Rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. has been the talk of Tennessee Titans training camp. The 23-year-old, selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, has consistently been a standout performer, especially since the Titans put the pads on.
Brownlee has brought the same confidence and physical style of play that he showcased at Louisville to the training camp, drawing praise from head coach Brian Callahan and safety Amani Hooker.
After Sunday’s practice, veteran cornerback L’Jarius Sneed also commended Brownlee, noting that he sees similarities between himself and the young cornerback.
“Jarvis, he’s a very, very great player,” Sneed said, via AtoZ Sports. “He takes coaching. I love his game. I love how he comes out every day, ready to work, and you see it on the field, and he’s progressing in the right direction.”
After starting his college career at Florida State, Brownlee transferred to Louisville, where he accumulated 21 pass deflections in 24 games over the last two seasons. In 2022, Brownlee achieved career highs in tackles (66), tackles for loss (2.5), and passes defensed (14). He also matched his career high with two interceptions.
As a former fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Sneed understands what it is like to be the underdog. The 27-year-old has made a name for himself as one of the most physical and aggressive cornerbacks in the National Football League.
Brownlee hopes his skill set will carry him as far as his new teammate.
“For me, that’s my game,” Brownlee said, via TennesseeTitans.com. “Be aggressive, irritate receivers, and just put my hands on (them), and stay in the hip pocket. Me just doing that, I’m making my receivers better. I feel like I’m one of the aggressive corners in the league, and I just got here. I feel like I’m making them better day-by-day, so I’m going to keep giving them that work.”
Sneed has had limited participation in practice during camp as the Titans are carefully managing his health. In addition, veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (calf) has also been sidelined. Consequently, Brownlee, along with other young defensive backs, has taken on more responsibility during camp.
Brownlee’s strong coverage in 1-versus-1 drills has posed a challenge for Titans’ receivers. On the first day of camp, the rookie successfully broke up passes intended for Kearis Jackson and Tyler Boyd. This past weekend, Brownlee was initially beaten by Boyd but managed to recover and break up the pass just before the receiver could bring the ball in.
Although Sneed and Awuzie are expected to be the starting cornerbacks when healthy, Brownlee’s playing style and performance in camp commands playing time. How much time he will get and what role he will play in the 2024 NFL season will likely be determined during the preseason and early stages of the regular season.
However, unlike the last couple of years, the Titans now have a wealth of talented depth at the cornerback position.
