The Tennessee Titans believe they may have something in 2024 NFL draft pick Jaylen Harrell.
The seventh-round selection, taken 252nd overall, has been a name that has consistently come up in training camp with his strong play on the field.
Harrell has taken advantage of extra playing time, with Harold Landry missing the start of camp with an illness.
During Landry’s absence, Harrell forced a fumble on Day 1 of camp. As the practices have stacked up, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher has been making his presence felt all over the field.
Harrell has quickly earned first-team reps in camp, and he is a player who could have a rotational role with the Titans this season.
“I think the one guy I have to single out who’s been fantastic is Jaylen Harrell,” Callahan said, via John Glennon of the Nashville Post. “He has come in and done everything right, and that’s a big step for a young player. He’s actually shown real ability to rush, and so again, he’s another player in live action [on Saturday against San Francisco], we’ll see if translates from what it’s looked like on the practice field.
“But I’ve been really impressed with what he’s done so far. He’s been physical as an outside linebacker, he’s shown rush ability, he’s made plays when he’s had opportunities to make plays. So everything about Jaylen has been really, really exciting. So, put him on the list of guys I’m excited to go watch play on Saturday.”
Harrell took measurable steps in his senior season with the Michigan Wolverines last year. The linebacker led the nation’s top-ranked defense in pressures (31), tackles for loss (10), and sacks (7.5) to go along with two forced fumbles and one pass deflection.
Simply put, he was a wrecking ball.
The scouting reports on Harrell coming out of college said that he was a straight-line rusher who lacked the ideal size for an every-down player. However, his play in camp thus far is the kind that commands playing time, and he will certainly get his fair share in preseason.
Perhaps more as well.
With Arden Key facing a suspension, Harrell could be looking at a bigger role. He was listed on the Titans depth chart as a third-string edge rusher behind Key and Rashad Weaver. However, the former is likely to miss the first six games, meaning reps are to be had.
The Titans believe they have the right guy for the job.
“He’s shown the ability to be a three-down outside linebacker,” Callahan said. “He can rush. He’s physical against the run. Those things have shown up. Now again, we’ll see, as it gets to different competition, what that looks like. But everything so far says he’s got the requisite skill set to play that role.”
