Somehow, the only rookie from the 2022 Chiefs draft cla s not on the final 53-man roster is Nazeeh Johnson (who was signed to the practice squad).Those nine rookies earning their roster spots is quite an incredible achievement for the Chiefs ten-player draft cla s. Whether these rookies made the roster due to the team's overall roster being weak in a retooling year or whether the rookies are remains to be seen but considering New York Giants Jersey how well-regarded the cla s was around the NFL, optimism should be high.While expectations for the whole group are high, what should expectations be for each individual player heading into the year? What would be considered a good year? In part one of this series, let's go over the Day One and Day Two draftees.It's odd to think this about the first draft pick of a draft cla s, especially one a team traded up for, but so far. Since the day he was drafted, he'sbeen penciled in as a starting cornerback but the question was he would play. Would he be on the outside full-time or slide inside as a nickel? So far, it seems that McDuffie will stay outside and L'Jarius Sneed will play as the nickel cornerback.With his spot on defense secured, a good rookie season for McDuffie is clear: continue to fly under the radar. He was never a huge turnover-causer in college and his play was built on running routes the wide receiver." The le s McDuffies name is called this year, the better. If he can pair that with an interception or two and solid perimeter tackling, he will live up to his draft billing.George Karlaftis, who seemed to enjoy the nickname ," has had hype surrounding him this preseason. He recorded two sacks in the preseason and showed off other skills that were the reason he was a first-round pick. Jabrill Peppers Jersey Karlaftis will be playing this year in an edge rusher room with some depth, but also a lot of opportunities for him to prove himself. He should be a heavy rotational player along with Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap and Mike Danna. It stands to reason that Karlaftis should play around half the total snaps for the defense this year.Scroll to ContinueIf Karlaftis does play at that clip for the whole season, expectations should be managed. Rookie edge rushers, for the most part, do not rack up sack numbers and take a while to adjust to the NFL. A season with five sacks and some splash plays should be seen as a good year.Being a wide receiver drafted by the Chiefs after the team trades away Tyreek Hill will always bring a fair amount of expectations. Skyy Moore has been under the microscope the entire offseason from the moment the Chiefs picked him. The results have been lukewarm, but not negative. Moore has shown in spurts what kind of a talent he is, but there has been no real blow-up point yet.The history of Chiefs rookie wide receivers, as well as Moores skillset overlapping with JuJu Smith-Schuster, could lead to a somewhat quiet year for the rookie. Due to that, a year with around 650 yards and a couple of touchdowns where he flashes his skills as a route runner and dependable target should be considered a good year.Bryan Aldrick Rosas Jersey Cook steps into an interesting position during his rookie year. Cook might out-snap the two players picked ahead of him due to how the Chiefs were run the last few years. Daniel Sorensen, the third safety by snap percentage, played 62% of the snaps on the Chiefs' defense last year. If that number holds, it seems that Cook would get these snaps. Even if the Chiefs' defense doesn't operate exactly like last year, Cook should see the field a fair bit if he has earned that role.The main reason Cook was drafted was to be a sure tackler around the line of scrimmage and in the middle of the field. If he can tackle soundly, unlike some Chiefs safeties last year, grow as a player as the season goes along, his rookie campaign should be considered succe sful.Linebackers that lay the wood will always have quite the buzz about them, and Leo Chenal is no different. Chenal has been surrounded by an aura that oozes football since he was drafted. In reality, his position on the defense is not actually secured. Elijah Lee seems to have earned the SAM linebacker role ahead of Chenal Kareem Martin Jersey for now. Due to this, the Chiefs played Chenal at MIKE linebacker late into preseason games so he could po sibly fill in for starter Nick Bolton if he gets injured.With his path to a starting spot being occupied by another player, for now, not much should be expected of Chenal. He could be used as a situational blitzer, but that's the extent of his role on defense until he actually earns playing time at SAM linebacker. Expectations for Chenal should primarily be focused on 2023.
