< Back Player Profile: T'Vondre Sweat Hudson Webb Jul 25, 2025 In this article we spotlight Titans defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat In the modern NFL, game-changing defensive tackles don’t come around often. Rarer still are the ones who arrive not just with talent, but with presence, commanding respect before the ball is even snapped. In 2025, that player is T’Vondre Sweat. A name once unknown outside of Central Texas has become synonymous with power, persistence, and promise for the Tennessee Titans. But like all great stories, Sweat’s journey to NFL prominence didn’t come easy, and it certainly didn’t come clean. It’s a tale forged in sweat (literally), grounded in family, shaken by missteps, and elevated by a rare blend of humility and raw dominance. Born July 11, 2001 in Huntsville, Texas, T’Vondre Sweat grew up in a tight-knit household with a foundation built on hard work and accountability. His mother, a steady and supportive figure, often juggled multiple responsibilities to ensure her children were taken care of, while his father instilled in him the discipline that would one day make him a standout in the trenches. Even now, Sweat credits his family for keeping him grounded when the spotlight grew brighter. Despite his massive frame and intimidating on-field persona, those close to him describe him as kind, quiet, and fiercely loyal, a big man with an even bigger heart. At Huntsville High School, Sweat began his football journey, but it was a slow burn. He was raw, big, but unrefined. A three-star recruit, he didn’t make major headlines or national watch lists. His decision to commit to the University of Texas didn’t generate buzz. But Sweat didn’t need noise. He needed opportunity and patience. And when he got it, he made it count. By his senior year at Texas, T’Vondre Sweat had transformed into one of the most dominant forces in college football. The accolades poured in: Outland Trophy winner, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Unanimous All-American, and a key figure in resurrecting the Longhorns’ defense into a national contender. He finished his college career with 128 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a highlight-reel touchdown catch that turned him into an internet sensation. At 6'4", 366 pounds, Sweat didn’t just take up space, he controlled it. Double teams became routine. Run games collapsed before they started. And still, the NFL hesitated. Come draft day 2024, despite his production and accolades, questions lingered: Could Sweat stay in shape? Could he rush the passer? Could he keep his focus? The Tennessee Titans, picking early in the second round, said yes. Sweat arrived in Nashville with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He quickly earned a starting role, finishing his rookie year with 51 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a growing reputation as one of the hardest players to move off the ball. His 76.1 PFF grade ranked among the top-20 interior defenders in the league, and while he wasn’t filling up the stat sheet like an edge rusher, his impact was undeniable. Running backs hated seeing No. 93. Offensive linemen dreaded the matchup. And Titans fans? They saw something they hadn’t had in years: an immovable foundation in the heart of their defense. But not all of Sweat’s early NFL headlines were positive. In April 2024, just before rookie minicamp, Sweat was arrested in Austin, Texas for driving while intoxicated. The incident sparked controversy and immediate scrutiny. Some critics used the arrest as confirmation of pre-draft concerns. Others feared it was a red flag that would derail his career. Sweat, however, did what mature athletes do, he owned it. Publicly apologizing, he completed the necessary legal steps, enrolled in educational programs, and committed himself to personal growth. Coaches and teammates noticed the shift. He became more engaged, more vocal, and more consistent. He turned a major misstep into a moment of accountability. By the time training camp rolled around, it was clear: the Titans hadn’t just drafted a lineman—they’d drafted a leader in the making. Through the 2025 season, Sweat’s development has only accelerated. His play recognition has sharpened, his footwork refined, and his stamina increased. He’s drawn comparisons to former elite nose tackles like Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata, not just for his size but for his impact. He anchors the Titans’ run defense, commands double-teams, and opens up lanes for edge rushers like Harold Landry and Jeffrey Simmons. More than that, he brings energy, a joy to his position that elevates those around him. T’Vondre Sweat’s story isn’t neat or polished. It’s not the tale of a five-star recruit destined for greatness. It’s the story of a three-star grinder, molded by a small-town upbringing, tested by real-life mistakes, and forged into a player who now defines what it means to be an NFL defensive anchor. It’s about more than sacks or highlights, it’s about growth, redemption, and living up to a standard higher than the one others placed on him. For Titans fans, Sweat is a cornerstone. For his teammates, a tone-setter. And for the rest of the NFL? He’s the nightmare lining up across from your center. He’s T’Vondre Sweat, or what his teammates call him, Meatloaf, and he’s just getting started. Previous Next

< Back Extra Article: Building the Memphis Grizzlies all 2020s starting Lineup Hudson Webb Jul 26, 2024 In this article we build the Grizzlies 2020s starting lineup If you can believe it the Grizzlies have already completed 60% of their seasons primarily played in the 2020s decade! This decade has treated us relatively well with 4 playoff appearances, a series win, a Ja ROTY and MIP, a JJJ DPOY, and too many Ja Morant poster dunks to count. With the decade being over halfway done, I am gonna make the starting lineup of individual Grizzlies Players’ seasons. Starting Point Guard: 2022-23 Ja Morant C’mon I couldn’t have not picked Ja. His ‘23 campaign stands out as his best for many reasons. He averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. He got to the line at a career-high rate of 8.1 free throw attempts per game, showing just how relentless he was attacking the rim. Morant also improved his playmaking, posting the highest assist percentage (39.3%) of his career while reducing his turnover percentage from the previous season. He was in total control of the Grizzlies’ offense, leading them to 51 wins and the No. 2 seed in the West, all while being the focal point of every opponent’s scouting report. His ability to collapse defenses, finish in traffic, and create for others made him one of the league’s most dynamic point guards. Statistically and stylistically, this was peak Ja: a franchise star who truly looked ready to lead Memphis on a deep playoff run. Starting Shooting Guard: 2023-24 Desmond Bane Although not a banner year whatsoever, Desmond Bane came to play in 2024, and it is the reason he is making the money he is in Orlando. The Grizzlies faced the most injuries a team has ever faced in NBA history in 2024 and Bane was tasked with carrying all of the free agents the Grizzlies had to play. Despite missing time himself, Bane still managed to average a career-high 23.7 points, along with 5.