In our latest installment of Tennessee Titans training camp previews, we take a closer look at both inside and outside linebacker.
Many of the top spots on the depth chart at each position are already locked-in, but there are still some reserve roles up for grabs going into 2020.
Here’s a look at the roster locks and players on the bubble at inside and outside linebacker, followed by a prediction for who will make the cut when rosters are trimmed down to 53 players.
Roster locks: ILBs
Jayon Brown
Rashaan Evans
David Long
Nick Dzubnar
Analysis: Brown and Evans return as the starters in 2020 and will form an inside linebacker duo that is quickly emerging as one of the best in the NFL.
Behind them, Long will serve as the primary backup. The former sixth-round pick saw limited action in 2019, but made the most of his opportunities with some key stops on defense throughout the season and in the playoffs. The speed at which Long plays and the instinct he plays with is truly impressive and fun to watch.
We figure Dzubnar will also have a spot on the initial 53-man roster after being inked to a one-year deal to be a key special teams contributor, although it isn’t clear if he’ll have a role beyond that after playing limited snaps on defense during his career. If not, the Titans have to find their No. 4 inside linebacker behind Brown, Evans and Long.