Projecting the impact of Titans' new veterans ahead of season opener

Ben Arthur, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Welcome to Talkin’ Titans. This is Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur.

On the active roster, the Titans have a handful of new veteran players – acquired via free agency, trade or the waiver wire – that are expected to play key roles in 2022.

But who will have the biggest impact?

Here’s my best guess, in ascending order, based on roster construction and summer performance:

DB Joshua Kalu

Kalu, in his second stint with the Titans, figures to play a key role on special teams.

DB Lonnie Johnson Jr.

A versatile defensive back, Johnson could fill Dane Cruikshank’s void in sub package defense.

Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka (55) warms up during practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka (55) warms up during practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

OLB Derrek Tuszka

Tuszka has a chance to carve a role following Harold Landry’s torn ACL.

DB A.J. Moore

Moore’s biggest role will be on special teams, but he appears to be the No. 3 safety.

OL Jamarco Jones

Jones missed a lot of practice in the summer, but he still slots in as the top backup guard.

OL Dennis Daley

Daley is expected to be the top reserve offensive tackle.

DB Ugo Amadi

Amadi is the top nickelback entering the season with Elijah Molden currently sidelined.

DL DeMarcus Walker

The Titans’ top defensive line addition, Walker should see significant snaps up front with Denico Autry expected to play more outside linebacker following Landry’s injury.

WR Robert Woods

His knee fully healed, Woods should be Tennessee’s top receiver to start the season.

Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper (81) pulls in a catch during practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper (81) pulls in a catch during practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

TE Austin Hooper

Hooper is poised for a big season as the Titans’ top tight end. He was Ryan Tannehill’s favorite target in training camp.

More Titans news

Other highlights this week:

  • Titans open as favorites against Giants

  • How Titans are responding to the loss of Landry

  • Josh Gordon talks about joining the practice squad

📧 Any burning Titans' questions for Week 1? Shoot them my way, and I'll answer. My email is BArthur@tennessean.com.

🏈 We're days away from the opener. Become a Tennessean subscriber during our extended Labor Day sale for unlimited access to our Titans coverage and more.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Projecting the impact of Titans' new veterans ahead of season opener