After going over the Titans’ offensive rookies on Monday, today we take a closer look at which defensive rookies to keep an eye on as training camp rapidly approaches.
The Titans’ defense looks very strong on paper, in particular when it comes to the top of the depth chart. Tennessee has a good mix of established playmakers and young talent all across the board.
However, to say the depth at several positions is questionable at best would be drastically underselling it.
As we noted in the offensive article earlier this week, the Titans used all of their draft picks on offense, which means this article is going to revolve around undrafted free agents who are looking to make a name for themselves.
Believe it or not, there are some very intriguing players on this list despite their status as undrafted free agents, so let’s not wait any longer and dive right into it.
DL TK McLendon
TK McLendon is an interesting player to keep an eye on throughout training camp. He’s a former tight end who didn’t convert to the defensive side of the ball until he transferred to Eastern Kentucky prior to the 2021 season.
Over his two seasons at EKU, McLendon played in a total of 21 games, totaling 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks, while also earning All-ASUN honors by the conclusion of his final season.
While the Eastern Kentucky product is still learning the position, Tennessee’s rookie defender has a ton of untapped potential, and it will now be up to the Titans to figure out how to unlock it.
The Titans severely lack quality depth on the defensive line, so the opportunity will be there for McLendon to grab a roster spot if he can grab the bull by the horns in training camp. If not, he’ll have a good shot at the practice squad.
OLB Caleb Murphy
The Ferris State product is arguably the most intriguing undrafted free-agent prospect that the Titans currently have. Murphy absolutely dominated his level of competition throughout his time at Ferris State.
During his final collegiate campaign, Murphy set an NCAA single-season record with 25.5 sacks, while also tying the NCAA record with 39 tackles for loss en route to helping his team win the D2 National Championship for the second consecutive season.
Expecting that type of production at the NFL level is wishful thinking, but the talent is obviously there. At the very least, you’d have to imagine he’s a prime practice squad candidate when it’s all said and done.
However, considering the depth options — or lack thereof — at EDGE, Murphy has a realistic chance to earn himself a spot on the team.
LB Otis Reese IV
Otis Reese IV is a hybrid defender who teeters on the line between a linebacker and safety. However, considering his size and skill set, Reese is probably better suited for the linebacker position going forward.
The Ole Miss product isn’t the most natural defender in coverage, but he can be a true tone-setter for a defense due to his fearlessness when it comes to delivering a big hit.
Reese still has a lot of work to do from a development and technical standpoint, but he’s another player who has tons of untapped potential if the team is willing to be patient through some growing pains that will likely occur early on in his career.
Tennessee’s talented young defender produced a total of 214 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery since the start of 2018.
CB Steven Jones Jr.
At the conclusion of the NFL Draft, Tennessee made Steven Jones Jr. a major priority in hopes of luring him to the team as an undrafted free agent. The Titans ultimately gave the former Appalachian State star pretty significant money for someone who wasn’t even drafted ($225k guaranteed).
That alone should tell you the Titans really wanted him in their camp, even if they may not have invested an actual draft pick on him. It’s also a good indication he has a real shot to make this roster.
Jones is a feisty and talented cornerback who isn’t going to back down from anybody despite being smaller than a lot of the guys he stands across (5-foot-9, 188 pounds).
The former Appalachian State star also happens to be a dynamic player once the ball is in his hands. Jones recorded six interceptions throughout his college career — four of which were returned for a touchdown. The Titans’ rookie defender has some limited experience with returning kicks, as well.
The Titans have invested a lot in the cornerback position in recent years, and as a result the group is quite crowded ahead of camp, but since the Titans’ new general manager doesn’t have any ties to most of the cornerbacks on the roster, it’s definitely not impossible for Jones to crack the roster.
Jones, who figures to end up on the practice squad if cut, produced an impressive 125 tackles, 27 passes defended, 8.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, four interception returns for touchdowns, and one sack.
S Tyreque Jones
The former Boise State standout is another versatile athlete who has the chance to carve a role for himself with a strong next couple of months.
Tyreque Jones doubled as a nickelback and safety during his time in college, but his best chance to stick around in Tennessee will probably be at the latter, especially when you consider Tennessee’s current depth at that particular position.
There isn’t anybody listed ahead of Jones who you can look at and immediately declare the favorite to land one of the reserve roles.
The former Boise State Bronco has good size and length for a defensive back (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), and he blends those natural physical traits with a tenacious attitude and fearless approach.
However, as is the case with all of these undrafted defenders, Jones’ best chance at securing a roster spot will likely depend on how reliable he is on special teams.
Over his six collegiate seasons, Jones tallied 157 tackles, 14 passes defended, 12 tackles for loss, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack.
More training camp content
5 players who could start camp on PUP list
Camp RB preview: Predicting what will happen
1 rookie to watch at each position: Offense
1 veteran on the bubble at each position: Defense
1 veteran on the bubble at each position: Offense
