The Tennessee Titans are set to kick off their 2025 training camp on July 23rd, signaling the beginning of what’s expected to be a highly competitive preseason. Under the leadership of newly appointed general manager Mike Borgonzi, the team has undergone a substantial transformation. In fact, more than half of the current 90-man roster—around 52 percent—consists of players brought in this offseason. This influx of new talent inevitably places added pressure on returning players, especially those drafted by the previous front office regime.
As competition intensifies at nearly every position, several second- and third-year players are entering camp with their futures in question. Among those most vulnerable to being cut, either during training camp or at the final 53-man roster deadline, are Jaelyn Duncan, Jha’Quan Jackson, and Jaylen Harrell. Each of these players faces an uphill battle in securing a spot on the revamped squad.
Jaelyn Duncan – Offensive Tackle
Last season, the Titans hoped to give Duncan a fair evaluation during a turbulent year at offensive tackle, but his availability was limited due to injury. Fast forward to this offseason, and the landscape has changed dramatically. The Titans now appear committed to Dan Moore Jr. and JC Latham as their starting tackles. This puts Duncan in a fight for a backup swing tackle position. His primary challengers include free-agent addition Blake Hance, returning depth player John Ojukwu, and Brendon Crenshaw-Dickson, a high-profile undrafted free agent with strong potential.
Jha’Quan Jackson – Wide Receiver / Return Specialist
Originally selected for his potential as a return man, Jha’Quan Jackson failed to deliver in special teams play last year. He was ultimately benched due to poor ball security. In response, the Titans added multiple competitors to the returner pool, including veteran James Proche II and rookie Chimere Dike. The wide receiver room has also grown deeper with the arrivals of Elic Ayomanor, Xavier Restrepo, and Van Jefferson, as well as veteran Tyler Lockett. Even lesser-known receiver Bryce Oliver is reportedly outperforming Jackson so far. As a result, Jackson’s path to a roster spot is murky at best.
Jaylen Harrell – Edge Rusher
Harrell, a seventh-round pick, struggled mightily in his rookie season, ranking last among qualifying edge defenders in pass-rush win rate at just 1.6%, per Pro Football Focus. He recorded a mere five pressures on 129 rush attempts. With proven pass rushers like Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre’Mont Jones, and Lorenzo Carter firmly ahead on the depth chart, Harrell is battling for a likely fifth and final edge rusher spot. His competition includes Ali Gaye and undrafted rookie Desmond Evans. While the edge position lacks elite depth, Harrell must show considerable improvement to justify a roster spot.
As the Titans gear up for what promises to be a pivotal training camp, these young players must step up or risk being casualties of a new era in Tennessee football.
