There will be one undrafted free agent on the Titans roster in 2024.
He might be able to make the Titans roster.
A new era is starting for the Tennessee Titans. After losing players like Mike Vrabel, Ryan Tannehill, and Derrick Henry, they brought in Brian Callahan, Will Levis, Tony Pollard, and Tyjae Spears in their place. A new class of rookie draft picks, like Alabama’s JC Latham, and possible undrafted gems in the rough herald a new era in Nashville. Dillon Johnson of Washington might be one of the latter and could even make the Titans’ 53-man roster come fall.
Johnson Dillon
Had it not been for injuries and subpar athletic tests, Johnson most likely would have been selected in the first round. He sustained a foot injury while playing for the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoffs, which limited his performance in their National Championship Game versus Michigan.
Perhaps Johnson’s pre-draft athletic testing was influenced by that injury. His 40-yard dash time was only 4.68, while his RAS was 4.34. Although it doesn’t mean a running back’s career is over, a score so low does reduce his potential as a player. This, combined with his lackluster performance at Mississippi State, caused Johnson to be overlooked during the selection process.
It does not, however, imply that he cannot play. Johnson spent most of his college career as an effective and adaptable player. Over the course of his four seasons at Mississippi State and Washington, he averaged at least five yards per run. Despite playing mostly seldom at Starkville, Johnson demonstrated in 2023 that he could be a full-time player in Seattle. As a Husky, he gained 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns on 233 carries.
Johnson was a dependable and highly active receiver out of the backfield as well. During his four seasons, he caught 173 receptions for 1,054 yards and one touchdown. Although Spears and Pollard are two excellent pass catchers in the Titans’ running back group, Johnson could benefit from this versatility.
Tennessee’s circumstances
While it is unlikely that Johnson would replace the two backs mentioned above, it is not out of the question that he will be competing for the third-string spot throughout training camp. There isn’t much competition for that position from him. The previous front office and coaching staff selected Hassan Haskins in the fourth round, but he hasn’t made much of an impact in the NFL. He has only 25 carries for 93 yards in two seasons. That was all in 2022.
Other than Haskins, Tennessee’s roster doesn’t have much depth right now. The only other running back on the team with NFL experience is Julius Chestnut. Chestnut, who has been a Titans player since 2022, was likewise an undrafted free agent. Nevertheless, he has only accumulated nine carries for 13 yards throughout those two seasons. He has primarily been used on special teams.
Johnson should have little trouble winning these two, especially considering his playing style. Johnson’s back is a grinder and bruiser. He enjoys hitting opponents and churns yards between the tackles by using his toughness to his advantage. His style is a perfect match for Spears and Pollard.
Jabari Small, a former Tennessee Volunteer running back who may perhaps be the third back in Nashville, was also signed by the Titans. However, in his final year of college, Johnson produced more than Small did in any of his four seasons. He has the route to earn a berth on the roster. If he makes it by the time training camp winds down, it shouldn’t come as a shock.
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