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NFL
Titans' veteran officially on notice after NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Tennessee Titans have made significant roster changes this offseason, including drafting eight players and adding 11 undrafted rookies. Veteran linebacker Cody Barton is now on notice as rookie Anthony Hill Jr. could challenge for his starting position.
Key points
- Titans spent the most money in free agency this offseason
- Drafted eight players and added 11 undrafted rookies
- Cody Barton is on notice due to competition from Anthony Hill Jr.
Tennessee TitansCody BartonAnthony Hill Jr.
The NFL offseason roster turnover is separated into two parts: free agency and the draft. Both of these transactional periods involve teams addressing needs and bolstering depth throughout their rosters. For the Tennessee Titans, this offseason was maxed out after spending the most money in free agency, drafting eight players, and adding 11 undrafted rookies.
Their next step is figuring out playing time for all of their new pieces and which rookies will be asked to contribute immediately. While their first-round picks, WR Carnell Tate and DL Keldric Faulk, are projected to either start or get significant playing time early, their second-round pick was pegged as a player who could steal a starting position over a veteran.
Is a Cody Barton-Anthony Hill Jr. battle looming?
ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak listed 14 veterans who could be on the hot seat after the draft, with Titans LB Cody Barton included. He had the following to say about the potential of Titans' second-round pick Anthony Hill Jr. taking snaps away from Barton:
Barton played 1,061 snaps last season for the Titans -- every single possible snap available to him. And now, he might be out of a job.
He wasn't terrible for Tennessee last season. His coverage metrics were actually quite good: 53.0 passer rating allowed and only 4.8 yards against per target. But Barton has always been more wily and assignment-sound than he is athletically talented, and the lack of speed impacted his ability to beat blockers to the point of attack and get involved in plays at the sideline. For new coach Robert Saleh, who needs his linebackers to flow fast, Barton's current legs might be disqualifying.
Second-round linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has that sort of speed, but critically, he was a multiyear signal-caller at the heart of the Texas defense. He seems better suited to slide into Barton's shoes at middle linebacker than 's spot at weakside linebacker, but I would wager both jobs are up for grabs in different combinations as Saleh explores the best version of his roster in 2026. If Barton is indeed shelved for Hill, expect trade calls.
Q&A
Why is Cody Barton on notice after the NFL Draft?
Cody Barton is on notice because rookie Anthony Hill Jr., drafted in the second round, is expected to compete for his starting position.
How many players did the Tennessee Titans draft this offseason?
The Tennessee Titans drafted eight players during the offseason.
What impact could the Titans' rookie class have on the team?
The Titans' rookie class, including first-round picks and undrafted rookies, is expected to significantly influence playing time and team dynamics this season.