Somehow, the only rookie from the 2022 Chiefs draft cla s not on the final 53-man roster is Nazeeh Johnson (who was signed to the practice squad).Those nine rookies earning their roster spots is quite an incredible achievement for the Chiefs ten-player draft cla s. Whether these rookies made the roster due to the team’s overall roster being weak in a retooling year or whether the rookies are remains to be seen but considering New York Giants Jersey how well-regarded the cla s was around the NFL, optimism should be high.While expectations for the whole group are high, what should expectations be for each individual player heading into the year? What would be considered a good year? In part one of this series, let’s go over the Day One and Day Two draftees.It’s odd to think this about the first draft pick of a draft cla s, especially one a team traded up for, but so far. Since the day he was drafted, he’sbeen penciled in as a starting cornerback but the question was he would play. Would he be on the outside full-time or slide inside as a nickel? So far, it seems that McDuffie will stay outside and L’Jarius Sneed will play as the nickel cornerback.With his spot on defense secured, a good rookie season for McDuffie is clear: continue to fly under the radar. He was never a huge turnover-causer in college and his play was built on running routes the wide receiver.” The le s McDuffies name is called this year, the better. If he can pair that with an interception or two and solid perimeter tackling, he will live up to his draft billing.George Karlaftis, who seemed to enjoy the nickname ,” has had hype surrounding him this preseason. He recorded two sacks in the preseason and showed off other skills that were the reason he was a first-round pick. Jabrill Peppers Jersey Karlaftis will be playing this year in an edge rusher room with some depth, but also a lot of opportunities for him to prove himself. He should be a heavy rotational player along with Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap and Mike Danna. It stands to reason that Karlaftis should play around half the total snaps for the defense this year.Scroll to ContinueIf Karlaftis does play at that clip for the whole season, expectations should be managed. Rookie edge rushers, for the most part, do not rack up sack numbers and take a while to adjust to the NFL. A season with five sacks and some splash plays should be seen as a good year.Being a wide receiver drafted by the Chiefs after the team trades away Tyreek Hill will always bring a fair amount of expectations. Skyy Moore has been under the microscope the entire offseason from the moment the Chiefs picked him. The results have been lukewarm, but not negative. Moore has shown in spurts what kind of a talent he is, but there has been no real blow-up point yet.The history of Chiefs rookie wide receivers, as well as Moores skillset overlapping with JuJu Smith-Schuster, could lead to a somewhat quiet year for the rookie. Due to that, a year with around 650 yards and a couple of touchdowns where he flashes his skills as a route runner and dependable target should be considered a good year.Bryan Aldrick Rosas Jersey Cook steps into an interesting position during his rookie year. Cook might out-snap the two players picked ahead of him due to how the Chiefs were run the last few years. Daniel Sorensen, the third safety by snap percentage, played 62% of the snaps on the Chiefs’ defense last year. If that number holds, it seems that Cook would get these snaps. Even if the Chiefs’ defense doesn’t operate exactly like last year, Cook should see the field a fair bit if he has earned that role.The main reason Cook was drafted was to be a sure tackler around the line of scrimmage and in the middle of the field. If he can tackle soundly, unlike some Chiefs safeties last year, grow as a player as the season goes along, his rookie campaign should be considered succe sful.Linebackers that lay the wood will always have quite the buzz about them, and Leo Chenal is no different. Chenal has been surrounded by an aura that oozes football since he was drafted. In reality, his position on the defense is not actually secured. Elijah Lee seems to have earned the SAM linebacker role ahead of Chenal Kareem Martin Jersey for now. Due to this, the Chiefs played Chenal at MIKE linebacker late into preseason games so he could po sibly fill in for starter Nick Bolton if he gets injured.With his path to a starting spot being occupied by another player, for now, not much should be expected of Chenal. He could be used as a situational blitzer, but that’s the extent of his role on defense until he actually earns playing time at SAM linebacker. Expectations for Chenal should primarily be focused on 2023.…
