Titans projected depth chart, 53-man roster

Jason Wolf | The Tennessean

Show Caption Hide Caption Titans bolster receiving corps The Titans have made several moves this offseason to help Marcus Mariota and the passing attack

The Titans will report for training camp on July 28 at Saint Thomas Sports Park, the NFL announced this week. Final cuts are due by Sept. 2, two days after the last preseason game.

But let’s look ahead. Now that offseason workouts have concluded, Titans beat reporter Jason Wolf adjusts the team’s projected 53-man roster and depth chart for the 2017 regular season.

Three thoughts and observations since the previous projection, which followed the draft:

Eric Decker creates logjam

The Titans signing veteran wide receiver Eric Decker, after drafting receivers Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor, creates a logjam at a position that was among the team’s weakest last season.

Harry Douglas could be the odd man out, unless 2016 fifth-round pick Tajae Sharpe remains hampered by the surgically-repaired stress fracture in his right foot, or is sunk by his legal issues. Sharpe is 10 years younger than Douglas, who turns 33 in September and is coming off the least-productive season of his career.

More: Does Sharpe have tenuous grasp on roster spot?

Titans general manager Jon Robinson set a precedent for releasing relatively unproductive veterans, regardless of the player’s standing in the locker room or coach Mike Mularkey’s affinity for the player, by chopping running back Dexter McCluster at final cuts last season.

Eric Weems, signed this offseason for his ability as a kick and punt returner, is likely to make the team.

Kevin Dodd running full speed

Second-year outside linebacker Kevin Dodd, the 33rd overall pick in the second round of last year’s draft, is expected to be healthy for the start of training camp after missing most of last season with a stress fracture in his right foot. Dodd had a second procedure on the foot in January, but is running at full speed.

It’s possible that a healthy Dodd, along with the Titans’ additions at linebacker this offseason, could make it difficult for Justin Staples to make the team.

More: Titans: Voluntary offseason workouts not really voluntary

The Titans drafted inside linebacker Jayon Brown in the fifth round, outside linebacker Josh Carraway in the seventh round, and signed inside linebacker Daren Bates, a special teams standout, in free agency.

Staples can play inside and outside linebacker and contribute on special teams, but so can Nate Palmer, who has starting experience.

Alex Tanney’s last chance

The Titans may not be ready to part ways with third-string quarterback Alex Tanney, who is out of practice squad eligibility and would need to stay on the 53-man roster to stick around.

Marcus Mariota has missed five games because of injury over his first two seasons and is working his way back from a broken right leg. Veteran backup Matt Cassel, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, had OTAs cut short when he needed surgery on his throwing hand. Both are expected to be healthy for the start of training camp.

Tanney did not make this iteration of the roster, but had he, the corresponding move may have been to cut second-year guard Sebastian Tretola or rookie seventh-round tackle Brad Seaton.

Titans projected roster, depth chart

OFFENSE (25)

Quarterbacks (2): Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel

Tackles (4): Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin, G/T Dennis Kelly, Brad Seaton (R)

Guards (5): Quinton Spain, Josh Kline, G/C Tim Lelito, Sebastian Tretola, G/C Corey Levin (R)

Centers (1): Ben Jones

Running backs (3): DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, Khalfani Muhammad (R)

Fullback (1): Jalston Fowler

Wide receivers (6): Corey Davis (R), Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker (FA), Taywan Taylor (R), Tajae Sharpe, Eric Weems (FA)

Tight ends (3): Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith (R), Phillip Supernaw

DEFENSE (25)

Defensive ends/tackles (4): Jurrell Casey, DaQuan Jones, Karl Klug, Angelo Blackson

Nose tackles (2): Sylvester Williams (FA), NT/DT Austin Johnson

Outside linebackers (5): Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan, Kevin Dodd, Aaron Wallace, Josh Carraway (R)

Inside linebackers (5): Avery Williamson, Wesley Woodyard, Jayon Brown (R), Nate Palmer, Daren Bates (FA)

Cornerbacks (5): Logan Ryan (FA), Adoree’ Jackson (R), Brice McCain, LeShaun Sims, Demontre Hurst (FA)

Safeties (4): Kevin Byard, Jonathan Cyprien (FA), Da’Norris Searcy, Brynden Trawick (FA)

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Kicker (1): Ryan Succop

Punter (1): Brett Kern

Long snapper (1): Beau Brinkley

Kick returners: Weems, Muhammad

Punter returners: Jackson, Weems

NOTABLE CUTS (12)

DE Mehdi Abdesmad, TE Jace Amaro, WR Harry Douglas, RB David Fluellen, G/T Josue Matias, WR Tre McBride, CB Kalan Reed, S Curtis Riley, CB D’Joun Smith, ILB Justin Staples, QB Alex Tanney, NT Antwaun Woods

R-Rookie. FA-Free agent

Reach Jason Wolf at jwolf@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter at @JasonWolf and on Instagram and Snapchat at TitansBeat.