard, LeShaun Sims, Adoree' Jackson, Brice McCain, Kalan Reed, Da'Norris Searcy, Brynden Trawick, Curtis Riley
Reed had a strong preseason, but a rough finale game could leave him vulnerable after waiver claims. Riley is the 53rd man on this roster due to his special-teams play, hard hits and versatility to play safety and cornerback. This is another area where the Titans will have their eyes peeled for talent on the waiver wire.
SPECIALIST (3): K Ryan Succop, P Brett Kern, LS Beau Brinkley
If Brinkley is healthy, this solid group will remain the same.