Tennessee Titans training camp begins Tuesday, July 23rd. Thus another opportunity for players to make their mark on Tennessee’s decision makers and stake their claim to make the team’s 53-man roster. Every year, a handful of scrappy, undrafted players come out of nowhere to beat out established vets for roster spots. Who may it be this year? Let’s break it down.
DE Isaiah Iton
Isaiah Iton was not particularly productive in his three year college career, registering just one sack and four tackles-for-loss. However, there are reasons to be intrigued. Iton has an impressive build, standing at 6-foot-2, 277 pounds.
Additionally, the Rutgers’ alum tested extremely well in his pre-draft testing. He recorded 29 reps on the bench press, a 32.5” vertical, and a 9’3” broad jump.
Iton received first-team reps alongside 38th overall pick, T’Vondre Sweat, during Titans rookie camp.
Tennessee’s depth is thin upfront and with an impressive showing in training camp and the pre-season, the 22-year-old Iton could definitely crack the Titans roster.
RB Dillon Johnson
The Titans are set to feature an exciting 1-2 punch at the running back position this season, with Tony Pollard joining Tyjae Spears in Tennessee’s backfield.
However, there is set to be an open competition for a third spot. Candidates for this role includes Julius Chestnut, along with Hassan Haskins, Dillon Johnson, and Vols alum Jabari Small.
Chestnut, and Haskins are likely favorites given their experience in the organization and special team’s prowess. But there is definitely an opportunity for Johnson.
The 23-year-old was a key figure to a dominant Washington offense last season. A unit that led the Huskies to the National Championship game. Johnson racked up 1,195 rushing yards along with 16 touchdowns during a 2023 campaign, where he battled through significant lower-body injuries to be on the field.
Johnson presents a different type of back, than the aforementioned Pollard and Spears. The Titans list him as a sturdy, 5-foot-11, 217 pounds and the film backs it up. Johnson is not a premier athlete, but runs with thump and great vision.
With an impressive summer showing, there is a path for Dillon Johnson to crack the Titans 53-man roster.
CB Gabe Jeudy
Cornerback is one of, if not the Titans strongest cores. The team made huge additions in the form of L’Jarius Sneed and Chido Awuzie, who join impressive third year nickel, Roger McCreary.
Despite this, there is still a battle to be had as far as depth goes. One player who opened eyes at minicamp was Gabe Jeudy-Lally, who attended both Vanderbilt and Tennessee during his college career.
Jeudy made the most of his opportunities, with a couple of veterans missing time in minicamp. He drew compliments from Titans Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson, who likes his length and aggressiveness.
Wilson wasn’t the only prominent figure impressed by Jeudy, as new Titans star corner Chido Awuzie was complimentary of the rookie’s first impressions.
Jeudy will have to beat out the likes of Tre Avery, and likely have to contribute on special teams to cement his case.
G Cole Spencer
The Titans underwent a transformation of the offensive line this off-season, adding JC Latham, Lloyd Cushenberry III, and Saahdiq Charles among others. An under-the-radar addition was undrafted guard, Cole Spencer.
Tennessee did a lot of homework on Spencer, including a private workout with offensive line guru Bill Callahan. The Titans followed up their extensive research by giving Spencer the richest undrafted deal the team gave out this year.
Spencer is on the older side of rookies, at 25-years-old. Spencer spent seven years in college, playing for Western Kentucky and Texas Tech. He dealt with multiple injuries, which prolonged his collegiate career.
Spencer put his name on the NFL map, when he registered a whopping 9.43 Relative Athletic Score.
Cole Spencer faces a lot of competition for one of Tennessee’s reserve line spots, but he has clearly peaked the interest of Titans’ coaches. With an impressive showing, he could find himself on the team’s week one roster.
