With free agency and the draft completed, and OTAs and minicamps scheduled for the next month and a half, here's a closer look at the depth chart for the Tennessee Titans (Starters in bold):
OFFENSE
Note: Starters in bold
Quarterback (3): Marcus Mariota, Blaine Gabbert, Luke Falk
Falk was drafted to be a developmental QB and Mariota's long-term backup option. His sixth-round draft status should secure him a roster spot. The most likely scenario is the Titans keeping three quarterbacks, but I wonder if a strong training camp and preseason from Falk would convince the Titans to release Gabbert.
Running back (4): Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis, Akrum Wadley, David Fluellen
That Henry-Lewis duo has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL, but depth behind them is a little scarce. Wadley looks like an undrafted free agent with a great chance of making this team and Fluellen's special-teams ability could land him a spot, too, if the Titans keep four.
Wide receiver (6): Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, Deontay Burnett, Michael Campanaro
The Titans didn't invest much at receiver in free agency and the draft, which means they are depending on Davis (WR1) and Taylor (WR3) to play central roles in this offense. There's not a ton of proven depth here, so watch for a veteran addition, but Sharpe and Burnett (undrafted free agent) have a chance to surprise if they make the team.
Tight end (3): Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, Luke Stocker
Walker will be 34 when the season begins, but he's still a top-5 tight end in the NFL. His heir apparent, Smith, is his backup. There should be an intriguing battle between Stocker, Phillip Supernaw and undrafted free agent Ethan Wolf for possibly one spot. I have Stocker winning now, but it's only May.
Tackle (3): Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly
One of the stronger positions on the team when healthy, but this is a group to watch for a late free-agent pickup or undrafted free agent winning a spot with Conklin recovering from a torn ACL. Kelly will need to be ready in case he needs to play for Conklin in Week 1, and there could be room for another veteran addition here depending on Conklin's health.
Guard (3): Josh Kline, Quinton Spain, Kevin Pamphile
Left guard might be the only true training camp position battle as Spain tries to hold off Pamphile and Xavier Su'a-Filo, two free agents. One of the losers could be in danger of being cut.
Center (2): Ben Jones, Corey Levin
Eventually, the Titans might look for an option to challenge Jones for the center job, but it doesn't happen this season. Levin got a redshirt season on the practice squad to catch up to the NFL game and now he's ready to challenge for the backup center job.
DEFENSE
Cornerback (5): Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Adoree' Jackson, LeShaun Sims, Tye Smith
Titans fans should be excited about this group: Butler will have plenty to prove, Jackson should be even be better in Year 2, and the unit has another year to jell together. But possibly the best part is there will be no weakness when the Titans are in nickel, because they have three starting cornerbacks and solid depth behind them.
Safety (5): Kevin Byard, Johnathan Cyprien, Dane Cruikshank, Kendrick Lewis, Brynden Trawick
Cruikshank might be too raw to push Cyprien for a starting job, but he should compete with Lewis for an important No.3 safety spot. Special teams will determine the reserves at this position with Trawick, Lewis and undrafted free agent Damon Webb among those competing for the final spot or two.
Outside linebacker (5): Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan, Harold Landry, Kevin Dodd, Aaron Wallace
Landry should immediately slot in as a third-down and situational pass-rush specialist behind Orakpo and Morgan. It's make-or-break time for Dodd in Year 3, but with how much the new staff talks about versatility I wonder if he gets one more shot as a hybrid player with some time on the defensive line.
Inside linebacker (5): Wesley Woodyard, Rashaan Evans, Will Compton, Jayon Brown, Daren Bates
Evans should slot in as a Day 1 starter opposite Woodyard. The Titans have good depth behind them in Compton and Brown, who can step in at a moment's notice and play special teams, too.
Defensive line (6): Jurrell Casey, DaQuan Jones, Bennie Logan, Austin Johnson, David King, Antwaun Woods
The Titans have been a top-5 run defense over the past two seasons with big credit to what Casey and Jones do up front. Logan replacing Sylvester Williams should be an upgrade, and Austin Johnson should see an increased role.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter (1): Brett Kern
Kicker (1): Ryan Succop
Long-snapper (1): Beau Brinkley
Status quo from last season. Kern is a Pro Bowler. Succop just got a long-term contract extension. One of the best special teams groups in the NFL.
Kick returner: Campanaro
Punt returner: Campanaro
The Titans signed Campanero to relieve Jackson of his return duties, which is a smart move considering Jackson is a full-time player on defense now. Jackson will likely still get some reps here in key situations, but Campanero or someone else should handle the role for most of the season.