According to ESPN reporter Field Yates, the New Orleans Saints have placed WR Michael Thomas and DE Marcus Davenport on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin training camp. They may activate either player from the PUP Jake Elliott Jersey list at any point during training camp or the preseason. If a player starts the regular season on the PUP list, then they are unable to play or practice for the first six weeks of the year. Both Thomas and Davenport are rehabbing injuries and should be cleared for participation fairly soon, barring setbacks. Thomas, 29, has mi sed 26 of the last 33 games with a serious ankle injury. He mi sed all of last season after surgery on the ankle, which was hurt in the 2020 season opener. New Orleans selected Thomas in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Thomas has 510 receptions for 5,950 yards and 32 touchdowns over his five-year career. He had at least 92 catches and 1,100 yards in each of his first four seasons, including a league-best 1,725 yards and an NFL-record 149 receptions in 2019.Without Thomas Tommy McDonald Jersey in 2021, the Saints plummeted to dead last in the NFL in pa sing yardage and 28th in total offense. New Orleans drafted Ohio State WR Chris Olave with a first-round choice and signed Pro Bowl WR Jarvis Landry this offseason.Davenport, who turns 26 on September 4, came to the Saints in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has Harold Carmichael Jersey 21 sacks, 81 QB pre sures, 23 tackles for lo s, and 7 forced fumbles over his four years in the league. Durability has been an i sue for Davenport throughout his career. Hes mi sed 20 games with various injuries in four years, including seven contests Shareef Miller Jersey with a knee injury in 2021. Despite appearing in just 11 games last season, Davenport recorded a career-best 9 sacks, 21 pre sures, and 9 tackles for lo s among 39 total stops. Scroll to ContinueThe Saints picked up Davenport's fifth-year option on his rookie contract, but he is currently scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season.The Saints also placed rookie WR/kick returner Rashid Shaheed on the non-football injury list (NFI) earlier this week. Shaheed is rehabbing a knee injury that sidelined him during mini-camp last month.
According to ESPN reporter Field Yates, the New Orleans Saints have placed WR Michael Thomas and DE Marcus Davenport on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin training camp. They may activate either player from the PUP Jake Elliott Jersey list at any point during training camp or the preseason. If a player starts the regular season on the PUP list, then they are unable to play or practice for the first six weeks of the year. Both Thomas and Davenport are rehabbing injuries and should be cleared for participation fairly soon, barring setbacks. Thomas, 29, has mi sed 26 of the last 33 games with a serious ankle injury. He mi sed all of last season after surgery on the ankle, which was hurt in the 2020 season opener. New Orleans selected Thomas in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Thomas has 510 receptions for 5,950 yards and 32 touchdowns over his five-year career. He had at least 92 catches and 1,100 yards in each of his first four seasons, including a league-best 1,725 yards and an NFL-record 149 receptions in 2019.Without Thomas Tommy McDonald Jersey in 2021, the Saints plummeted to dead last in the NFL in pa sing yardage and 28th in total offense. New Orleans drafted Ohio State WR Chris Olave with a first-round choice and signed Pro Bowl WR Jarvis Landry this offseason.Davenport, who turns 26 on September 4, came to the Saints in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has Harold Carmichael Jersey 21 sacks, 81 QB pre sures, 23 tackles for lo s, and 7 forced fumbles over his four years in the league. Durability has been an i sue for Davenport throughout his career. Hes mi sed 20 games with various injuries in four years, including seven contests Shareef Miller Jersey with a knee injury in 2021. Despite appearing in just 11 games last season, Davenport recorded a career-best 9 sacks, 21 pre sures, and 9 tackles for lo s among 39 total stops. Scroll to ContinueThe Saints picked up Davenport’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract, but he is currently scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season.The Saints also placed rookie WR/kick returner Rashid Shaheed on the non-football injury list (NFI) earlier this week. Shaheed is rehabbing a knee injury that sidelined him during mini-camp last month.…