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game on 45.6% shooting from the field. His usage rate jumped to 28.3%, showing how much of the offensive burden he had to shoulder. He remained a lethal shooter, hitting 38.1% from three on over 8 attempts per game, and maintained an elite 61.1% true shooting percentage despite facing the opponent's best defender every night. With Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and nearly every rotation piece missing huge chunks of the year, Bane was the lone offensive constant. His improved playmaking out of pick-and-rolls, midrange craft, and ability to generate clean looks for himself and others made him the heartbeat of an otherwise depleted roster. Starting Small Forward: 2021-22 Dillon Brooks Next up we have the trash talking defensive specialist who Grizzlies fans might not want to admit is a legend: Dillon Brooks. In the 2021–22 season, Brooks brought his signature edge on both ends of the court, playing a crucial role on a Grizzlies team that finished with 56 wins and the No. 2 seed in the West. Despite being limited to 32 games due to injury, he posted a career-high 18.4 points per game, along with 2.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds, while shouldering a 29.6% usage rate, second only to Ja Morant. His shot selection could be frustrating at times, but he consistently took and made difficult shots in big moments. Defensively, Brooks was the tone-setter. He routinely guarded the opposing team's best perimeter scorer and held them below their averages, posting a 108.2 defensive rating when on the floor. He ranked in the top tier of wings in deflections per game and was known for his physicality and ability to deny dribble penetration. Brooks’ ability to get under opponents' skin became his brand, but it was also a vital part of Memphis’ identity: gritty, tough, and fearless. Love him or hate him, the 2021–22 season showed why he was indispensable to the Grizzlies’ rise. Starting Power Forward: 2022-23 Jaren Jackson Jr. Next we have the Unicorn, Trip, JJJ in his trademark season. The 2022–23 campaign was the full realization of Jaren Jackson Jr.’s two-way potential, as he captured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award while also being named to his first All-Star Game. He averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 blocks per game, despite playing just 28.4 minutes per night. His 9.7% block rate was one of the highest ever for a player with his minutes load, and his defensive impact was undeniable, the Grizzlies posted a 109.0 defensive rating with him on the court, one of the best in the league. Offensively, JJJ expanded his game with improved post play and pick-and-pop versatility, shooting 50.6% from the field and 35.5% from three on solid volume. His ability to stretch the floor allowed Memphis to operate with great spacing, while his athleticism and timing made him a nightmare as a help defender. He finished the season with 194 total blocks, and his combination of rim protection, switchability, and improved discipline on fouls elevated Memphis’ defense to one of the league’s best. In every way, this was peak Jaren: the modern big man prototype who anchored a contender on both ends. Starting Center: 2020-21 Jonas Valančiūnas Rounding out the lineup is the big man from Lithuania, the bruising double-double machine: Jonas Valančiūnas. The 2020–21 season was easily his best as a Grizzly, where he averaged a career-high 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game while shooting an elite 59.2% from the field. He ranked third in the NBA in total rebounds (823) and second in offensive rebounds per game (4.1), making him a relentless force on the glass and a second-chance creator for Memphis. Valančiūnas also tallied 49 double-doubles, the fifth-most in the entire league that season, and had 15 games with 15+ rebounds, consistently controlling the paint. His old-school interior game provided a strong contrast to the pace-and-space modern style, but it worked. His touch around the rim, patience in the post, and ability to finish through contact gave Memphis a reliable scoring option down low. Defensively, he held opponents to 53.3% shooting at the rim, a solid mark given his lack of elite mobility. While he wasn’t a flashy rim protector like JJJ, his sheer physicality and positioning made him a dependable anchor. This was the year Jonas put it all together and proved he could be a focal point on a playoff-caliber team. Conclusion Seeing dudes like Steven Adams and young Jaylen Wells left off was tough, but were cuts that had to be made. Who did we leave off? Let us know. Previous Next

The best place for Tennessee pro sports fans From the Bluff, to the Beltline, to Broadway Your go-to site for all things Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Braves, and Tennessee Titans! TriZone TN is your hub for everything sports-related, covering news, updates, and insights on the Grizzlies, Braves, and Titans. Join our community of passionate fans today! Explore More TriZone TN is your hub for everything sports-related, covering news, updates, and insights on the Grizzlies, Braves, and Titans. Join our community of passionate fans today! Explore More Interactive Posts 18-24 25-34 35+ Featured Articles Stay Informed Memphis Grizzlies News Updates Atlanta Braves Game Highlights and News Tennessee Titans Team Updates and Game Results Extra Article Exclusive Insights and Player Stories TriZone Spotlight of the Week Discover the Stars On and Off the Field Crossover Article of the Week Plan Your Sports Calendar Ahead Meet our Founder Hudson's Vision is to provide a hub for people in the same sports community as him. Pro-sports fans from Tennessee who cheer for the 3 closest teams. TriZone TN is dedicated to providing fans with a one-stop platform for all things sports. We aim to create a vibrant community where fans can engage, share, and celebrate the spirit of sports together. Learn More Highlights In-Depth Coverage Our comprehensive coverage includes detailed articles, analysis, and insights on all the latest events and games, ensuring you never miss a beat. Exclusive Interviews Get access to exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and sports personalities, offering unique perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories. Fan Engagement Engage with fellow fans through interactive polls, quizzes, and discussions, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among sports enthusiasts. Fantasy Leagues Apply to join our Fantasy Leagues! We offer Basketball and Football through the Sleeper app and Baseball through the ESPN Fantasy app. Weekly Recaps Stay updated with our weekly recaps summarizing the key highlights, standout performances, and major events across all sports leagues.

