Tag: Amani Hooker

6 under-the-radar Titans who could make a major impact in 2020

These six Titans all have the potential to make a major impact in 2020.

While it’s easy to point to the Tennessee Titans’ best players as those who will be vital to the team’s success in 2020, there are others who are flying under the radar that could make a major impact this season.

None of the players listed here are expected to be full-time starters at the moment, but each guy could play his way into a significant role if they can prove to fill a need at their respective positions.

Of course, there isn’t enough room for each and every one of these guys to make a major impact in 2020, but even if a few can get it done, the Titans are going to be a tough team to beat.

Let’s see who makes the list of under-the-radar Titans that have the potential to make a major impact in 2020.

DB Amani Hooker

Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans drafted Kristian Fulton with the idea that he could play slot cornerback in 2020, but there’s no guarantee that the rookie will be ready to take on such an important role right away.

Along with Fulton, Amani Hooker should be considered one of the favorites to come away with the job, as he was graded as an elite slot cornerback by Pro Football Focus during his college days. He also has an edge over Fulton in terms of NFL experience.

At the very least, the Titans are likely to deploy multiple players in the slot in 2020, and Hooker could be one of those players, if not the main guy.

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4 Tennessee Titans who could play slot cornerback in 2020

There are four Titans defensive backs currently on the roster who could play at slot corner in 2020.

Now that we know Logan Ryan will definitely not return to Nashville in 2020, the Tennessee Titans have to figure out who will take his place at slot cornerback, the position he manned in 2019.

One thing is for sure: the Titans will look to make an upgrade in speed at the position moving forward, as teams are using faster receivers in the slot more regularly.

Head coach Mike Vrabe also made it clear that the slot is more and more about being able to cover vertical routes, per Paul Kuharsky, which makes a speedy corner in the slot even more important.

“And more so now to be able to match up on some vertical routes inside,” he said. “I think for so long, in the slot there was this horizontal thought — that guys had to work defenses horizontally.

“And now we’re seeing a lot more vertical routes that are coming out of the slot so I think that is something that is always a challenge when you are looking for players that do all those things and do them very well.”

Here’s a look at four defensive backs who we could see in the slot in 2020.

(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Adoree’ Jackson

General manager Jon Robinson hinted that Jackson could see some time in the slot this season, and he certainly has the ability to play it well.

Jackson’s combination of speed (4.42 40-yard dash time) and coverage skills would be a great match to play in the slot, but the only problem is that would leave a huge hole to fill on the boundary.

Barring an emergency against a receiver owning the Titans’ secondary, it’s doubtful we see Jackson on the inside often in 2020.

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Titans’ Adoree Jackson could play slot CB, says GM Jon Robinson

Could Adoree’ Jackson fill the void at slot corner if Logan Ryan doesn’t return?

One of the biggest question marks for the Tennessee Titans going into the 2020 season will be who the team plays at slot corner.

That has been the role Logan Ryan played over the past few seasons, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be back next year as he remains unsigned on the open market, which could lead to the Titans drafting his replacement.

General manager Jon Robinson threw an interesting name into the mix of possibilities during his pre-draft press conference on Monday when he named Adoree’ Jackson as a potential candidate to spend some time there.

One of the other names that has been floated around is Amani Hooker, who was an elite slot corner in college with Iowa before being drafted by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Robinson mentioned Hooker’s versatility when looking at the position.

If Robinson does decide to go the way of the draft to fill the position, he has a good idea of what he’s looking for in a prospect.

Jackson has spent his career playing on the outside for Tennessee, however he could definitely transition to the inside if need be.

A former track-and-field athlete, Jackson has the kind of speed that teams are looking for from their slot corners, and his speed would certainly be an upgrade over Ryan.

The only problem with putting Jackson in the slot is that he’s so important to the Titans on the outside that the team would not be able to replace him there.

As currently constructed, the Titans’ best bet is to either have Hooker play in the slot, or draft another cornerback who can. Hooker is likely the best option for an immediate fix in place of Ryan if he departs, though.

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Did Titans’ Amani Hooker hint at a larger role in 2020?

Was Amani Hooker’s Instagram post a hint at a larger role coming in 2020?

With it looking increasingly likely that the Tennessee Titans won’t be bringing Logan Ryan back in 2020, it begs the question: who will replace him at slot corner next season?

While we can talk about free-agent options or even those in the draft, the first name that comes to my mind in this conversation is Amani Hooker, the Titans’ 2019 fourth-round pick.