Running back Najee Harris has made quite the career for himself at Alabama not only for his on-field accolades, but also for the way he interacted with media.And, apparently, Crimson Tide fans.The 2020 Doak Walker Award winner and unanimous All-America selection said he has occasionally trolled Alabama fans with the two words they most dread hearing. He revealed as much in a Wednesday interview Tyler Clippard Jersey with "The Pat McAfee Show":"I know it's a thing of saying 'Roll Tide' there," Harris said. "But, goddamn, Anthony Gose Jersey sometimes when I'm just getting food ... 'Roll Tide. Roll Tide, Najee.' I'll be like, 'Bro, just let me eat my food.' Sometimes I just like joking around with people a lot of times they'll say, 'Roll Tide, Najee.' And I'll be like, 'Well War Eagle.'"MORE: Harris' revelation emphasized Southern accent and all drew a shocked response from McAfee, but he was regardle s hilarious in his telling of the story:Coming from Cali had some surprises coming to the & "I knew that football was taken seriously there but I did not know the fans would be that damn crazy" Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) It's true that Harris, who hails from Antioch, Calif., hasn't embraced the Crimson Tide's traditions and rivalries as much as some of his teammates. Here's another instance when he completely downplayed the Tide's most important Justin Verlander Jersey rival:Alabama fans will probably forgive Harris, considering he has 3,843 career rushing yards, 781 career receiving yards and 57 touchdowns from scrimmage over his four-year career. He also played significant roles in the team' Hector Rondon Jersey s national championship-winning seasons in 2017 and '20.Harris had several notable interactions with media in 2020, such as when he who covered him in high school and had a to the claim that he "effortle sly" ran through Ohio State's defense in the 2021 College Football Playoff championship game.All facets to the personality Alabama fans have grown to love even with his occasional call of "War Eagle."
Running back Najee Harris has made quite the career for himself at Alabama not only for his on-field accolades, but also for the way he interacted with media.And, apparently, Crimson Tide fans.The 2020 Doak Walker Award winner and unanimous All-America selection said he has occasionally trolled Alabama fans with the two words they most dread hearing. He revealed as much in a Wednesday interview Tyler Clippard Jersey with “The Pat McAfee Show”:”I know it’s a thing of saying ‘Roll Tide’ there,” Harris said. “But, goddamn, Anthony Gose Jersey sometimes when I’m just getting food … ‘Roll Tide. Roll Tide, Najee.’ I’ll be like, ‘Bro, just let me eat my food.’ Sometimes I just like joking around with people a lot of times they’ll say, ‘Roll Tide, Najee.’ And I’ll be like, ‘Well War Eagle.'”MORE: Harris’ revelation emphasized Southern accent and all drew a shocked response from McAfee, but he was regardle s hilarious in his telling of the story:Coming from Cali had some surprises coming to the & “I knew that football was taken seriously there but I did not know the fans would be that damn crazy” Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) It’s true that Harris, who hails from Antioch, Calif., hasn’t embraced the Crimson Tide’s traditions and rivalries as much as some of his teammates. Here’s another instance when he completely downplayed the Tide’s most important Justin Verlander Jersey rival:Alabama fans will probably forgive Harris, considering he has 3,843 career rushing yards, 781 career receiving yards and 57 touchdowns from scrimmage over his four-year career. He also played significant roles in the team’ Hector Rondon Jersey s national championship-winning seasons in 2017 and ’20.Harris had several notable interactions with media in 2020, such as when he who covered him in high school and had a to the claim that he “effortle sly” ran through Ohio State’s defense in the 2021 College Football Playoff championship game.All facets to the personality Alabama fans have grown to love even with his occasional call of “War Eagle.”…