< Back Braves: #trademarcellozuna Hudson Webb Jul 24, 2025 In this article we detail why the Braves MUST trade Marcell Ozuna before the trade deadline You heard it here first, we need Marcell Ozuna from the Atlanta Braves traded at the deadline more than we need water. Here are a few reasons why: Time to Cash In While the Season’s Gone With Atlanta floundering and firmly out of the NL East race, holding onto Ozuna makes little sense. His contract expires after 2025, making him a rental at best, and the Braves are already sitting at 10+ games under .500, with little upside down the stretch. Rather than wasting plate appearances on a bat that’s trending downward, Atlanta should flip him now for prospects or bullpen help before he walks as a free agent next winter. Defensive Liability: Ozuna Doesn’t Play the Field Ozuna’s role this year is almost purely as a designated hitter, his value in the field is effectively zero. He hasn’t logged meaningful innings in left, center, or right field in 2025, and with Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy both pushing for DH and catching time, Ozuna has been benched frequently since June, hitting just .562 OPS across recent games. When you can’t defend and you’ve lost your bat, you’ve lost any right to a roster spot. 2025 Advanced Metrics: Underwhelming At Best For the season Ozuna has just a .232 batting average, 13 home runs, and 42 RBIs in 328 at-bats, translating to a mediocre .743 OPS, which places him in the bottom half of MLB regulars. His Statcast metrics confirm it: his wOBA is .334 with an expected wOBA of just .372; a hard‑hit rate of 49.2% and barrel rate of 10.9% aren’t enough to boost an otherwise lackluster slash line. His OPS+ sits at 109—barely league average—doing little to justify playing time in a rebuilding phase. The Weight of His Criminal Past Ozuna’s 2021 domestic violence arrest and subsequent 20‑game suspension—and a separate DUI charge in 2022—still cast a long shadow over his reputation. Braves fans and critics alike still get made fun of because of his past off‑field controversies, and the more he sits in the lineup, the more the franchise looks tone‑deaf about accountability. Trading him removes a distraction, and shows a willingness to distance the team from character baggage. Who Could Be Interested? Potential Suitors Several contenders might bite: teams in playoff positions needing a left‑handed power bat off the bench or a part‑time DH with pop. Think Pittsburgh, Seattle, or maybe even a Dodgers team looking for depth down the stretch. Even a rebuilding club might take on his remaining salary in exchange for a low‑level prospect. With his contract expiring, the asking price shouldn’t be sky‑high, and Atlanta should get value now rather than nothing in 2026. Conclusion: Marcell Ozuna is not helping this beleaguered 2025 Braves club. He can’t field, his bat is mediocre, his off‑field legacy remains problematic, and his contract situation makes him deal-worthy. Trading him before July 31 is the smart, responsible move—one that could yield at least something useful for a franchise that needs to look ahead, not retroactively excuse lost games. Previous Next

< Back Team Crossover: Ronald Acuña's New Cleats Courtesy of Ja Morant Hudson Webb Jul 25, 2025 In this article we discuss Ja and Acuña's new collab Well, well, well, sometimes the sports world gifts us crossover moments that feel straight out of a fever dream, and this one? This one was glorious. In the middle of a rollercoaster 2025 MLB season and a quiet NBA offseason, two of TriZone TN’s most electrifying sports figures:Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Braves icon Ronald Acuña Jr., combined forces in a way that fans will be talking about for years. In a move that lit up social media and sneakerhead forums alike, Ja Morant gifted Acuña a one-of-a-kind pair of custom baseball cleats in early July. Yes, those cleats: decked out in powder Grizzlies teal, accented with Braves red and navy, complete with “JA x ACUÑA” stitched along the heel tabs, and featuring holographic panels that glistened under Truist Park’s lights. This wasn’t just some promotional stunt,it was a sincere gesture between two generational athletes who understand the grind, the spotlight, and, most importantly, the city. Now, let’s get this out of the way: Ja Morant plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, not the Atlanta Hawks. But don’t get it twisted, many fans, like the ones at TriZone TN love both teams and players. And Acuña? He is Atlanta. From his bat flips to his walk-off celebrations, he is the heartbeat of Braves baseball, even if this 2025 season hasn’t been kind to the team. That’s what made the moment so refreshing. In a year where both franchises have hit some bumps, Acuña battling back from an injury, and the Braves dealing with an injury-laced lineup, while Morant faced more injuries and uncertainty around the Grizzlies’ roster construction, this crossover reminded fans of something so many forget in the doom and gloom of box scores and injury reports: Sports are supposed to be fun. Let’s talk about the cleats. These weren’t your average “cool colorway” hand-me-downs. These were art. Crafted by renowned custom designer “Kickasso” (yes, the same artist who’s worked with OBJ and Patrick Mahomes), the cleats paid homage to both athletes’ brands. The left shoe bore a silhouette of Morant’s iconic poster dunk over Jakob Poeltl. The right featured Acuña’s signature bat flip after his 41st homer in 2023. Inside the tongue, embroidered in gold thread: “From one highlight to another.” Fans noticed immediately. Within minutes of Acuña debuting them during batting practice before a Friday night game vs. the Phillies, Twitter (okay, “X,” whatever) was ablaze. Morant even quote-tweeted a photo with the caption: “Ain’t nothing cooler than this. Let ‘em fly, brother. 💥🐐⚾️” Acuña followed up with a photo of the cleats resting on home plate, tagging Morant and writing: “These got me feelin’ like I’m dunking on the NL East.” This isn’t the first time Morant and Acuña have shown love to one another, either. Back in 2022, Morant shouted out Acuña during an interview, saying, “He’s one of those guys I watch even during our season. He plays with joy, with confidence. That’s how I try to hoop.” Acuña returned the favor in 2023, wearing a Morant jersey during a pregame fit check and even mimicking Ja’s “too small” celebration after stealing third base. It’s no secret these two respect each other’s craft, and more than that, they both represent the future of their sports. Brash. Confident. Dynamic. Unapologetically themselves. Bigger Than a Game: What This Means for Fans There’s something magnetic about moments like this. For TriZone TN-like fans, it’s a rare treat to see their franchises, not just players, acknowledge one another. In an era where fans are often divided by season tickets and stat debates, a Ja-Acuña link-up feels like a shared W. It’s the kind of moment that gets kids in cleats mimicking Ja’s crossover, and hoopers at LA Fitness pretending to hit moonshots. Let’s face it: the modern sports world thrives on crossover energy. We see it with Travis Kelce hanging at Royals games, with LeBron tweeting about Shohei Ohtani, and with the NFL/NBA summer jersey swaps. But there’s something different, something electric when two hometown heroes connect organically, not through a brand deal or a camera op, but through mutual admiration and creativity. The Braves? Struggling. There’s no sugarcoating it. Despite a strong core, injuries to the rotation and a down year from multiple key bats have left them fighting for a Wild Card spot instead of a division crown. Acuña’s bat has warmed up in July, but it’s clear the team needs a spark. The Grizzlies? In transition. Ja’s suspensions arebehind him, but questions about team leadership and supporting talent linger. Memphis has already shipped out a few role players, and rumors swirl about a potential major trade before training camp. And yet… This moment between Ja and Acuña was untouchable by record, rankings, or narratives. It was bigger than the game. Final Thoughts: Crossover Culture is King At the end of the day, this wasn’t about marketing. It wasn’t even about sneakers. It was about connection. In an era where sports media is saturated with debates, drama, and deadlines, something as simple as Ja Morant gifting Ronald Acuña a pair of custom cleats felt revolutionary. It was a reminder that fandom isn’t limited by leagues or logos. It’s about moments. Icons. Vibes. So here’s to more of this. Here’s to a future where the Braves and Grizzlies keep showing each other love, where Atlanta and Memphis unite in culture and charisma, and where sports feel like magic again. Now excuse us while we go order custom cleats and hope our rec league pitcher doesn't mind us bat-flipping after a walk. Previous Next

