Position Battle Spotlight: Backing Up The Last Line Of Defense

The Tennessee Titans are set as to their starters at the safety position, with Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker locked in, but who will fill the role of backups to these starters?

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - While there is no debate about who the starting safeties will be for the Tennessee Titans this season, there is much debate, and even concern, surrounding the players who would back up Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker. 

Much of the smart money here to fill one of the backup positions is on Elijah Molden. A corner by trade, Molden is a very versatile talent that stepped into this role during OTAs and played surprisingly well from the onset. 

After Molden, who is not guaranteed one of these spots and will still be competing throughout training camp, the competition is open to multiple candidates. 

THE CANDIDATES     

Elijah Molden: The Titans third-round selection in 2021, out of the University of Washington, has dealt with his injury issues, but he could be the most versatile defensive back on this roster. Molden stepped into a safety spot during OTAs and played well enough to receive head coach Mike Vrabel recognition for his work. 

He must continue to compete, but if there is an inside track here, Molden is on it at this point. 

"It's been great (working at safety to this point). I think OTAs was kind of my time to get the mistakes out of the wayand learn through failure," said Molden. "But now, it's go time so.  Obviously I've got two of the best safeties in the league to learn from so that's been great. Just watching them, watching their tape and all that stuff, but I'm so fortunate to have them kind of showing me the way."    

A.J. Moore: After missing much of the 2022 season with an injury, Moore resigned earlier this week and should be the other backup safety with Molden early on. However, as we know, there are no guarantees, but given that Moore was just brought back to the roster and Vrabel spoke highly of him, he seems like a strong candidate for a role here.  

"I'm bless, and thankful for the opportunity nd just hear to serve," said Moore. "I'm just here to do whatever the coaches ask me to do, and do my very best." 

Mike Brown: A midseason addition in 2022, Brown has the opportunity to pick up where he left off last season. Brown played solid football after arriving in Nashville, because of injuries and drew praise from Vrabel in the post-practice press conference.  

"It's a little early, but Mike Brown's been really in-depth with special teams, and is working at P.P. (personal protector on punts)," said Vrabel. "Elijah's (Molden) is transitioning there. I think the more that he can see, and understand and hopefully we can use his instincts, and he's more comfortable. Again, and the young guys we have. We've got to start identifying some guys that can help us on the back end."     

Tyreque Jones: As an undrafted rookie free agent, the former Boise St. standout made his presence known during practice on Friday, when he intercepted a Will Levis pass and made a solid return after the pick. While his chances of making the initial 53-man roster seem slight, turning in big plays is getting him notified and could be the difference between finding a place on the practice squad here, or being back on the street looking for work. 

"I'm not really trying to fight or compete with anybody right now," said Jones. "I'm focused on myself and making myself better every day. I'm competing with myself, and bringing everything I can, and trying to learn everything I can from those older guys. I mean, theyr're great (Byard and Hooker), they're outstanding players and they're doing the best they can to teach me little things, and I just try to carry it out onto the field."       

The competition behind the starters will continue throughout the remainder of training camp, and as Vrabel indicated, he and his staff need to identify who those backups will be in the coming days.  

Titans Training Camp Stories

• Vrabel Names RT Options: The Tennessee Titans need to find a replacement for starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere due to a gambling suspension. Mike Vrabel named the internal options for the Titans at the first press conference of training camp. CLICK HERE
• Malik's 'Glaring Improvement': The Tennessee Titans hosted a press conference to kickoff their 2023 training camp and Mike Vrabel spoke about second-year quarterback Malik Willis, noting his "glaring improvement." CLICK HERE
• Titans Offseason Awards: As we see each year at the start of Tennessee Titans training camp, Mike Vrabel announced the 2023 offseason winners on offense and defense led by starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. CLICK HERE