The Tennessee Titans will get their first look at their rookie class over the weekend as it is headlined by Marcus Mariota and Dorial Green-Beckham. Those two athletes are expected to be cornerstone pieces to turning the Tennessee Titans franchise around and if they excel, there could be roster moves in the future. Both players are entering competitions at their respective positions and are aiming to be Week 1 starters.
There is a lot of pressure resting on the shoulders of Mariota as he prepares for rookie mini-camp. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Mariota was drafted to be the starter and his arrival puts Zach Mettenberger on the trade blocks. The Titans have maintained the idea of a quarterback competition as Mettenberger is entering the season with the mindset that he is the No. 1 guy for the team.
"That is the mentality that Zach has. He thinks of himself as a starter, and the guys in the locker room do also. I don't think he is going to give it up easily," tackle Taylor Lewan said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean. "Mariota, I don't know the guy and I am sure he is a great worker and from everything I hear about him he's a great guy. But Zach is not the kind of guy who in conflict is going to flee. He's going to fight it out."
If Mariota excels in offseason workouts and training camp, is a trade of Mettenberger realistic? Alex Tanney and Charlie Whitehurst are the only other two quarterbacks on the roster. If Mariota gets injured, neither one of them could carry the Titans to success. Having Mettenberger gives Tennessee another quarterback who could potentially be a starter and compete with other teams.
While neither quarterback is expected to leave, could there be a change at the wide receiver position. Green-Beckham enters a crowded roster group headlined by Justin Hunter while Kendall Wright, Harry Douglas, Hakeem Nicks and Jacoby Ford are all fighting for position. Hunter told the media that he is excited for the competition and expects to remain a top threat on the team. Someone risks release and Hunter does not plan on it being him.
"[Green-Beckham] is another big guy like me, but he has more size on him," Hunter said, via Tennessean. "Competition is going to bring out the best in us. Everybody is going to fight for a position, and when the season comes, it will be a good thing. It's always (about competition) in the NFL. Your spot can always be taken. Everywhere you go, everyone is fighting for a position. In the NFL, the only thing that changes is the name on the back of the jersey."
Rookie mini-camp should come with some excitement this season. Tennessee will enter the year with added expectations and they believe they have the roster that can meet them.