Anthony Barr was around for the entire Mike Zimmer era in Minnesota. Now, with Zimmer gone, he's headed elsewhere too.Barr has signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple reports. After eight seasons with the Vikings, Alex Rodriguez Jersey he'll play with another team for the first time in 2022. Of note: the Vikings host the Cowboys in Week 11 this year (November 20th).As the Vikings' first draft pick No. 9 overall out of UCLA when the Zimmer era began back in 2014, Barr had a strong run in Minnesota. He started all 98 games he played, made four straight Pro Bowls from 2015-18 and racked Brian Roberts Jersey up 39 tackles for lo s, 17.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, five interceptions, and 31 pa s breakups.As a rookie, Barr won a game for the Vikings when he forced, recovered, and returned a fumble for a touchdown in overtime against the Buccaneers. He had his best season in 2015, recording career highs in PFF grade (90.1), pre sures (27), forced fumbles (3), and pa ses defended (7). Barr was somewhat inconsistent at times, but he remained a huge part of Zimmer's defense that was so succe sful from 2015 to 2019. He was never quite used as a pa s rusher as much as he was in college, but he was a strong run defender and blitzer who Zimmer used in a variety of ways along with Eric Kendricks.Barr was also a prominent figure in the Twin Cities community with Derek Jeter Jersey his "Raise the Barr" foundation that helps fund single parents pursuing their education.Scroll to ContinueInjuries may have contributed to the end of Barr's Vikings career. His 2020 season ended in Week 2 due to a pectoral tear, and knee i sues cost him six games last season.Now Barr will play for a team other than the Vikings for the first time. He famously almost signed with the Jets in the 2019 offseason, but changed his mind and re-signed with the Vikings.Barr should have a chance to see plenty of action for the Cowboys alongside linebackers Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch. He'll be reunited with former Vikings teammate Jayron Kearse and former defensive coordinator George Edwards.The Vikings Joe DiMaggio Jersey signed veteran LB Jordan Hicks this offseason to replace Barr as their inside linebacker next to Kendricks.
Anthony Barr was around for the entire Mike Zimmer era in Minnesota. Now, with Zimmer gone, he’s headed elsewhere too.Barr has signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple reports. After eight seasons with the Vikings, Alex Rodriguez Jersey he’ll play with another team for the first time in 2022. Of note: the Vikings host the Cowboys in Week 11 this year (November 20th).As the Vikings’ first draft pick No. 9 overall out of UCLA when the Zimmer era began back in 2014, Barr had a strong run in Minnesota. He started all 98 games he played, made four straight Pro Bowls from 2015-18 and racked Brian Roberts Jersey up 39 tackles for lo s, 17.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, five interceptions, and 31 pa s breakups.As a rookie, Barr won a game for the Vikings when he forced, recovered, and returned a fumble for a touchdown in overtime against the Buccaneers. He had his best season in 2015, recording career highs in PFF grade (90.1), pre sures (27), forced fumbles (3), and pa ses defended (7). Barr was somewhat inconsistent at times, but he remained a huge part of Zimmer’s defense that was so succe sful from 2015 to 2019. He was never quite used as a pa s rusher as much as he was in college, but he was a strong run defender and blitzer who Zimmer used in a variety of ways along with Eric Kendricks.Barr was also a prominent figure in the Twin Cities community with Derek Jeter Jersey his “Raise the Barr” foundation that helps fund single parents pursuing their education.Scroll to ContinueInjuries may have contributed to the end of Barr’s Vikings career. His 2020 season ended in Week 2 due to a pectoral tear, and knee i sues cost him six games last season.Now Barr will play for a team other than the Vikings for the first time. He famously almost signed with the Jets in the 2019 offseason, but changed his mind and re-signed with the Vikings.Barr should have a chance to see plenty of action for the Cowboys alongside linebackers Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch. He’ll be reunited with former Vikings teammate Jayron Kearse and former defensive coordinator George Edwards.The Vikings Joe DiMaggio Jersey signed veteran LB Jordan Hicks this offseason to replace Barr as their inside linebacker next to Kendricks.…
