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A to Z Sports
As first week of Tennessee Titans OTAs wrap up, three underdogs to make the active roster emerging at practice
By Travis May,
24 days ago
The Tennessee Titans have wrapped up both rookie minicamp and their first week of official organized team activities (OTAs) as of Thursday, May 23rd. The new rookies, free agent signings, and returning talents have all begun to gel together. New head coach Brian Callahan and his staff have gotten an up close look at the vast majority of the roster already. So, what's next?
Over the course of the next three weeks the Titans still have ten more days of OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp, picking things back up next Tuesday after Memorial Day Weekend. But what underdogs to make the active roster are already emerging at practice? Three names stood out in particular to A to Z Sports staff and fellow local media members.
Jackson likely won't have a high snap count at wide receiver thanks to the signings of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, but his speed and YAC ability should come in handy from time to time. Despite being just a sixth round pick, there's a real chance he makes the final active roster if he proves to be valuable on both special teams and in certain offensive packages.
James Williams, Linebacker/Safety
James Williams actually played safety for much of his high school and college career, but will largely be playing linebacker for the Titans. When I spoke with him at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine this spring he was excited about proving his versatility to play both off-ball linebacker and safety at the next level.
He's going to take some time to get fully up to speed at linebacker this year, but he's put in work throughout rookie minicamp and OTAs so far. Here he is putting in some one-on-one work in the post below.
Williams nearly intercepted Malik Willis on Tuesday while in coverage against Bryce Oliver who is over six feet tall and 210 pounds. James Williams is long enough and big enough to out-physical larger receivers. And despite his lackluster NFL Combine times, his play speed is fast enough to stick with some shifty receivers too. If he continues to impress in practice he could certainly push for an active roster spot at linebacker.
Nick Vannett, Tight End
This ninth year veteran tight end is now on his seventh team as he joins the Tennessee Titans, but he's already impressing at OTAs. Nick Vannett connected with both Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis for receptions during 7-on-7 periods of practice this week, showing great versatility. While he hasn't been known to be a prolific receiver he has made some solid plays over the years (as you can see in the post below from his time in Denver)
Vannett offers prototypical size at 6'5", nearly 260 pounds, can block well, and should be the Titans' third tight end if he continues to impress throughout the summer.
General manager Ran Carthon's roster management down to the very last roster spot continues to impress. The Titans seem to have great competition and depth all over the roster.
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