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With game-time fast approaching, I thought it would be a good opportunity to review the biggest position battles on the Titans roster at present. Without further delay, let's take a closer look at these competition spots.
CB2: Coty Sensabaugh vs Blidi Wreh-Wilson
Depending on how much New Orleans play their starters, the Titan duo will switch off covering Saints WR Kenny Stills, who was impressive as a rookie last season. Despite the initial (and unofficial) depth chart release showing Coty Sensabaugh as the starter, most camp onlookers and coaches have stated that the battle is very much in a dead heat at the moment. My bet would be with Wreh-Wilson, who better fits the mold of a Horton outside corner, and who got the nod to start through OTA's. Sensabaugh played well down the stretch last season in the slot, so it will interesting to see if the new Titans regime see things differently or not. Both young corners will be looking to separate themselves from the other as we delve deeper into the preseason.
WR: Marc Mariani vs Michael Preston vs Derek Hagan
The Titans have, arguably, more talent at Wide Receiver than they've ever had. With Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, and Justin Hunter locked in as the top three targets, the spots behind them have become more muddied. Michael Preston flashed some talent last season that would make him a great quality player to have at WR4, but both Marc Mariani and newcomer Derek Hagan have both had excellent camps, and the competition is still very much up in the air. With is still unknown whether the Titans carry six WR's (I doubt it), these spots are at a premium Can any of them set themselves apart against the Saints tonight?
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley vs Akeem Ayers
A lesser talked about "battle", Kamerion Wimbley was slated to start ahead of Ayers at the "Leo" OLB spot when the first depth chart was released, and ended up starting against the Green Bay Packers last weekend. Coming off major offseason surgery, Akeem Ayers has had to work back into playing shape, but it is hard to see a guy like him remaining behind Wimbley, who's snaps dropped dramatically last season, for long. For what it's worth, I think they end up splitting the reps fairly evenly in the end regardless. If the spot sticks as it is, Ayers will be on the sidelines when the starters take the field for the first time since his rookie season.
NT: Sammie Lee Hill vs DaQuan Jones vs Al Woods
Despite getting playing time at Defensive End last week against the Packers, the Titans have been working formidable rookie DaQuan Jones in behind Sammie Lee Hill at Nose Tackle. Hill is having a better year already compared to last season, where he was dealt a tough hand with injuries, but he faces very real competition from Jones, who has been impressive in his first Titans camp. The Pittsburgh transplant Al Woods is also at the mix for the NT role. It will be interesting to see whether or not the (relatively) expensive Hill retains his starting role.