NASHVILLE Only days before the start of the NFLs free-agency period opens, plenty of questions remain about which members of the Tenne see Titans 2021 roster will be around when the team begins offseason work next month.It would be hard to find a position room with more potential for change than the offensive line.The Titans 33-year-old left guard Rodger Saffold and created $10.4 million in salary-cap room. Saffold had started 46 of 49 games for the Titans over the Ilya Samsonov Jersey past three seasons. But in addition to sitting out two full contests last season, Saffold mi sed significant portions of five other contests with injuries. He also allowed eight quarterback hits last season, per Pro Football Focus, Saffolds highest total since his rookie season of 2010.So, what does the Titans starting offensive line look like at this point?And what might it look like by next Wednesday, when the Titans can begin signing free agents?Heres a position-by-position analysis:LEFT TACKLE Starter if season began tomorrow: Taylor Lewan Why it might stay that way: The 30-year-old Lewan has held down the left side of the line for eight seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors from 2016-18. He had a bad start to 2021 upon returning from ACL surgery but improved as the season went on. His cap hit for 2022 is a big one at $14.7 million. But thats actually 12th-highest among left tackles in 2022, per Spotrac, so relatively speaking, its not an outrageous sum. The Titans could restructure the deal and save $5.9 million in 2022 cap space, per OverTheCap. The Titans next left tackle isnt on the roster at present, so releasing Lewan would turn that position into an immediate high-priority need either in free agency or the draft.Why it might change: The Titans could save $12.9 million against the cap by releasing Lewan, money that could be used to purchase other free agents or help extend current roster players. Though he did improve after a rough start last season, his Pro Football Focus grades overall offense (70.5), pa s-blocking (71.1) and run-blocking (64.0) were all the second-lowest of his career. He allowed four sacks and 22 quarterback pre sures, the highest hed given up in each category since 2017. Lewan has also mi sed 19 of a po sible 49 regular season starts over the past three seasons because of injury, 11 due to the ACL.LEFT GUARDStarter if season began tomorrow: Aaron BrewerWhy it might stay that way: Brewer was the next man up at this spot last season, starting both games Saffold mi sed. He saw at least 30 offensive snaps in eight games last season, so its clear theres an element of trust with the versatile Lars Eller Jersey Brewer. He totaled 252 snaps at left guard and 209 at right guard, earning a 62.6 PFF run-blocking grade.Scroll to ContinueWhy it might change: Just because Brewer is a valuable reserve doesnt mean he should be the next starter. The 2020 undrafted free agent is a hustler and a battler, but at 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, is at times overmatched by bigger defenders. That showed particularly in pa s protection, as Brewer surrendered six sacks and posted a PFF pa s-blocking grade of just 48.7. There is a chance 2021 second-round draft pick Dillon Radunz winds up starting at this position, even though he was drafted to play right tackle. But Titans coach Mike Vrabel said at the NFL Combine that Radunz isnt ready to start at this point, so it would be no surprise at all to see the Titans seek a future starter in the draft or through free agency.CENTER Starter if season began tomorrow: Ben Jones Why it might stay that way: Theres plenty to like about Jones, beginning with his durability a hes started 96 of a po sible 97 games during his six seasons with the Titans. Jones has earned repeated praise Nic Dowd Jersey for his intelligence, leadership and toughne s in the middle of the teams offensive line. Jones 79.9 run-block grade last season, per PFF, was the highest of his 10-year career. His overall offensive grades for the last three seasons 76.4 in 2021, 78.6 in 2020 and 79.3 in 2019 have been the three highest of his career.Why it might change: Jones is a pending unrestricted free agent. So, unle s he and the Titans agree on a new deal before Monday, he will be able to test the market and po sibly