The Tennessee Titans are poised to prove that they can win despite doubts. Who on this roster is ready to take that leap for the team?
by: Riley Staton (@threewindrileys on Instagram)
Photo by: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The Tennessee Titans are in a very weird spot. Despite an absurd amount of injuries, including to marquee halfback Derrick Henry, the team finished atop their conference, and clinched a bye week. However, the team was given a rude awakening by the much-feared Joe Shiesty and the Cincinnati Bengals, falling handily in a 19-16 game which was honestly closer than it should have been. The Titans have since retooled, drafting a quarterback that fell way further than anticipated in Malik Willis, and trading star wide receiver AJ Brown before using the acquired pick to draft his potential replacement in Treylon Burks. However, that's not who we want to focus on in this edition. Teams are nothing without their depth, and today we look to see if we can find any non-rookies who look poised to make that leap and propel the Titans into a team that's not going to be shoved around come playoff time. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Five Player Break Out Watch, and in today's analysis, we'll be looking at the scourge of Middle Tennessee: the Titans.
Amani Hooker
2021 Stats: 1 INT, 1 FF, 62 CMB w/ 38 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL
While it may be foolish to say that Amani Hooker hasn't already broken out as the team's top safety, I think he has more in the tank. Despite playing strongly alongside veteran safety Kevin Byard, Hooker actually dropped in total interceptions, albeit due to missing a few games. Standing at 5'11", 210 lbs., the Iowa product has a lot to offer in terms of a dynamic backfield option. His tackling game is strong, but I feel there is more to be tapped in to in terms of his ball-hawking. We could potentially see an interception total of at least five, and a few more forced fumbles with said tackling ability. Is a pro-bowl selection possible in the future? Call me crazy, but I think it's not a longshot by any means.
Da'Shawn Hand
2021 Stats: N/A
Why hasn't Da'Shawn Hand been able to put it together? The Alabama defensive end had a really good rookie season back in 2018, but his value plummeted in the next two seasons. Last year, he bounced around practice squad, playing sparingly in four games. He has a good amount of potential, as shown as a rookie, but he has a chance to return to form and potentially more in the 2021 season. It's a make or break season for The Hand (great nickname I just made up, I know), and I'm sure that Titans fans would love to see a duo of a reborn version of him and the amazing Jeffery Simmons.
Naquan Jones
2021 Stats: 2.5 SACKS, 29 CMB w/ 18 SOLO, 4 TFL, 3 QB HITS
Coming in as an undrafted free agent last year for Tennessee, Naquan still impressed in his rookie campaign. Replacing Daquan Jones, the similarly-named player who wore the same number and played the same position (you can't make this up), he was able to rack up 29 tackles, four tackles for loss, three QB hits, and over two sacks. He did all of this while competing with other nose tackles for the spot, such as Kyle Peko and Teair Tart. These numbers may seem pedestrian, and, well... they are. That's the thing, though. Jones always looked like there was more he could do, or wanted to do, while on the field. He's had this off-season to practice and condition, and who knows whether he can tap into all of his talent while on the Titans' roster. Will this be a low-risk two year experiment with an undrafted free agent that will generate nothing? Or will this be a sophomore breakout for the young D-lineman? Time will tell, but I believe the latter to be possible.
Dez Fitzpatrick
2021 Stats: 5 REC, 49 REC YDS, 1 TD
Disappointment. That is all the Titans got from rookie wideout Dez Fitzpatrick, who the team traded up to acquire in the 2021 draft. Fitzpatrick spent a good chunk of last season dealing with chronic minor injuries, and barely saw the field for the team. The only thing the guy had to show for it was an 18-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans, which has about as much value as bragging about being the #1 student in your homeschool class. Fitzpatrick, however, was selected highly for a reason. The stud receiver for Louisville amassed over 2,500 yards in four years with the team, as well as 21 touchdowns for good measure. He has all the physical talent in the world, and the college numbers to back it up. Walking right into a wide receiving room with the door wide open could be all the guy needs to get back on the right track. This next season is make-or-break for the year two wide receiver, and I'm sure Titans fans have their hopes up for a better future than what's been shown so far.
Dillon Radunz
2021 Stats: N/A
Anything said for Dez Fitzpatrick being disappointing after a selection in 2021 carries over to Radunz, maybe even more so. Radunz only started a single game after being drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft by Tennessee. In his only start, he amassed a pair of penalties. However, he did shield QB Ryan Tannehill from freak edge rusher Nick Bosa quite well despite the flags. It's questionable how he wasn't able to find minutes on the team, especially since the Titans had a crisis at right tackle the entire year. Early reports state that he's likely to see some spin at the position come 2022, and rightfully so. The guy was a monster in college. He won three FCS championships while starting most of his time there. In his junior season, he started all possible games and didn't allow a single sack. More than anyone else on this list, Radunz's potential is clearly there. Hopefully, he can put it all together in year two, barring he actually sees the field.
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