In camp (9): Cody Barton, Cedric Gray, James Williams Sr., Anthony Hill Jr., Dorian Mausi, Shad Banks Jr., Mohamoud Diabate, Mani Powell, Sean Brown.
Player to watch: Cedric Gray. A fourth-round pick of the Titans in the 2024 NFL Draft, Gray made great strides in 2025 while starting 16 games. Gray led the Titans and ranked fifth in the NFL with 160 tackles, tying for the second-most tackles by a Titans defender since 2000 (GSIS tackle stats). Gray added 15 quarterback pressures, seven tackles for a loss and four passes defensed while also recovering a fumble. It was quite a leap for Gray, who played in just seven games as a rookie, primarily on special teams. A lot has changed since last year for Gray, and others, as the team switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme. In offseason work, Gray focused on reacting even faster on the field by working on his footwork, and by understanding concepts even better.
What I've seen so far: Barton and Gray have made strides while adjusting to the new scheme. Second-round pick Anthony Hill Jr., meanwhile, has picked up the defense well. In fact, he had an interception in the first OTA that was open to media when he picked off Hendon Hooker. James Williams Sr. is now in Year 3, and he looked fast, even with the scheme change. He was around the ball, and he nearly secured an INT one open practice himself. An under-the-radar player who continues to impress is Dorian Mausi, and he'll look to continue his momentum when training camp begins. LB Shad Banks also had an offseason interception.
What I think the Titans need to see in camp: As previously mentioned, the linebackers are adjusting to a new scheme, with a new coaching staff and new techniques. The expectation is this group will settle in. I suspect the number of backers on the 53 will be five or six, and right now Barton, Gray, Williams, Hill and Mausi figure to be five. Can another one of the backers make it six? Of course all of these guys are going to have to earn it. The team would love to see Hill emerge, and find a role in the defense. Hill's strength is in the passing game. Gray has talked about wanting to make more game-changing plays in 2026, and camp will provide a good runway for him to take off.
Next up: Cornerbacks
TITANS TRAINING CAMP
Join the Tennessee Titans, August 7, as we celebrate the final stadium practice at the current Nissan Stadium with the Blue & White Stadium Scrimmage, presented by Pinnacle!