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< Back Titans: Who Should be the Titans QB2? Hudson Webb Jul 28, 2025 In this article we examine who should be the Titans backup quarterback for the 2025-26 season. As the 2025 Tennessee Titans season quickly approaches another revelation has occurred. Back-up quarterback and last year’s primary starter Will Levis was announced to be having season ending shoulder surgery that occurred last season. Although many people predicted Levis to be traded before week 1, he was still this team's backup quarterback. This now raises the question, do the Titans keep the guys they have in house to fill the vacant QB2 spot or do they go another route? Here is all the realistic options with our takes: Tim Boyle Tim Boyle is entering his seventh NFL season with his seventh different team with almost no success to show for his career. Remarkably, he finished his college career with a 1-13 TD-INT ratio and somehow still made NFL rosters. His pro career hasn’t been much better with a 5-13 ratio and 58.1 rating. Pretty Awful. I’m sure he is a great guy and that probably has helped him stay around so long, but c’mon . . . this guy could not be a competent NFL quarterback if god forbid, Cam goes down. On top of that, he has no kind of pedigree to be mentoring our young franchise savior Cam Ward. All around, this guy should not be our QB2. Sadly, Chad Brinker and General Manager Mike Borganzi said in a press conference they are likely keeping him at QB2 for now, but let’s hope that’s all smoke in mirrors. Brandon Allen The second and final in-house option is Brandon Allen, who is entering his sixth year in the NFL but eleventh year out of college. Like Boyle, Allen has bounced around from team to team, but unlike Boyle he has put up numbers of some kind. He has 11-8 TD-INT ratio in his career as well as a 76.2 rating. Don’t get me wrong, the 33 year old journeyman is not impressive at all, but he has to be a step up from Boyle . . . right? Maybe I’m being too harsh on both, but if Ward goes down and one of these guys is leading the team, go ahead and put our games on Tubi. Like Boyle, this pick brutally uninspires me for one, he’s bad, and two, he’s no mentor. Other Options Joe Flacco Here is an option that ten years ago would have cost half of our salary cap. The veteran Flacco spent the first twelve years of his career being the franchise guy for the Ravens which included a Super Bowl win. After now two-time MVP Lamar Jackson took his job he joined the Broncos. Since then, he has had several other stops where he struggled to find his feet. The only notable thing Flacco has done in his career since leaving Baltimore is coming off the couch to lead Cleveland to the playoffs in 2023. He now finds himself back in Cleveland after a year in Indianapolis. He is amidst a four man QB battle with his opponents being Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Early indications from camp point to either him or Pickett winning the job. If he were to lose, I would love to see the Titans offer a late round pick swap to Cleveland in exchange for the veteran. Flacco has a very notable career and has played some of the most snaps of any quarterback ever. This makes him an A+ mentor candidate for Ward which could make up for his lesser play if he came in. This is a fantastic option and strong contender for the most optimal target. Jameis Winston Jameis Winston, or how most Titans fans remember him, the guy who went one selection higher than Mariota in 2015. Titans fans have not lost much sleep though as Winston and Mariota careers have very closely correlated. Like Mariota, Winston lost his starting job after the 2019 season, but he was down in Tampa. He then moved on to 4 injury riddled years in New Orleans before spending his 2024 starting in half of Cleveland’s games. Winston is the personification of ‘the Gunslinger’ quarterback mold, but less Brett Favre and more Daniel Jones. He is known for throwing the most beautiful ball one throw and then the next being picked off in triple coverage. For example, in 2015, Winston threw for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. In 2024 Cleveland was depleted so they let him slip back into that role and he did just that, in half a season he had a 13-12 TD-INT ratio. This offseason he signed with the Giants assuming he would start or at least be in a position to earn the job, but the Giants later signed Russell Wison and drafted Jaxon Dart in the first round. This reportedly blindsided Winston and left him with a bad taste in his mouth. If the Giants truly won’t use him, they probably will shop him to backup needy teams, and that is the Titans. I foresee a Winston trade being once again a late round pick swap. Like Flacco, Winston would for sure be a veteran with enough experience to mentor Cam and help him out in his first year. And plus, if he had to start he would 100% give us something to talk about. Carson Wentz Carson Wentz has had a very odd career in the grand scheme of things. He was drafted second overall by Philadelphia in 2016 and was immediately given the keys to the franchise. In only his second year he was putting together a MVP campaign before going down for the year in week 15. As most of you know, Nick Foles would take over and lead the Eagles to a fairy tale Super Bowl win over the Patriots; however, Wentz would keep his job for the next year. He would continue to face injury issues on top of him never being able to play close to how he once did. He was eventually benched in 2020 and then traded to the Colts in 2021. After being the primary starter for Indianapolis and Washington in 2021 and 2022 Wentz would move to backup roles with the Rams and Chiefs in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Wentz is actually a free agent as of July 29th 2025, so the Titans could very easily obtain him. Although it may not seem like it, Wentz has actually started more games than Jameis Winston in his career. This is why I believe he also would be a good option if a veteran leader is a priority like I presume. Although not impressive, I would take him over Boyle and Allen in a game all day. My Pick After considering all 5 men, I have come to the conclusion that Carson Wentz is the best option on the Board. I came to this conclusion for a couple reasons. One, I believe Wentz is objectively better than Allen and Boyle and could actually put watchable football on TV if he had too. Secondly, he has enough experience in his 10 year career to mentor Ward and show him the ropes. He could be the Alex Smith to Cam Ward’s Mahomes. And third, he is just waiting for a minimum contract, basically free. Someone has to get that money, so why not Wentz? Although Flacco and Winston might be more exciting and better, they come with a trade that only complicates things and costs the Titans, although maybe low, a pick. Ultimately, if I were General Manager Mike Borganzi I would call Carson Wentz and welcome him to the Titans as our quarterback 2 for the 2025 campaign. Previous Next

