Biggest Winners and Losers of the Titans 2024 Offseason
The Titans wrapped up offseason activities this week, as the team will now take a lengthy summer break before returning to the practice in late July for training camp. With Tennessee's offseason program ending, let's take a look at the winners and losers of the Titans' 2024 offseason based on the acquisitions the team made in the spring and performance in mandatory minicamp.
Winner: QB Will Levis
Levis' supporting cast was dreadful last season, as the former Kentucky standout had an abysmal offensive line and just one viable wide receiver. This offseason, general manager Ran Carthon made sure to protect and supply his young signal caller, as he acquired wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry, Saahdiq Charles, and JC Latham, and running back Tony Pollard. Levis will now have a chance to prove that he is Tennessee's long-term answer at the quarterback position in 2024.
Winner: OT JC Latham
The Titans selected Latham with the seventh pick in April's draft in hopes of solving their left tackle crisis. Though it is still incredibly early, Latham's performance in mandatory minicamp was nothing shy of excellent. The 6-foot-6, 342-pound offensive tackle improved his technique on the sleds each and every day at practice and continued to show off his raw power. If the former Alabama standout can provide adequate left tackle play for the Titans this season, Tennessee has a good chance of having a productive offense in 2024.
Loser: OL Daniel Brunskill
The Titans brought in Saahdiq Charles through free agency in March, and initially, the signing was viewed as quality depth. But after Charles' performance in mandatory minicamp, it's clear that the former LSU Tiger is the favorite to be the starting right guard. Charles fits what offensive line coach Bill Callahan prefers in an interior offensive lineman as the 24-year-old plays with immense power and has the size advantage over the smaller Brunskill. Though he was one of Tennessee's best offensive linemen in 2023, it is extremely unlikely that Brunskill will have a starting role on the Titans' offensive line this season.
Winner: DB Elijah Molden
After the draft, general manager Ran Carthon stated that the Titans would inquire about the veteran free-agent safety market. As of June 15th, Tennessee hasn't signed a safety or even scheduled a visit with one. With no safety move imminent at the moment, Elijah Molden is set to start in the backend alongside Amani Hooker. The 25-year-old started eight games last season and allowed an 81.7 passer rating when targeted. Molden also had 16 defensive stops and scored a 66.1 run-defense grade.
Loser: OT Jaelyn Duncan
Duncan had a rough rookie season in 2023, surrendering nine sacks and 36 QB pressures in just 207 pass-blocking snaps. Duncan wasn't much better in the run game, as he scored a 41.5 run-blocking grade. The former sixth-round pick will be fighting for a roster spot in training camp next month, as he will be competing with Leroy Watson, Geron Christian, and John Ojukwu for depth roles. With Watson and Christian having familiarity with Bill Callahan and John Ojukwu performing well in mandatory minicamp, Duncan has a ton of ground to gain in training camp to give himself a chance to crack the 53-man roster.
Winner: CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally
Making the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent is a daunting task, but cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally is off to an impressive start. The former Tennessee Volunteer was one of the biggest standouts at mandatory minicamp and took advantage of increased opportunity with the absence of L'Jarius Sneed. Jeudy-Lally's 6-foot-2 frame and ability to contribute on special teams could catapult him into a 53-man roster spot, but obviously, his performance in training camp will decide his fate.
Winner: CB Roger McCreary
McCreary quietly had a breakout season in 2023, establishing himself as one of the better slot corners in the NFL. The 24-year-old snagged one interception, posted a 72.2 coverage grade, and allowed an 87.3 passer rating when targeted last season. With the acquisition of L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, McCreary will now primarily operate in the slot where he is best suited to play. The former second-round pick could take another leap in 2024.
Losers: WRs Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips
Burks and Philips have had similar starts to their NFL careers, as both have dealt with numerous injuries and underperformed on the field. With the acquisitions of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, the pair's roles on the team in 2024 will be drastically different compared to last year. Burks will have to earn every single offensive rep and be a contributor on special teams if he wants to see the field. On the other hand, Kyle Philips will battle for a roster spot in training camp with rookie Jha'Quan Jackson. The former UCLA Bruin could be in trouble if Jackson impresses in camp and Brian Callahan and Ran Carthon decide to keep six wide receivers. Just a year ago, both were considered high-potential players who could be difference-makers in the future. Now, one will fight to see any type of playing time, and one will fight to stay on the roster.
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