The league’s offseason news cycle has quieted as OTAs are ongoing and June’s minicamps are ready to tee off. Every team has also known about their schedule release from several weeks ago. Some high-profile free agents still await the right opportunity and salary matches. Who are the undrafted free agents with the best shot at making the 53-man roster for the Titans? Tennessee signed 16 of them shortly after the draft. Let’s look at a few with the most substantial chance to make the senior squad in the fall.
Note: All statistics courtesy of College Football Reference and RAS scores courtesy of @MathBomb
Which Titans’ UDFAs Have the Best Chance?
(this list will be in alphabetical order, not in order of best chance)
Khalid Duke | EDGE| Kansas State
Duke is an undersized EDGE with oodles of technical ability to win any matchup. He was a two-year starter for the Wildcats. His 2023 tackle production fell off after a productive junior season. The former Wildcats pass rusher increased his sack production every season. He can make the roster against some underwhelming and inconsistent competition currently residing on the roster. Athletically, he compares to former Miami Hurricanes EDGE Quincy Roche. The RAS scoring system had him listed at 5.21 in their metrics.
Keaton Ellis | Safety | Penn State
Ellis was a four-year contributor for the Nittany Lions and was named team captain for the 2023 season. He comes from an impressive lineage of Penn State defensive backs, namely JPJ and Ji’aiyr Brown, to name a couple. The former Penn Stater has a decent chance to make the initial roster due to the lack of depth at his position. If he does well against the veterans, he could be Elijah Molden’s primary backup. He scored a 4.49 on the RAS system due to size concerns, slightly more than his 40 time of 4.46.
Robert Javier | Cornerback | Towson
The former Towson corner was a productive two-year starter who snagged six interceptions and 26 passes defended in that time frame. He tested very well during the offseason, scoring an impressive 8.33 RAS. Athletically, he compares to former Virginia defensive back Maurice Canady. Tennessee’s top three cornerbacks are spoken for, but the depth pieces are less than ideal. Perhaps Javier can take advantage and make it onto the roster for a team historically known for developing undersized school cornerbacks.
Dillon Johnson | Running Back | Washington
After three mediocre seasons, Johnson broke out as a senior with 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns for the national title runner-up, Washington Huskies. He profiles as a bigger hammer-style running back, which the Titans need after losing Derrick Henry. Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard do their best work in space, so a guy who can run between the tackles and get you the tough yards in short situations is ideal. Athletically, Johnson is similar to former Patriots running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis, who had a decent career during the dynasty years.
Jabari Small | Running Back | Tennessee
Small had an up-and-down career for the home-state Volunteers. His peak seasons were in the middle, but he never topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He’s a smaller running back, standing at just 5’8, so the deck is stacked against him in that regard. There is a small chance that he makes the team, with the competition behind Spears and Pollard not the most inspiring in the league. He will have to play special teams to make the roster. He compares to Nyheim Hines athletically.
Cole Spencer | Offensive Line | Texas Tech
The former Red Raider lineman has the best chance to make the roster due to the lack of depth at the guard spots. He tested very well during the offseason, scoring an impressive 9.44 RAS. The versatile lineman could provide good depth behind starters Peter Skoronski and Daniel Brunskill. He compares physically and athletically to J.C. Tretter.
Main Photo: [Randy Sartin] – USA Today Sports