< Back Grizzlies: Creating Set-minutes for All Players in the Grizzlies' 2025-26 Rotation Hudson Webb Jul 25, 2025 In this article we will distribute minutes to players in the 2025-26 Grizzlies' rotation With the 2025 Memphis Grizzlies season fastly approaching, their roster seems to be set. This is the first full season for head coach Tuomas Iisalo and big changes are expected to occur. Former head coach Taylor Jenkins was commonly criticized for not giving his stars enough minutes every game and Iisalo will make sure he does not face the same scrutiny. In this article I will detail a player by player minutes per game breakdown for the 2025-26 season barring no injuries. Ja Morant: 33 MPG 33 MPG would be a 3 minute increase from Ja’s 2025 which seems large, but totally reasonable. As previously stated, Taylor Jenkins criminally under-utilized his best players, with Ja being the most notable. Ja is this team plain and simple and we win and lose through him. If he’s healthy, there is no one else I want to see lead this team. Jaren Jackson Jr.: 30 MPG 30 MPG for Jaren Jackson Jr. would be just .2 higher than his 2025 campaign as I believe Taylor Jenkins actually handled him correctly. JJJ is our defensive anchor and tone setter. If he comes to play, consider yourself in trouble. His offensive bag has gotten exponentially better in the last two years which can be attributed to the team having to lean on him. In the disastrous 2024 season JJJ was tasked with 35 MPG per game and that proved taxing to the defensive beast. I believe 30 MPG serves him perfectly and gives backup power forwards, Santi Aldama, GG Jackson, and sometimes Cedric Coward enough time to pick up the slack. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 25 MPG KCP is the veteran presence the Grizzlies needed last year which is why I, among many other fans, were thrilled to see him come to Memphis as part of the Desmond Bane deal. His pedigree of being a starter on two different championship winning teams in recent years was enough for him to get the third most minutes on the team in my eyes. He will be an unselfish shooting guard that will play excellently with either Ja or Ty Jerome. KCP has been tasked with about 30 MPG in his last 5 seasons, so 25 won’t be a problem. He has been a 40% 3 point shooter his whole career until last year where he shrunk down to 34%. This fact alone is why I moved his minutes down just a tad, but I am very confident his numbers will be back to 37% or more. Jaylen Wells: 24 MPG Jaylen Wells showed himself to be one of the Grizzlies’ brightest spots in 2025. He was a second round pick who very quickly was tasked with a starting spot and never looked back. Wells did not miss a game all year until game 75 where he sustained a scary wrist injury. Wells was a defensive specialist in 2025 who would not let guards pass him, screen or not. He was a consistent 3 point shooter as well and contributed a nice 10 PPG. Wells saw 25.9 MPG last year and I only have that going down because hopefully we won’t have to lean on excess minutes for the young player due to teammates injuries. I foresee another great year for Wells as he continues to prove he will be a part of this team for years to come. Zach Edey: 22 MPG Next we have big Zach Edey who will be the Grizzlies’ starting center once again. Zach Edey was the Grizzlies lottery pick in the 2024 NBA draft and was immediately given a starting role. He had a rookie season very much up to what Grizzlies fans expected making the All Rookie first team along with teammate Jaylen Wells. He was given 21.5 MPG per game last year which is a number largely shrunken by games he was coming back from injury and needed limited minutes; so although 22 is technically an increase, I see it as the same number. The reason I don’t have Edey getting normal starting center minutes is he simply has injury problems and overusing the big man could land an already big-deprived team in hot water. Santi Aldama: 18 MPG Next up we have the Trolley Problem, Santi Aldama, who is the Grizzlies sixth man who received big time money in the offseason. Clearly this staff love Aldama as he is now making 17 million dollars a year for the next three years. Aldama saw 22 MPG last year, but he started 16 games due to injuries. This heavily inflates his numbers more than many fans would expect. So although it appears I’m limiting him, I am really not. I believe Santi’s usage last year was good, but just a tad bit excessive. I think the 18 MPG will do him great justice and lessen his bad qualities. I see him playing power forward primarily and small forward when paired with JJJ. Ty Jerome – 16 MPG Next we have the Grizzlies’ biggest free agent signing and last year’s Cavs sixth man, Ty Jerome. If Ty’s good enough to be the Eastern Conference’s best regular season team’s sixth man, I am glad to see him as our seventh. Ty Jerome saw 19 MPG last year with 12.5 PPG and 43.9% 3 point shooting. Those two stats will be crucial in improving the team’s woes from last year from the field. Jerome will be this team’s backup point guard to Ja and will be a defensive menace who will bring the aggression. The reason I have a slight regression in minutes for the guard is simply because I think Pippen needs minutes and Pippen is his counterpart. Brandon Clarke – 14 MPG Brandon Clarke returns as the energetic, athletic forward with a unique ability to fill scoring and defensive gaps in a pinch. Clarke looked dynamic in his 2024–25 appearances before being sidelined with injury, his per-minute production on the pick-and-roll and lob game was elite. Entrusting him with 14 minutes gives Memphis a high-efficiency spark plug off the bench. In those minutes, his offensive rebounding and cut-to-the-rim presence are game changers. His minutes aren’t up because the frontcourt is deeper now, but his role is still vital, especially late in close games. Cedric Coward – 9 MPG Cedric Coward is a deep-rotation big who’ll see time in specific lineups, particularly ones that need size and rim protection against bigger opponents. He’s also looked sharp as a second-unit space-eater who can handle some interior minutes with minimal missteps. Coward’s ramp-up to nine minutes reflects coaching trust in his situational awareness and his ability to close out games when JJJ or Edey sit. He’s not an offensive focal point, but he’s dependable in minutes that demand contesting the paint or pounding the glass. Scottie Pippen Jr. – 6 MPG Scottie Pippen Jr., who averaged about 21 MPG last season, will see his role shrink in the new guard hierarchy. With Ja commanding the lead and Ty Jerome signed for spare ball-handling duties, Pippen’s usage slides to six minutes. He remains a valued floor general in blowouts or when reserves need short relief, offering defense, hustle, and occasional spark plays. His understanding of team offense and occasional transition burst still make him a rotation depth piece, just not a central one. GG Jackson – 3 MPG GG Jackson remains a developmental prospect with massive upside but limited polish at this stage. Earning just three minutes per game, he’ll be used mostly in mop-up situations or low-stress lineups where his athleticism can shine without high stakes. His minutes may also rise situationally if matchups favor his physical tools. But at this point, Jackson’s role is future-facing: flashes of creativity, spot scoring, and limited defensive runs while he continues his progression behind the scenes. Vince Williams Jr. – 3 MPG Though he logged more meaningful minutes last year, the addition of KCP and new wing depth reduces Vince Williams Jr.’s court time to three MPG. His skillset: energy defense, hustle in transition, and spacing when need still earns him bench consideration. But with Wells, KCP, and Pippen Jr. ahead, his minutes are expected to be minimal unless an injury or blowout situation arises. Cam Spencer - 3 MPG Cam Spencer, another guard-level reserve, rounds out the roster with three projected minutes per game. Primarily signed for backcourt depth and veteran shooting off the bench, Spencer will see the floor in garbage time or as a situational shooter when defensive pressure is already off. Though he impressed in Summer League, the tight guard rotation limits his role. His minutes reflect that he’s more of a trusted insurance policy than a regular rotation piece. Previous Next

