In our latest edition of Tennessee Titans 53-man roster predictions, we’re taking a look at the safety position which, for the first time since 2015, will not include Kevin Byard to start the season.
Byard began last year with the Titans but was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he did not have much success. He was cut by Philly this offseason and now resides with the Chicago Bears, the Titans’ Week 1 opponent.
While Byard is gone, the Titans are returning two safeties from last year’s team in Amani Hooker and Elijah Molden. The Titans have also added veteran safety Jamal Adams, who figures to grab a starting role.
While the Titans have three roster locks in Hooker, Adams and Molden, it remains to be seen who will secure the final spot or spots on the depth chart.
This is how we see things shaking out on the Titans’ initial 53-man roster.
Amani Hooker
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Hooker is one of the longest-tenured Titans as he returns for his sixth season with the team. He is no doubt an impact defender, but his ability to stay healthy remains a concern.
Jamal Adams
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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested that the Titans may have signed Adams to play linebacker, but he did not confirm that, nor did anyone else. So, for now, we have him as the starting strong safety in Nashville.
Adams has had issues staying healthy in recent years and his play on the field hasn’t been good, either, especially in coverage. But he is a great fit for the aggressive style of defense Dennard Wilson wants to play, mostly because of his ability to blitz.
Elijah Molden
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Molden was set to start with Hooker before the addition of Adams, which pushed him to No. 3 on the depth chart.
While not ideal for Molden himself, the Titans’ depth at safety is looking a lot better, and this also frees Molden up to play nickel corner in the event Roger McCreary gets hurt.
Matthew Jackson
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This final spot was a total toss-up between Jackson and Mike Brown, but we’re taking a shot in the dark and going with the former.
A former undrafted free-agent signing, Jackson made the initial 53-man roster last season, was waived in November, and then was brought back on the practice squad before being promoted back to the 53-man roster for the final game of the season.
He only saw two snaps on defense all season but did play 147 on special teams.
More 53-man predictions
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