In our latest installment of training camp previews, we take a closer look at the Tennessee Titans’ inside linebacker position, which doesn’t have many question marks.
The Titans saw a changing of the guard at the position in 2021, as former starters Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans were unseated by Zach Cunningham and David Long, both of whom played well.
Cunningham was an absolute steal after being claimed off waivers and he quickly secured a starting role. The writing was on the wall as far back as 2020 that Long would become a starter at some point, and that’s just what happened in 2021.
Even before the 2021 season started, the Titans began looking to the future up the middle by drafting Monty Rice, who appeared in 10 games before suffering a season-ending injury.
Looking ahead to 2022, the Titans are mostly set at the position but do need to figure out who takes at least one reserve spot. Let’s take a closer look.
Roster locks
AP Photo/Zach Bolinger
Roster locks: Zach Cunningham, David Long, Monty Rice
Long and Cunningham will serve as the starters at inside linebacker after securing those roles last season, while Rice is expected to be the primary backup at the position.
On the bubble
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
On the bubble: Chance Campbell, Dylan Cole, Joe Jones, Jack Gibbens
Campbell was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, and Gibbens was signed as an undrafted free agent. Being a recent draft pick certainly helps Campbell’s cause, but late-round draft picks are never a lock.
Cole and Jones were both signed to Tennessee’s practice squad last season before joining the active roster. They both appeared in nine games, playing predominantly on special teams. Cole was re-signed to a one-year deal this offseason, while Jones was inked to a futures deal.
The competition
Syndication: The Tennessean
The Titans figure to have their top-three spots on the depth chart locked up with starters Cunningham and Long, and Rice serving as the No. 3.
Tennessee carried five inside linebackers into the 2020 season, and then four into 2021, so there could be one or two more spots up for grabs on the 53-man roster.
The ability to play special teams will be the most important factor in securing a spot at the bottom of the depth chart.
Cole and Jones have plenty of NFL experience playing on special teams, giving them an advantage over the…
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