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< Back Team Crossover: Comparing Players across teams The Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Braves, and Memphis Grizzlies are obviously all in three different cities. This causes interaction between the three to be at a minimum which causes player link-ups and comparisons to also be rare. So in this article we are going to be finding some out-of-the-box comparisons with two players for each team! Braves - Titans Ozzie Albies - Jeffrey Simmons This one seems pretty jarring at first glance, and understandably so. Ozzie Albies is a 5’8 165 lb soft spoken and smiley guy, while Jeffrey Simmons is a 6’4 310 lb behemoth who is known for being terrifying and a loud trash talker. So why the comparison? Well if you look a little closer, there is a lot there. Both men started there pro careers on their respective teams right before a period of prolonged success. In Ozzie’s case, he started as the young second baseman right as the Braves 6 year division streak would begin and Big Jeff started as a rookie on the Titans first year from their 3 year stretch of being a force in the AFC. Both men entered the period as young athletes with a long future ahead of them and left as veterans of the team in the blink of an eye. Seemingly out of nowhere both men are now considered ‘veterans’ with the rest of the roster being unrecognizable from their rookie year. Both men are held at a high regard in the locker room and seen as every player’s keeper. Additionally, both men are known for their charity work in their team’s community. Both men are not natives of their areas, Ozzie especially, and still have become a mainstay in the community. Ozzie runs a notable Atlanta dog rescue foundation and Simmons was recognized as the Titan’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his service with the Boys and Girls Club of America in Nashville. All in all, despite their seemingly polar opposite physics and demeanors, they hold the same role on their teams. Jurickson Profar - L’Jarius Sneed Although this list is supposed to be optimistic, the reasons for this comparison don’t shed the best light on either of the two men. Jurickson Profar was brought in as the Braves shiny new toy in the 2025 offseason and fans were psyched . . . for about a month. 6 games into the season Profar was suspended for PED use which cost him 81 games and a 1 year playoff ban. On the other hand, L’Jarius Sneed was brought in the 2024 offseason in a trade from the Chiefs and a subsequent big money extension that not one Titans fan was negative on. He was seen as the Titans new lock down cornerback that we have been lacking for some years. Sadly, injuries plagued his season and after a mid-year tweak in his knee that was intentionally thought to be a week-week issue, he never played again. On top of this, many Titans insiders accused him of not having a drive to return. In both cases these men were heralded as their franchises new all-star level player and both disappointed due to missed time. This led to massive disappointment, but that is what leads to the next comparison, they both have the rest of their tenure to turn that around and make their early struggles nothing but a speed bump in their time on their teams. Titans - Grizzlies Jaylen Wells- Jarvis Brownlee Jr. I didn’t say some of these wouldn’t be obvious. It’s not hard to see why these two men are bing compared; both are slept on rookies who proved why they belong in the NBA and NFL. Jaylen Wells was drafted as an afterthought in the second round of the NBA draft, a place where most players are stranded in the G-league their rookie year. Because of early injuries, Wells got an opportunity at bench minutes and quickly showed who he was. After only a few games, Jaylen Wells earned the spot at starting shooting guard/small forward, a spot he would never relinquish until a late injury. A rookie starting for a playoff contending team like Memphis was expected, but not from Wells. Zach Edey was seen as the Grizzlies best rookie, but Jaylen Wells earned his spot starting along with him and joined him on All Rookie first team, being the only second rounder to do so. On the other hand, Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was drafted in the 5th round of the 2024 draft, another place rookie year starters do not traditionally originate from. In the limited snaps he got early on, the coaches saw his energy, hustle, and what he calls ‘gorilla’ mentality on full display. Despite starting as cornerback four in week one, he earned the cornerback 1 spot when Lajarius Sneed went out for the year. In his time starting, his energy was infectious and his demeanor brought morale up across the defense. Both men weren’t meant to contribute immediately, but they earned their spot as soon as they hit the scene and became immediate fan favorites. Tyler Lockett - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Here is another seemingly obvious, yet still very interesting comparison. Tyler Lockett was drafted in the 3rd round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2015 and quickly cemented himself as top receiver in this league. He put up consistent 900-1150 yards seasons for 6 years in a row and proved himself to be one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. He was the quintessential wide receiver two while in Seattle and always elevated his teams throughout the regular season and playoffs, as he was a part of 7 playoff games. In the 2025 offseason Tyler Lockett signed a new deal to join the Titans. Similarly, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a valuable contributor to many playoff and championship winning teams. KCP started his career in Detroit in 2013 before joining the Lakers in 2017. While on the team, he started on the 2020 championship winning squad and was perhaps their most valuable role player. Just three years later he started for the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets. In the 2025 offseason KCP was a part of the massive Desmond Bane trade in which he was shipped off to Memphis. Both of these players have been essential for their team’s playoff success in the last decade and our bringing their veteran and winning mentality to the Titans and Grizzlies respectively. Although both are not at all the players they once were, they will bring a leadership and winning culture to these teams that is priceless. Grizzlies - Braves Ja Morant - Ronald Acuña These two are the faces of their franchises; simple as that. Ronald Acuña Jr. entered the majors just over 7 years ago and from the start we knew he was special. He made a splash onto the scene quickly becoming one of the most entertaining players to watch in baseball. He took home the NL Rookie of the Year and also hit a playoff grand slam to cap off an excellent