Tennessee Titans training camp: Bubble watch headed into Week 3
· Yahoo Sports
Tennessee Titans finished off the second week of training camp, and the competition is heating up across the roster, making it easier to identify the players fighting for the final spots and those solidly on the bubble.
The pads went on, the physicality picked up, and some players who likely sit on that roster bubble did show up and flash. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for everyone, and some players struggled.
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Here is a look at the bubble watch after two weeks of practice.
Offense
The wide receiver battle will definitely go down to the end of camp. The Titans have built a solid group and the competition has been fierce for the final few spots behind the five who are locked in. KJ Osborn and Xavier Restrepo flashed during the Blue & White scrimmage, but will need to show more once special teams becomes a factor. That’s where Bryce Oliver may have an advantage.
The player on the rise is running back Nick Singleton, and while his spot was likely secure, it could push others down the roster. Both Tyjae Spears and Kalel Mullings got banged up during the scrimmage, and their availability could play a role in the decision-making.
Tight end David Martin-Robinson has had a solid camp and may be working his way into the third tight end role. He is a better blocker than Jaren Kanak, but lacks the untapped potential. The Titans could decide to keep four tight ends, but would likely have to make a cut elsewhere to make it happen.
But all was not positive for the offense. Along the offensive line, it was a bit harder to decipher. The interior battles at center and right guard are ongoing, and no one solidified their role. While the group did appear to improve through the sessions, there was a glaring issue in practice: swing tackle. Both Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and Austin Deculus struggled during their reps, and if a jump isn’t seen when the pads go on, general manager Mike Borgonzi may decide to look for some veteran help.
Quarterback Will Levis took a step back in the Blue & White scrimmage and is likely closer to Hendon Hooker than Mitch Trubisky on the depth chart.
Defense
The defensive line has looked strong and should be the strength of the defense, and they also had some players step up who could be on the roster bubble. Tennessee signed veteran Khalen Saunders last week, and he came in and made plays. If he continues to shine, this could put Solomon Thomas or rookie Jackie Marshall on the bubble. Edge Jaylen Harrell continues to make plays, and it will be hard to keep him off the roster.
The linebacking corps competition is heating up, and James Williams had an outstanding week, likely solidifying his roster spot. One player who has struggled and could be falling is Cody Barton, who is being outplayed by at least three of the Titans’ new linebacking corps, and it could push him onto shaky ground. This will definitely be something to watch as the Titans move into joint practices and the preseason.
In the secondary, Tennessee made some wholesale changes last week and is churning the roster in search of some more depth. One of those signees, Mario Goodrich, has come in and made plays early on, giving him a bit of a boost heading into Week 3.
Special teams
While punter Tommy Thompson and longsnapper Morgan Cox are set, the Titans may have to take a deep look at kickers. Joey Slye has struggled and looked shaky during the Blue & White scrimmage, sparking the coaching staff and front office to work out three kickers on Saturday. None were signed, but that doesn’t mean the Titans aren’t looking.
This week, as the team goes live against the San Francisco 49ers in a joint practice and preseason game, it will start to give a much clearer picture on the special teams and any player making a name for themselves on the units. For some bubble players, their performance will be the deciding factor in making the roster.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans training camp: Bubble watch headed into Week 3