One game is left in the Titans’ preseason, as they get ready to head into Year 2 under head coach Brian Callahan. Some questions have been answered this preseason, but others remain unanswered, particularly regarding players who will or will not make the roster. With that being said, there are five players in this game to watch that could alter the roster or even the starting lineup.
**1) James Williams Sr, Linebacker**
The talented second-year converted linebacker has made big strides heading into his second season. His ability to read and diagnose plays has improved with more experience at the linebacker spot, where he converted as a rookie. The 2024 seventh-round pick out of the University of Miami has popped off the screen with explosive plays in practice and in the game, and could find his way into the starting lineup in Week 1 vs Denver because of it.
**2) Cedric Gray, Linebacker**
The only reason Gray is not being talked about more is because of Williams Sr. But even with that, Gray definitely popped off the screen in the second preseason game versus the Atlanta Falcons, getting home on a blitz and making a great play and filling the lane to stop the run with authority. Between Gray and Williams Sr., you cannot go wrong. Gray may not be the athlete Williams is, but he is every bit the thinker, knowing where everyone needs to be on the field and showing command of the defense by adjusting players to their right spots and making the right calls on the field.
**3) Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver**
The veteran wide receiver came back to the area where he played his high school football, looking to add to the Titans' wide receiver corps. While he has done many good things, the one thing people remember is his drop against the Falcons on a perfect pass from Cameron Ward. Those types of drops can linger, and hopefully, for him, it does not happen against the Vikings. However, if it does, it could be worth watching regarding whether he makes the roster or not.
**4) Xavier Restrepo, Wide Receiver**
Xavier Restrepo was one player Cameron Ward wanted the Titans to sign and Ward, for his part, said he told every team that considered him that he wanted them to give Restrepo an opportunity. Tennessee did so, and while Restrepo has shown he has some wiggle in the slot and has consistently caught the football when given opportunities, one does have to wonder about his fit on the Titans’ roster if he is to make it. He is not a player who has played much on special teams, and with him not being in the Top 5 of the wide receiver grouping, that could be something that costs him a spot. He may perform well against the Vikings, but that also could not be enough to make the roster.
**5) Marcus Harris, Cornerback**
The 2025 sixth-round pick out of California showed some flashes in the last preseason game, showing great skill in tipping the ball away from a Falcons wide receiver. These are the types of skills that led the Titans to draft Harris and bring him in to compete for a spot on the team. The cornerback spot is not the strongest spot on the Titans' defense and cornerback depth is always needed. He could go a long way in securing his spot in the rotation and on the roster if he has another solid game versus the Vikings.
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