sign with another on Wednesday. How much are the Titans prepared to commit in terms of years and money on a potential new deal with the 32-year-old Jones? Thats the question that needs to be answered. Jones wasnt as good pa s-blocking as run-blocking last season. Per PFF, he allowed 26 quarterback pre sures in 2021 four more than his previous two seasons combined and his 66.3 pa s-blocking grade was Jones lowest since 2013.RIGHT GUARDStarter if season began tomorrow: Nate DavisWhy it might stay that way: Ever since stepping into the lineup early in his 2019 rookie season, Davis has been entrenched as the starter here. He has played in 30 of a potential 33 regular-season games over the past two seasons, mi sing three last year due to a concu sion. Hes been a reliable run blocker the past two seasons, mobile and strong enough to succeed well in the teams zone schemes.Why it might change: Theres Nathan Walker Jersey really not much reason to believe a change is in the works at this position, even though Davis appeared to take a step back in the developmental proce s last season. He allowed five sacks in 2021, up from two in 2020, and posted a PFF pa s-blocking grade of just 49.5. Part of the reason for Davis regre sion may have been the fact his training camp was limited due to injury. The Titans hope Davis charts back upward again next season.RIGHT TACKLEStarter if season began tomorrow: David Que senberryWhy it might stay that way: Que senberry wasnt nece sarily expected to start in 2021, but emerged the victor in the battle for the position and wound up starting all 17 games. Vrabel has always loved the enthusiasm and competitivene s of Que senberry, even more so when he played so much in 2021. Que senberrys forte is the zone-blocking run game, which works well for the Titans. His PFF run-blocking grade last season was 86.5 in 2021, sixth-highest among all NFL tackles.Why it might change: Que senberry was not nearly as proficient in the pa s-blocking department as he was in the running game. Per PFF, he surrendered 11 sacks, most among NFL tackles, and his 12 quarterback hits allowed were tied for second-most among tackles. Que senberry is a pending restricted free agent, which means the Titans can control whether he returns or not and at what price. But does the team look at hi
NASHVILLE Only days before the start of the NFLs free-agency period opens, plenty of questions remain about which members of the Tenne see Titans 2021 roster will be around when the team begins offseason work next month.It would be hard to find a position room with more potential for change than the offensive line.The Titans 33-year-old left guard Rodger Saffold and created $10.4 million in salary-cap room. Saffold had started 46 of 49 games for the Titans over the Ilya Samsonov Jersey past three seasons. But in addition to sitting out two full contests last season, Saffold mi sed significant portions of five other contests with injuries. He also allowed eight quarterback hits last season, per Pro Football Focus, Saffolds highest total since his rookie season of 2010.So, what does the Titans starting offensive line look like at this point?And what might it look like by next Wednesday, when the Titans can begin signing free agents?Heres a position-by-position analysis:LEFT TACKLE Starter if season began tomorrow: Taylor Lewan Why it might stay that way: The 30-year-old Lewan has held down the left side of the line for eight seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors from 2016-18. He had a bad start to 2021 upon returning from ACL surgery but improved as the season went on. His cap hit for 2022 is a big one at $14.7 million. But thats actually 12th-highest among left tackles in 2022, per Spotrac, so relatively speaking, its not an outrageous sum. The Titans could restructure the deal and save $5.9 million in 2022 cap space, per OverTheCap. The Titans next left tackle isnt on the roster at present, so releasing Lewan would turn that position into an immediate high-priority need either in free agency or the draft.Why it might change: The Titans could save $12.9 million against the cap by releasing Lewan, money that could be used to purchase other free agents or help extend current roster players. Though he did improve after a rough start last season, his Pro Football Focus grades overall offense (70.5), pa s-blocking (71.1) and run-blocking (64.0) were all the second-lowest of his career. He allowed four sacks and 22 