Predicting the 2013 Titans Roster

Predicting the Titans 53 at this point in the offseason is completely and totally crazy. So of course I did it.

OFFENSE (24)

Quarterbacks (2)

Jake Locker and Ryan Fitzpatrick

Running Backs (5)

Halfbacks: Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene, Jalen Parmele and Darius Reynaud
Fullback: Quinn Johnson

Offensive Line (8)

Chance Warmack, Andy Levitre, Michael Roos, David Stewart, Byron Stingley, Fernado Velasco, Daniel Baldridge and Brian Schwenke

Wide Receivers (6)

Nate Washington, Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright, Damien Williams, Michael Preston and Kevin Walter

Tight End (3)

Craig Stevens, Delanie Walker, and Taylor Thompson

DEFENSE (26)

Defensive Line (9) 

Jurrell Casey, Sammie Lee Hill, Mike Martin, Kamerion Wimbley, Derrick Morgan, LeVar Edwards, Karl Klug, Antonio Johnson, and Ropati Pitoitua

Allergic to contact my hindparts

Linebackers (7)

Akeem Ayers, Zach Brown, Colin McCarthy, Zaviar Gooden, Moise Fokou, Tim Shaw and Greg Jones

Defensive Backs (10)

Cornerback (5)

Jason McCourty, Alterraun Verner, Coty Sensabaugh, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, and Khalid Wooten

Safety (5)

Bernard Pollard, George Wilson, Michael Griffin, Al Afalava and Damion Stafford

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Place Kicker (1)

Rob Bironas

Punter (1)

Brett Kern

Longsnapper (1)

Beau Brinkley

NOTES:

Competition is going to be very steep at all positions this year. I went a bit heavy on defense and was tempted to go heavier with 10 defensive linemen but I just couldn't justify it. The last defensive line position was hard to pick as well. I had previously picked Keyunta Dawson to make the roster.

It was hard to choose the last linebacker spot and Patrick Bailey has been a very good special teamer for the Titans. Greg Jones has some injury issues so its possible Bailey could take that last spot but if he is healthy I just think Jones is the better linebacker. 

Also, I think its very possible the last cornerback spot will be a battle between Verner, Wooten and Tommie Campbell. I like Campbell he was a guy I identified his first year in camp as a possible starter in the making but some really bad decisions on special teams has cost him. I also like Verner but I think it's fair to see he could be the odd man out here if he struggles with press coverage. I put Wooten on the roster based on special teams ability which of course will be key to whoever earns the spot.

It's possible the Titans could go 4 at safety and add another cornerback spot but they were so light at the position in 2012 I just find it hard to believe. Since they run 3 safety packages it makes sense to me to have 5 safeties. I struggled not putting Tracy Wilson on the roster and that back end spot is of course up for grabs. I chose Stafford simply due to his special teams ability where of course any guy will need to excel to take that spot. 

On offense, I just don't see the Titans carrying 3 quarterbacks this season even though Locker has an injury history. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a good backup and has been very durable in his career. I do expect the Titans will carry a quarterback on the practice squad who does what Locker and Fitzpatrick can do in the offense. As much as I like Rusty Smith he just doesn't fit the mold.

I picked Quinn Johnson as the fullback but he and Collin Mooney had a fierce battle in camp last year and Mooney ended up on the roster at the end of the season. That is a battle to watch again this year. I almost didn't put Reynaud on the roster in lieu of adding another defensive back but I don't see the Titans going into the season with 3 halfbacks (although Johnson and Mooney could do in a pinch).

On the offensive line, I chose Velasco and Baldridge for versatility. Velasco because he can play both guard and center while Baldridge can play either tackle position. I think this is a big year for Stingley, a guy who stood out in camp last year but didn't see much action. Mike Otto can play tackle and guard so its possible he sneaks in on the back end in lieu of another guy. 

Finally, I put Kevin Walter at the back end of the receiver list but I think its entirely possible a young receiver could take that spot. In fact, the back end of the receiver roster in my opinion is wide open. I would put the only sure picks as Washington, Wright and Hunter. While uber talented, I think Kenny Britt will have to earn a spot this year along with everyone else. 

Bonus Pix:

So, there you have it. Who would you choose for your Titans 53 man roster?