The Tennessee Titans open training camp July 25 at St. Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Here’s a 53-man roster projection heading into training camp:
QUARTERBACK (2): Marcus Mariota, Ryan Tannehill.
Mariota hasn't played a full 16-game schedule in his career. Tannehill was brought in as an insurance policy and instantly becomes the most competent backup Mariota has had in the last four years. Head coach Mike Vrabel is quick to point out how Logan Woodside has improved, but it won't be enough to make the roster.
RUNNING BACK (3): Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis, David Fluellen.
Henry went on a tear down the stretch last season and should see an increased workload in 2019. Lewis gives the Titans an option in the return game and is their best pass-catcher out of the backfield. Fluellen is a valued special-teamer. His veteran presence gives him an edge over Dalyn Dawkins, Jeremy McNichols, and rookie Alex Barnes.
H-BACK (1): Ryan Hewitt
Hewitt's experience as a tight end and fullback make him a solid replacement for Luke Stocker who signed a free-agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, A.J. Brown, Darius Jennings.
When healthy, Sharpe proved to be one of Mariota's most trusted targets because of his ability to get open, especially on third downs. Jennings is the Titans' best return man and will occasionally be used to stretch the field on vertical routes.
TIGHT END (3): Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, Anthony Firkser.
This could change depending on Walker's and Smith's availability. Walker is the most proven pass-catcher on the roster but is not fully back from a severe ankle injury in last season's opener. Smith is a developing player who could be a valid option in the passing game. His blocking improved drastically as well. Firkser was one of the most reliable pass-catchers on the team last season.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Taylor Lewan, Rodger Saffold, Ben Jones, Kevin Pamphile, Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly, Nate Davis, Corey Levin, Aaron Stinnie, Tyler Marz.
The left side of Tennessee's line features two Pro Bowl-caliber players in Lewan and Saffold. They form one of the league's top tackle/guard combos. But there's some uncertainty on the right side. Conklin and Kelly are both options at right tackle, while either Pamphile or Davis will start at right guard.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Jurrell Casey, DaQuan Jones, Brent Urban, Austin Johnson, Isaiah Mack, Matt Dickerson.
First-round pick Jeffery Simmons will start the season on the physically unable to perform list which opens up a roster spot for Mack, a 2019 undrafted free agent. This group will also get some snaps from Cameron Wake at defensive end. Urban settles in nicely at the 5-technique.
LINEBACKER (10): Harold Landry, Cameron Wake, Rashaan Evans, Jayon Brown, Wesley Woodyard, Sharif Finch, David Long, Kamalei Correa, D'Andre Walker, Derick Roberson.
The youth in the Titans' roster lies primarily at linebacker. Evans and Landry will be valuable contributors for years to come. Brown is an emerging star who made a huge jump in his second season. Roberson is another UDFA who will make the roster and get a chance to contribute.
SECONDARY (9): Adoree' Jackson, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Kevin Byard, Kenny Vaccaro, Dane Cruikshank, Amani Hooker, LeShaun Sims, Tye Smith.
You won't find a better safety tandem than Vaccaro and Byard. Hooker is a rookie but will be used all over the secondary, especially against tight ends. Jackson has all of the physical tools and is working to master the mental side of the game. He wants to be a more consistent defender. Ryan continues to be a steady presence and one of the best nickel corners in the league.
SPECIALIST (3): K Ryan Succop, P Brett Kern, LS Beau Brinkley.
Tennessee's group of specialist have been together for the last five years.