He was labeled as a safety coming out of college, but do we really believe he was drafted to play that position when the Titans have Kenny Vaccaro and Kevin Byard locked up and playing nearly 100 percent of snaps every game?

Of course not.

The real reason general manager Jon Robinson likely drafted Hooker is because the Iowa product was an elite slot corner in college, per Pro Football Focus.

Robinson taking Hooker might have been the writing on the wall then that Ryan wouldn’t be back past 2019.

Take this for what it’s worth, but Hooker made a post on Instagram on Sunday with the caption “in due time”, which could be foreshadowing an increased role next season.

View this post on Instagram

In due time🛸💨

A post shared by Amani Hooker (@amanihooker37) on

There will be plenty of people out there who will be a bit apprehensive about a second-year player taking over for Ryan, who was undoubtedly a valued member of this defense last season.

However, Ryan wasn’t exactly great in coverage, as he allowed more passing yards than any cornerback in the NFL. He permitted a 66 percent completion rate when targeted.

Adding to that, Ryan isn’t exactly fleet of foot, which is increasingly important against speedy receivers in today’s NFL.

Hooker gives the Titans an upgrade in the speed department, and he could provide just as good — and quite possibly better — play in coverage for much cheaper. Ryan is looking for at least $10 million annually, while Hooker will make just $858,370 in his second season.

In due time, Hooker might make us forget all about the Titans letting Ryan walk in free agency.

Titans-Patriots: a look at defensive snap counts

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Tennessee Titans were counted out by many against the New England Patriots after barely edging their way into the postseason, but will be the team facing the Baltimore Ravens next week after recording a 20-13 win on Saturday night.

The Titans came up with some big plays on both sides of the ball to come away with the victory, with cornerback Logan Ryan totally redeeming himself by intercepting Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on the team’s final drive after dropping what would have been an interception returned for a touchdown right before halftime.

Safeties Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro, along with Ryan were in action for all 61 of the game’s snaps.

Linebacker Harold Landry didn’t make as much of an impact as we’re used to seeing from him, but he was in action on 60 snaps.

Safeties Amani Hooker and Dane Cruikshank and linebacker Daren Bates were very active on special teams snaps per the usual, on the field for 25 of those.

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Titans are set to face the Ravens at 7:15 p.m. CST on Saturday in M&T Bank Stadium.

Diving into Titans defensive snap counts vs. Texans

Having recorded their fourth consecutive 9-7 regular season finish, the Tennessee Titans are prepared for the postseason.

Having recorded their fourth consecutive 9-7 regular season finish, the Tennessee Titans are prepared for the postseason.

The team recorded a solid performance as they recorded a 35-14 win over the division rival Houston Texans on Sunday, with players like safety Kevin Byard particularly shining on defense.

The free safety, safety Kenny Vaccaro and cornerback Logan Ryan were all in the game for 58 snaps, or 89%.

Cornerback Tye Smith was in action for 56, while linebackers Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans were both in for 55.

Safeties Amani Hooker and Dane Cruikshank saw significant time on special teams, on the field for 81% of those snaps.

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Titans will face the New England Patriots next in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. CST.

Titans-Colts: a look at defensive snap counts

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Tennessee Titans (7-5) looked like a much different, much more improved team as they faced the Indianapolis Colts (6-6) for the second time this season and recorded a 31-17 win in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Safeties Kenny Vaccaro and Kevin Byard, along with cornerback Logan Ryan all played in each of the game’s 72 defensive snaps.

Linebacker Jayon Brown played for all but one snap, for a total of 71.

Safeties Amani Hooker and Dane Cruikshank were in for 24 snaps on special teams. Cornerback Tye Smith saw action on 64 defensive snaps during the contest, including 15 on special teams.

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Titans will face the Oakland Raiders next at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday in Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Titans-Chiefs: a look at defensive snap counts

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Tennessee Titans (5-5) came into Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) looking to get back to .500, and did exactly that as they pulled off a 35-32 win on their own turf.

Safeties Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro along with cornerbacks Adoree Jackson and Logan Ryan played every snap of the game (82).

In special teams percentages, safeties Amani Hooker and Dane Cruikshank, in addition to linebacker Daren Bates all had 88%.

Here’s a complete look at the defensive snap counts.

The Titans will face the Jacksonville Jaguars next on Nov. 24 and 3:05 p.m. CT in Nissan Stadium.