The Tennessee Titans have plenty of rookie talent worth talking about, but not every first-year player has jumped in and made an immediate mark.
This class does include a few newcomers already drawing real attention: Carnell Tate as a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year, Anthony Hill Jr. as a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Fernando Carmona as a starting guard. But there are also three rookies who haven’t done much on the field yet.
That doesn’t mean the door is closed on them. Last season is proof enough of how quickly things can change, with SCB Marcus Harris taking time to get on the field before working his way into a starting role, even if Alontae Taylor may still have something to say about that.
For now, though, these are the three rookies who have been total non-factors so far.
Nick Singleton has already gotten a few chances, but the results haven’t been there. The former Penn State standout has struggled with vision and awareness, and too often he has turned decent blocking into wasted plays by failing to maximize what was in front of him.
The skill set is still obvious, though. He should be dangerous with the ball in his hands, and if a Tony Pollard trade happens, Singleton would have a real opening to show he can turn his athletic traits into actual production.
Jackie Marshall’s path looked like it might open up after Jordan Elliott was released following an alleged incident, but that opportunity has not gone his way. Instead of climbing the depth chart, Marshall got passed by Nazir Stackhouse and Timmy Horne.
That said, the Titans still see something worth developing. Marshall brings an explosive, upfield style as a defensive tackle, while Horne is more of a run-stopper, which helps explain why Horne was the choice to fill Elliott’s role.
Marshall may still have a shot to contribute later on.
Pat Coogan’s situation is a little different. Injuries to Carmona and Jackson Slater created a possible lane for the Titans to kick Coogan over to guard and see what he could do there.
Instead, the team elevated Atonio Mafi, which points to Coogan being viewed strictly as a center for now. Even so, if the Titans decide to get creative later in the season, there’s a chance he could see some work in a non-traditional role, such as fullback or tight end, simply to get some NFL reps under his belt.
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