With the first OTAs right around the corner for the Tennessee Titans, it is time to look at narrowing the roster rather than expanding it. The Tennessee Titans are actually a lot deeper with young talent than they have been in the past few years, so this should be a pretty competitive offseason.
This is a look at the depth at tight end with predictions on if they will make the final 53-man roster.
Delanie Walker- In
Walker is as big of a locker room leader as we have on the team at this point. Not only is he an advocate for things like MADD, but he is a leader on the field whose intensity and consistency should be an example to young players.
It would shock me if he wasn't a Titan until he retired given the fact that he has been so good in this offense and this is the team that gave him a chance to shine.
Craig Stevens- In
Stevens is a proven commodity on both special teams and as a blocking tight end. While I think his role will be reduced next year to accommodate Jalston Fowler, I think he will still be a very consistent presence on the team. I wouldn't be surprised if he was the second tight end in "jumbo" packages.
Taylor Thompson- Out
I know this is a little crazy, but maybe it is time to say goodbye to the potential upside of Taylor Thompson. I have been a big fan of his potential as a blocker and as a receiver one day, but he hasn't really grown since year one in the league. This team has all the boom-or-bust it can handle on the outside with Justin Hunter and DGB, the Titans need safe pass catchers/blockers here so that Marcus Mariota has players to go to when the play breaks down (think Heath Miller in Pittsburgh).
Anthony Fasano- In
The Tennessee Titans brought him in this offseason with a plan. I expect they were already pretty sold on Marcus Mariota at that point and thought that he could help this team on offense and special teams. With Thompson likely gone, Fasano is a veteran that will likely be the third TE on the 53-man roster.
Fasano has had an odd career and despite injuries and a lack of production he has remained the starter for nearly every team he has been on. Maybe as a #2/3 guy he can thrive.