quarterback pre sures, the highest hed given up in each category since 2017. Lewan has also mi sed 19 of a po sible 49 regular season starts over the past three seasons because of injury, 11 due to the ACL.LEFT GUARDStarter if season began tomorrow: Aaron BrewerWhy it might stay that way: Brewer was the next man up at this spot last season, starting both games Saffold mi sed. He saw at least 30 offensive snaps in eight games last season, so its clear theres an element of trust with the versatile Lars Eller Jersey Brewer. He totaled 252 snaps at left guard and 209 at right guard, earning a 62.6 PFF run-blocking grade.Scroll to ContinueWhy it might change: Just because Brewer is a valuable reserve doesnt mean he should be the next starter. The 2020 undrafted free agent is a hustler and a battler, but at 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, is at times overmatched by bigger defenders. That showed particularly in pa s protection, as Brewer surrendered six sacks and posted a PFF pa s-blocking grade of just 48.7. There is a chance 2021 second-round draft pick Dillon Radunz winds up starting at this position, even though he was drafted to play right tackle. But Titans coach Mike Vrabel said at the NFL Combine that Radunz isnt ready to start at this point, so it would be no surprise at all to see the Titans seek a future starter in the draft or through free agency.CENTER Starter if season began tomorrow: Ben Jones Why it might stay that way: Theres plenty to like about Jones, beginning with his durability a hes started 96 of a po sible 97 games during his six seasons with the Titans. Jones has earned repeated praise Nic Dowd Jersey for his intelligence, leadership and toughne s in the middle of the teams offensive line. Jones 79.9 run-block grade last season, per PFF, was the highest of his 10-year career. His overall offensive grades for the last three seasons 76.4 in 2021, 78.6 in 2020 and 79.3 in 2019 have been the three highest of his career.Why it might change: Jones is a pending unrestricted free agent. So, unle s he and the Titans agree on a new deal before Monday, he will be able to test the market and po sibly sign with another on Wednesday. How much are the Titans prepared to commit in terms of years and money on a potential new deal with the 32-year-old Jones? Thats the question that needs to be answered. Jones wasnt as good pa s-blocking as run-blocking last season. Per PFF, he allowed 26 quarterback pre sures in 2021 four more than his previous two seasons combined and his 66.3 pa s-blocking grade was Jones lowest since 2013.RIGHT GUARDStarter if season began tomorrow: Nate DavisWhy it might stay that way: Ever since stepping into the lineup early in his 2019 rookie season, Davis has been entrenched as the starter here. He has played in 30 of a potential 33 regular-season games over the past two seasons, mi sing three last year due to a concu sion. Hes been a reliable run blocker the past two seasons, mobile and strong enough to succeed well in the teams zone schemes.Why it might change: Theres Nathan Walker Jersey really not much reason to believe a change is in the works at this position, even though Davis appeared to take a step back in the developmental proce s last season. He allowed five sacks in 2021, up from two in 2020, and posted a PFF pa s-blocking grade of just 49.5. Part of the reason for Davis regre sion may have been the fact his training camp was limited due to injury. The Titans hope Davis charts back upward again next season.RIGHT TACKLEStarter if season began tomorrow: David Que senberryWhy it might stay that way: Que senberry wasnt nece sarily expected to start in 2021, but emerged the victor in the battle for the position and wound up starting all 17 games. Vrabel has always loved the enthusiasm and competitivene s of Que senberry, even more so when he played so much in 2021. Que senberrys forte is the zone-blocking run game, which works well for the Titans. His PFF run-blocking grade last season was 86.5 in 2021, sixth-highest among all NFL tackles.Why it might change: Que senberry was not nearly as proficient in the pa s-blocking department as he was in the running game. Per PFF, he surrendered 11 sacks, most among NFL tackles, and his 12 quarterback hits allowed were tied for second-most among tackles. Que senberry is a pending restricted free agent, which means the Titans can control whether he returns or not and at what price. But does the team look at hi…
