The Tennessee Titans have had their fair share of issues at the outside linebacker position thus far in training camp, and that has opened the door for outside linebacker, Wyatt Ray, who is making the most of his opportunity.
Ray, who was signed on August 13, has shined at a time when the Titans are facing plenty of uncertainty at the position.
Tennesse has waived Reggie Gilbert and Josh Smith, Vic Beasley was placed on the NFI list after reporting late to training camp, and Kamalei Correa missed the first five full-squad practices before finally taking the field for the first time on Friday.
On Monday, outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen told the media that Ray had “flashed already” since joining the team.
.@Titans OLB coach Shane Bowen on new addition Wyatt Ray, an OLB: He has flashed already.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 17, 2020
Then, on Thursday, Jim Wyatt of Titans Online pointed to Ray as someone who has stood out at practice.
-Linebacker Wyatt Ray has flashed with several nice defensive plays in camp.
On Friday, Ray received recognition once again, this time from Turron Davenport of ESPN, who noted that the Boston College product is “quietly having a solid camp.”
Another thing worth mentioning, OLB Wyatt Ray is quietly having a solid camp. He's consistently getting pressure on the QBs and playing with a lot of energy in team periods. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 21, 2020
The most important note from Davenport’s evaluation is the fact that Ray is getting consistent pressure. After all, improving the pass-rush is one of Tennessee’s top priorities going into the 2020 campaign.
Despite his standout performance, Ray is still facing an uphill climb to make the roster. The Titans figure to have four players already locked in at outside linebacker in Harold Landry, Correa, Beasley and 2019 fifth-round pick, D’Andre Walker.
Beyond those four, Derick Roberson has a great shot to make the roster after a strong finish to the 2019 campaign, although he isn’t a lock by any stretch.
While the Titans only carried five on their initial 53-man roster in 2019, the uncertainty surrounding Beasley could force Tennessee to carry an extra outside linebacker in 2020, which would obviously benefit Ray.
If that turns out not to be the case and the Titans go with five, Ray will have to topple Roberson for the final spot on the depth chart.
Even if he fails to make the team out of training camp, Ray is doing enough to get a look from another team, or at worst he could end up on the Titans’ practice squad.
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