On the bubble: OLBs
Derick Roberson
Reggie Gilbert
Josh Smith
Jordan Williams
Analysis: Assuming the roster locks we listed at outside linebacker hold true and the Titans decide to carry five players at the position in total like they did in 2019, that leaves just one spot up for grabs.
Roberson and Gilbert are easily the favorites to land the final spot. If I had to pick one, it would be Roberson, who I was on the fence about naming a roster lock after he flashed his skills in the pass-rush during his rookie campaign.
The UDFA out of Sam Houston State totaled three sacks in the last two regular season games, including two against the New Orleans Saints’ elite offensive line. Roberson also showed he had the trust of his coaches after getting some snaps during the postseason.
Gilbert played a part-time role with the Titans in 2019 and is mostly a run-defense specialist at outside linebacker. He certainly has the edge in experience over Roberson, but if the Titans value pass-rushers more than run defenders going into the season, Roberson should take the last spot.