rookie campaign. Sadly, he tore his ACL at the mid-year points of both 2021 and 2023 which kept him out of postseason play as well as the first half of the next year. Despite being a great postseason player, he has missed two of the ones his team has been in since he entered the league. He is undoubtedly the face of the Atlanta Braves but sadly he struggles to stay on the field. And then there’s Ja Morant, who entered the NBA 6 years ago and immediately made an impact, winning rookie of the year. He quickly asserted himself as one of the most impressive players in basketball with his seemingly endless dunk highlights. Upon entering his first postseason in 2021, he showed he was a 4th quarter player. He has hit multiple playoff game winners in his small sample size as well as 3 40 point games. Sadly, he has gotten injured twice in the playoffs that took him out the remainder of that season. On top of postseason injuries, Ja consistently struggles to stay on the court during the season, continually facing multiple week long injuries and even once a season ending one. Both men are undisputedly their franchises crown jewel as well as one of their league’s most marketable players, but one thing is always holding them back, staying on the court. GG Jackson - Didier Fuentes The final comparison is definitely two players not as mainstream as the others, but just as interesting. GG Jackson is entering his third year in the NBA at 20, yes 20, years old. HE was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and immediately became the league's youngest player upon entering the league. He initially started out on the Grizzlies’ G-league roster, but because his rookie year was the nightmare 2023-24 season, he quickly saw playing time. Due to an embarrassingly long list of injuries, GG Jackson quickly entered into a starting role at only a few days over 19! This obviously gave him good reps and experience, but overexposure is a real thing. In his sophomore year fans saw a regression as he struggled with being thrusted into the scene too early in 2023. Similarly, Didier Fuentes started his career as the youngest player in the whole MLB. Fuentes started his first MLB game as a pitcher at only 19! Similar to Jackson, he was playing because of stockpiled injuries. He showed flashes but admittedly struggled in his first 3 starts before a disastrous 4th start that got him sent back to the minors to develop. To tell the truth, the Braves massively misplayed the Didier situation, as he should never have thrown an MLB pitch in 2025. He needed more time and this early overexposure could have ripples throughout the rest of his career. In both cases, we see a player who has all the tools to be a star in their league, but due to overexposure early on, has faced hardship. Previous Next

< Back Player Profile: Spencer Schwellenbach Hudson Webb Jul 8, 2025 In this article we will provide a profile on young Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach! Despite some injuries, in the last 2 years the Atlanta Braves fans have gotten to see how much potential Spencer Schwelllenbach posses and the future star he could become. But who is Spencer Schwellenbach? In this article I will detail how this man is more than just another Spencer S in the Braves Rotation. Born on May 24, 2000, in Saginaw, Michigan, to a family where he was the youngest of 4, Spencer Schwellenbach didn’t come from a pipeline of MLB stars or attend some Florida baseball academy. He was just a talented kid from Heritage High School who did everything well. He could hit, run, field, and pitch, a kind of versatility you don’t see much in high school players anymore. He developed these skills from the ages 5 and on in the Michigan little league system. It was in these youth leagues he actually met his future wife, Shelby. Her father was his first coach and taught him the fundamentals he would take to the Major Leagues. The couple did not start dating until high school, but have remained together since and got married in early 2025. Throughout high school, his excellence earned him Michigan’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior, and while some players specialize early, Spencer remained committed to being a true two-way threat. That commitment led him to the University of Nebraska, where he played shortstop every day while quietly storing away his future on the mound. At Nebraska, Schwellenbach was reliable at the plate and elite with the glove. But it wasn’t until his final college season in 2021, when he was finally unleashed as a full-time closer, that the baseball world started paying serious attention. He threw 31.2 innings that year, striking out 34 with a 0.57 ERA and displaying a fastball that touched 98 mph. Scouts took notice. The Atlanta Braves selected him in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, not as a shortstop, but as a future pitcher. The problem? Spencer had just undergone Tommy John surgery. The climb would have to start from the bottom. In many ways, that moment defined him. A two-way star forced to sit, wait, and recover. Not glamorous. Not headline-worthy. But absolutely necessary. And Spencer embraced it with the same quiet intensity that would later make him a fixture on the mound in Atlanta. While other prospects were shining in the minors, Schwellenbach was focused on movement patterns, biomechanics, and mastering the mental side of pitching. When he returned to live action in 2023, the results were worth the wait. He began to dominate hitters with a filthy three-pitch mix: a mid-90s fastball with ride, a devastating slider, and a fading changeup that left lefties helpless. More importantly, he showed poise and presence, two things you can’t teach. By 2024, he was climbing the Braves’ prospect rankings and by late 2024, he was in Atlanta, facing Major League hitters, and most nights, beating them. What sets Spencer Schwellenbach apart isn’t just stuff, though he’s got that in spades. It’s his ability to command the moment. To rise when the game tightens. To throw the perfect pitch when everything’s on the line. Every start he makes this season feels like a declaration: “I belong here. And I’m only getting started.” Braves manager Brian Snitker has praised Schwellenbach not only for his maturity, but his work ethic. “He doesn’t flinch,” Snitker said after a gutsy 7-inning performance against the Phillies. “He walks out there and controls the game like he’s been doing it for years.” Pitching coach Rick Kranitz has called him “the smartest pitcher on the staff,” not for his IQ alone, but for his ability to adapt mid-game, process data, and execute adjustments pitch-to-pitch. Additionally, Spencer has taken it upon himself to help guide the younger pitchers in the Braves’ clubhouse. Whether it's breaking down film or walking through pitch grips, he’s building a culture around precision and discipline. He's the kind of guy who studies film at midnight and throws flat grounds at sunrise, because that’s what it takes. Because that's who he is. His impact has been immediate and undeniable. The Braves rotation, once plagued by injury questions and inconsistency, now features Schwellenbach as its stabilizing force—its cerebral assassin. He’s already been compared to a young Max Scherzer, not just for his electric stuff, but for the way he attacks hitters with controlled rage. He’s also drawn parallels to Zack Greinke for his intellect, his pitch manipulation, and his cool-under-pressure demeanor. But make no mistake: Spencer Schwellenbach isn’t trying to be the next anyone. He’s building his own legacy. In the end, Schwellenbach’s story isn’t about the velocity on his fastball or the bite on his slider—it’s about the long road back from surgery. It’s about being told, “Not yet,” and turning that into, “Watch me.” It’s about a two-way star being forced to choose one path, and then dominating it anyway. From Saginaw to Omaha to Atlanta, Schwellenbach never let anyone else define his ceiling. Now, as a cornerstone of the Braves’ rotation and a Rookie of the Year frontrunner, he's not just a surprise success story, he’s the gold standard for what player development looks like done right. If you're a Braves fan, go ahead and dream big. Because with Spencer Schwellenbach toeing the rubber every fifth day, the future is in the best possible hands, steady, focused, and ready to dominate. Here's to Schwellenbach recovering from injury soon! Previous Next

