Ahead of the team's latest training camp practice on Thursday, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan singled out two rookie defenders as standouts.
One of the defenders he mentioned was seventh-round pick and edge rusher Jaylen Harrell, who has been mentioned during camp as a standout on a few occasions by beat writers in attendance.
“I think the one guy I have to single out who’s been fantastic is Jaylen Harrell,” Callahan said, per John Glennon of Nashville Post. “He has come in and done everything right, and that’s a big step for a young player. He’s actually shown real ability to rush, and so again, he’s another player in live action [on Saturday against San Francisco], we’ll see if translates from what it’s looked like on the practice field.
“But I’ve been really impressed with what he’s done so far. He’s been physical as an outside linebacker, he’s shown rush ability, he’s made plays when he’s had opportunities to make plays. So everything about Jaylen has been really, really exciting. So, put him on the list of guys I’m excited to go watch play on Saturday.”
The second player Callahan mentioned comes as zero surprise: defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat, who the Titans head coach says is improving at a "rapid rate."
Callahan says second-round rookie DT T’Vondre Sweat has been getting better at a “rapid rate.” Says it’s noticeable that his understanding of blocking schemes is growing. Not just using his size to beat people #Titans
— Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 (@benyarthur) August 8, 2024
Sweat has noticeably been more dominant with each passing day. The best part about Callahan's assessment is how Sweat isn't just beating people with his size and strength.
While Sweat is guaranteed a starting role, Harrell is fighting for both a roster spot and a role. However, seeing as how there really haven't been any other standouts at outside linebacker, he's got a good shot to secure both.
