The Tennessee Titans have wrapped up their second week of training camp and are progressing towards their first preseason contest. While it is still early, here's how I currently project the starting lineup to look.
Starting Offense Projections After Week 2 of Training Camp
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Quarterback: Cam Ward. The obvious player who will be the starting quarterback for the Titans is going to be Cam Ward. Not much to say about this one, as it's no shock or surprise.
Running Back: Tony Pollard. Following Week 2, this doesn't seem as secure as it may have been in the past. We may be seeing the regression of Pollard, which is the last thing the Titans want. However, he remains the starter on my list for now.
Wide Receivers: Carnell Tate, Elic Ayomanor, Wan'Dale Robinson (SLOT). Consistency is everything at the wide receiver position, and when it comes to the Titans, there isn't a group of wide receivers more consistent at camp right now. This will send Ridley to the bench.
Tight End: Gunnar Helm. No shock here. Many believe that Daniel Bellinger could get the start, but with the youth and balance of Helm, I believe it will be his job come Week 1.
Offensive Line:Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC Latham. The biggest change on the offensive line is Fernando Carmona getting the start at right guard. This isn't something many will predict, but each time that he has received first-team reps, he has looked solid.
Starting Defense Projections After Week 2 of Training Camp
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Interior Defensive Linemen: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers. This is the most secure group on the defense in my opinion. Simmons and Franklin-Myers are two elite pass rushers from the inside.
EDGEs: Jermaine Johnson II, Jacob Martin. This group will be great for pass rushing, as Jacob Martin has played to his strengths really well this camp. I am excited to see how he does as he continues to get work in.
Linebackers: Cedric Gray, Cody Barton. While it is easy to believe that Anthony Hill Jr. could be the player to take the charge, it does seem that Barton has adjusted well to the challenge as of recent. I wouldn't be shocked if he takes the starting gig.
Cornerbacks: Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, Marcus Harris (NCB). This is a great group compared to what the Titans have sent out on the field in the past. This group won't have much changing unless injuries happen.
Safeties: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr. Amani Hooker is the runaway favorite of mine to be the starting safety with Winston Jr. I believe this group will have some challenges during the season, but will be good enough to hold their own.
Starting Special Teams Projections After Week 2 of Training Camp
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Kicker: Joey Slye. Slye has struggled recently, but in my opinion, the cards haven't lined up to make a move for a different kicker.
Punter: Tommy Townsend. The Titans have their best punter since they moved on from Stonehouse. I believe this is a lock.
Long Snapper: Morgan Cox. The Titans will have a familiar face at long snapper, which will be key for the special teams this season.
Returner: Chimere Dike. Dike was a Pro Bowl returner a season ago, which gives the Titans no reason to change things up. He will be the returner yet again.