< Back Titans: Who should be WR2? Hudson Webb Jun 17, 2025 Going into the 2025 Tennessee Titans offseason this question marks at almost every position on the depth chart. However, One I believe many fans will agree is most interesting is the battle in the wide receiver room. It is safe to say that 2024 was not a benner year by any means but especially in the receiving room. The Titans ranked 25th in 2025 in receiving yard per game and left many yards on the table. Although quarterback play was poor in a majority of games, there is no excuse for little wide receiver production in 2024. Calvin Ridley, despite all of the seasons passing strife, amazingly finished with 1000 yards and 4 touchdowns while Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was the opposite with 497 yards and an improbable 9 touchdowns. Tyler Boyd also trailed with 390. Beyond those 3, no one eclipsed more than 200 yards. Tennessee is only returning Calvin Ridley of those 3 which makes the wide receiver room wide open for 2025. Assuming Ridley is WR1, who takes the WR2 spot? In this article we’ll detail who we believe will get the nod week 1 and who will ultimately finish as the WR2. Before we begin, let's go through who the Titans are returning and who they added this offseason. Returning this year includes undrafted free agents from 2024 Bryce Oliver and Tay Martin who combined for 140 yards and a touchdown. Long time practice squad and active roster flip flopper Mason Kinsey and former first round pick Treylon Burks are making their return as well. In free agency, the Titans added veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson. Lockett, 31, comes from Seattle where he spent nine seasons as a dependable slot receiver and deep threat, racking up over 7,500 career receiving yards. Jefferson, a middle Tennessee native is 28 and a former Rams, Falcons, and Steelers receiver who won a Super Bowl with L.A. in 2021. Known for his straight-line speed, he adds depth and experience to Tennessee’s receiving corps. And finally, in the draft the Titans added 2 Wide-outs and signed one undrafted free agent. The team drafted Florida return specialist Chimere Dike and Stanford Standout Elic Ayomanor with third and fourth round picks respectively. They also signed Cam Ward’s number one receiver from his time at Miami in Xavier Restrepo. So of these 7, who do we think will earn that WR2 spot in Week 1? Tyler Lockett The favorite on paper to land the WR2 spot is veteran Tyler Lockett. At 31, Lockett brings nine seasons of NFL experience, all with the Seattle Seahawks, where he quietly built a résumé as one of the league’s most consistent and efficient receivers. A savvy route-runner with sure hands and excellent chemistry with quarterbacks, Lockett has four career 1,000-yard seasons and over 7,500 career receiving yards. While he may have lost a step in terms of pure speed, his football IQ, ability to find space, and reliability on third down make him an ideal candidate to complement a true WR1 like Calvin Ridley. If healthy, Lockett’s veteran presence and polished skill set make him the early front-runner for the WR2 job and become a Rookie Quarterbacks best friend. Van Jefferson Van Jefferson, 28, is a middle Tennessee native looking to revitalize his career back home. After a promising start with the Rams, including a key role in their 2021 Super Bowl run, Jefferson’s production dipped in recent years due to injuries and inconsistent quarterback play in both Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Known for his speed and vertical ability, Jefferson still possesses the tools to stretch defenses and operate as a downfield threat. If he can impress in camp and stay healthy, he’s a strong contender to carve out a WR3 or rotational deep-threat role, with an outside shot at WR2 if he performs well enough and people move down ahead of him. Treylon Burks The wildcard in this group is 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks. After three underwhelming and injury-plagued seasons, this could be Burks’ last real chance to prove he belongs in Tennessee’s long-term plans. At 6’3” and 225 pounds, Burks has the physical traits to be a dominant possession receiver, but inconsistency in route running and availability have held him back. If he stays healthy and finally puts it all together, Burks could push for the WR2 role, but that’s a big “if.” He enters camp with something to prove. Chimere Dike A third-round pick out of Florida (via transfer from Wisconsin), Chimere Dike projects more as a special teams asset early on. Known for his return skills, quickness, and short-area burst, Dike could contribute as a gadget weapon or in the slot, but expecting him to take the WR2 job in Week 1 would be ambitious. Although his threat on deep routes is very much there, he’ll need time to develop as a true outside or possession threat. Elic Ayomanor Drafted in the fourth round out of Stanford, Elic Ayomanor was one of the more physically impressive receivers in college football last year. At 6’2” and over 200 pounds, he combines size with strong hands and underrated YAC ability. Ayomanor has a real chance to climb the depth chart quickly if he adapts to the pro game, but he’s still viewed more as a long-term project than an immediate WR2 solution. He’ll likely compete for WR3/4/5 reps early. However, A monster performance in 2023 could be an indication of what's to come. He racked up 13 catches for 295 yards (!) against now division rival DB Travis Hunter in a 2023 game against Colorado. Ayomanor's 2023 touchdown against Travis Hunter. . . Yes that Travis Hunter Xavier Restrepo Undrafted but certainly not unnoticed, Xavier Restrepo was Cam Ward’s top target at Miami and is coming off a highly productive final college season. A tough 40 time that he ran injured dropped him from teams boards, but this could only add fuel to the fire. While slightly undersized, he’s a tough, sure-handed slot receiver with a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. He profiles similarly to Mason Kinsey in style, but with more upside. A strong camp could land him on the 53-man roster, but it’s unlikely he pushes for WR2 out of the gate. Mason Kinsey/Bryce Oliver/Tay Martin Kinsey, Oliver, and Martin are all fighting for depth and special teams roles. Kinsey has been around the Titans’ system for years, bouncing between the practice squad and active roster, while Oliver and Martin flashed in limited action last season. None of the three are serious WR2 candidates, but one or more could make the roster as a WR6 or special teams contributor. Final Verdict I believe that Tyler Lockett’s veteran presence and pedigree will earn him the WR2 spot even barring a poor camp. There is nothing a Rookie quarterback needs more than a veteran presence in the huddle and Lockett could only add to Ridley’s mentoring. However, I believe Elic Ayomanor will earn that spot as 2025 goes on. Although he went after Chimere Dike, the Titans were thrilled to see him fall to them. I believe his raw talent will blossom this season and he’ll become a dominant receiver after the catch. Previous Next