After creating some buzz during training camp and the preseason in 2019, Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derick Roberson remained quiet for much of the regular season.
The UDFA out of Sam Houston State, who led the FCS in sacks during his final college year, didn’t see any defensive snaps until Week 16 — and he certainly made the most of them.
Roberson went on to sack Drew Brees twice in the loss to the New Orleans Saints, and then he followed that up with a one-sack effort in Week 17 against the Houston Texans.
While he failed to record a sack in the Titans’ three postseason games, the fact that he saw snaps in each contest (12, 31, 22) shows that he had earned the trust of the coaching staff.
Outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen believes Roberson can be an asset on third downs for the Titans in 2020, although he also says that Roberson needs work in the run game to earn more snaps, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“Roby from the gate flashed some ability to rush the passer,” Titans outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen said. “I think the main thing with him right now … (is) consistency, and ultimately just development. Being a first-, second-down player, the run game, some of that type of stuff, taking the next step there has been what’s held him back a little bit in terms of that playtime, but he definitely has value on third down in passing situations.”
The unfortunate side effect of a shortened offseason is that younger players won’t have as good of an opportunity to develop, which could stunt their growth.
Despite that, Bowen is happy where Roberson is currently and says the second-year player is “dialed in this offseason.”
“I think the first, second down stuff in terms of scheme, understanding, and the technique – which he’s come a long way,” Bowen said. “He really has, and he’s bought in, and he’s dialed in this offseason.”
Before we can even talk about Roberson getting snaps, he’s got to secure a spot on the 53-man roster in what is a crowded outside linebacker’s room.
The only three certainties to get significant snaps at this point are Harold Landry, Vic Beasley and Kamalei Correa. Fighting for scraps — and quite possibly a roster spot — behind them will be Roberson, Reggie Gilbert and D’Andre Walker.
And if the Titans do end up signing Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, that will only complicate matters.
However, if Roberson can continue to build on what he did in 2019 and show he indeed has the chops to get to the quarterback, the Titans will be forced to get him on the field thanks to their desperate need to improve the pass-rush.
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