And then there were 53.
The Titan roster now consists of the aforementioned number of players, due to yesterday’s final cuts.
Of course, with the rest of the league jettisoning players as well, the Titans could view other teams’ losses as potential gains over the course of the next couple of days.
The loss of Roydell Williams takes away the Titans’ co-leader in receptions (55) in 2007. Outside of Justin Gage, the remainder of the receivers (Jones, McCareins, Davis, Paul W. and Hawkins) on the Titans’ current roster combined to catch 10 fewer passes (45) than Roydell in 2007.
In my opinion, there is no way the Titans release Williams without having an adequate, veteran replacement already on their radar. Let’s take a look at some of the potential candidates, shall we?
Joe Horn has been looking for work after being released by the Falcons a week or so ago. At best, Horn would give the Titans the veteran presence they need at WR. At worst, he’d fulfill the Eric Moulds-role in this year’s offense.
Reche Caldwell is another interesting guy who was cut today and although he does have some bad blood with the Titans, he is a player who has produced throughout his career. Former 2000 1st round pick Travis Taylor, known mostly for his contributions with the Ravens, is also available.
Ashley Lelie is perhaps the most intriguing WR available after yesterday’s cuts. He is a speed guy who has averaged over 17 yards per catch during his career.
Despite failing to live up to the billing that comes with being a former 1st rounder, Lelie is a guy who can legitimately stretch opposing defenses, which is a characteristic that is currently missing from the Titans’ current slate of WRs.
Outside of WR, safety may be the other area where the Titans may look to improve. Calvin Lowery’s departure opens up the need for a backup with some experience at the safety position.
Two guys that were released today, Deke Cooper and Adam Archuleta, are players that were brought in for workouts by the Titans this summer.
Cooper is a veteran that had 59 tackles and 3 interceptions in 15 starts for the Panthers in 2007. Archuleta, recently released after a short preseason stint with the Raiders, lacks coverage skills but is alright against the run.
I’m not that enthused about the potential of adding Archuleta, but Cooper’s experience as a starter could make him a solid replacement for Lowry.
So what do you guys think? Should the roster stay in its current state, or does it need some tweaking?
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