NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans open the 2023 NFL regular season at the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 10 at Caesars Superdome Stadium.
Things fell apart for the Titans after a seven-game losing streak to end last season resulted in a 7-10 record -- which marked Tennessee's first losing season under coach Mike Vrabel.
New general manager Ran Carthon's biggest task was retooling the offensive line, so he responded by signing free agents Andre Dillard and Daniel Brunskill before selecting offensive lineman Peter Skoronski in the first round.
Tennessee finished with only 3,222 passing yards last season, fourth worst in the league, but help is on the way with the recent signing of receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Here's a look at the projection of the 53-man roster:
QUARTERBACK (3): Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, Will Levis
Tannehill will be the starter. But second-year quarterback Malik Willis and Will Levis will battle for the backup spot. Willis showed improvement during OTAs and minicamp after finishing 1-3 as the starter when Tannehill was injured. He'll need to convince the Titans to carry a third quarterback on the roster. Levis needs to keep getting acclimated and work on his touch passing. His roster spot is guaranteed after being the No. 33 overall pick in April.
RUNNING BACK (4): Derrick Henry, Hassan Haskins, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut
This could be the last dance for Henry. It's a new beginning for Spears after being selected in the third round. Spears should contribute to the passing game and as a change of pace for Henry as a rookie. Haskins will be in the mix for carries and has already carved a niche as a special teams contributor. Chestnut adds depth to the backfield and as a kick returner after filling that role last season.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Chris Moore, Kyle Philips, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Racey McMath
The receiver group was unproven before Hopkins was added. Hopkins immediately becomes Tannehill's most reliable pass catcher, especially on back-shoulder throws. At 31 years old, Hopkins gives Burks a veteran to learn from. Burks showed flashes as a rookie and is the most talented of the non-Hopkins group. Philips has packed some weight on to make himself more sturdy as a slot receiver. He'll get plenty of targets in third-down situations. Westbrook-Ikhine's versatility will secure a roster spot. Moore can play all receiver spots and figures to be in the rotation. Tennessee still hopes McMath can become a vertical threat.
TIGHT END (4): Chigoziem Okonkwo, Trevon Wesco, Josh Whyle, Kevin Rader
Okonwko needs a huge increase from the 37% snaps he played as a rookie in 2022. He'll be one of Tannehill's preferred targets. Wesco will be a key part of blocking for the rushing attack after serving the same role for the Chicago Bears last season. At 6-foot-6, Whyle is an intriguing option in the red zone and should be packaged with Okonkwo. Not carrying a fullback opens a spot for Rader as an H-back.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8): Daniel Brunskill, Peter Skoronski, Andre Dillard, Aaron Brewer, Jaelyn Duncan, Jamarco Jones, Corey Levin, Jordan Roos
Releasing Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones open spots at left tackle and guard. Brewer replaces Jones at center. Dillard replaces Lewan at left tackle. Starting right tackle, Nicholas Petit-Frere's six-game gambling suspension means no roster spot to start the season. Brunksill can play right guard or fill in at tackle. Skoronski has worked at both guard and tackle. Dillon Radunz is recovering from an ACL injury last December and likely starts on the PUP list.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Teair Tart, Naquan Jones, Jaleel Johnson, Sam Okuayinonu
The defensive line is the strongest unit on Tennessee's roster. Simmons has cemented himself as a premier interior defender. He'll line up in multiple spots up front. Tart is looking to improve as a pass-rusher in hopes of landing a new deal. Autry offers versatility as a lineman or outside linebacker. He played up and down the line last season. Jones and Okuayinonu return as rotational pieces along with Johnson, a veteran free agent.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (4): Harold Landry III, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, Caleb Murphy
Landry is still on the mend after missing all of last season due to a torn ACL. His return bolsters the pass rush and run defense. Key impacts games as an outside backer, defensive end, or interior player. He'll get an increased role after being in a rotation with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. Weaver can play multiple spots as well. Murphy rounds out the group as an undrafted free agent.
INSIDE LINEBACKER (5): Azeez Al-Shaair, Monty Rice, Chance Campbell, Jack Gibbens, Luke Gifford
Al-Shaair's effectiveness in pass coverage and flying to ball carriers helps make up for the loss of David Long to free agency. Rice will get his first crack at opening the season as the starter and forms an athletic duo with Al-Shaair. Campbell missed last season due to a knee injury. He'll be a rotational player along with Gibbens and Gifford. All three will likely be core special teams players also.
CORNERBACK (6): Kristian Fulton, Roger McCreary, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Elijah Molden, Tre Avery, Chris Jackson
Caleb Farley's back injury landed him on injured reserve last November and likely forces his start this season on the PUP list. Fulton focused his offseason training on avoiding soft-tissue injuries. He'll battle with McCreary and free agent addition Murphy-Bunting for the outside starting spots. McCreary also doubles as a nickel corner. Molden gives depth at nickel and safety. Avery provides depth on the outside. Jackson started at nickel as a rookie and can play outside.
SAFETY (4): Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, Shyheim Carter, Josh Thompson
Byard and Hooker form one of the best safety duos in the league. Hooker missed eight games last season. It all doesn't fall on the secondary, but having Hooker in the lineup for a full season will help improve on the Titans' 32nd-ranked pass defense. Tennessee could add a veteran safety after other teams' roster cuts. Carter can play safety and nickel corner. Thompson provides depth while serving as a special teamer.
SPECIALISTS (3): Caleb Shudak (K), Ryan Stonehouse (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
The Titans haven't had a consistent kicker since Ryan Succop before he was injured. A leg injury caused Shudak to miss significant time last season. At 5-7, 177 pounds, Shudak will have to hold off the 6-foot-4, 205-pound undrafted free agent Trey Wolff for the kicking job. Stonehouse is a mainstay after setting punting records last season. Cox is a lock at long snapper after being compared to a jugs machine by special teams coach Craig Aukerman.