Lorenzo Carter was slated to provide a veteran presence. Still, his decision to step away added intrigue to the ongoing competition between James Williams and Cedric Gray.
The Tennessee Titans' training camp was already set to feature a compelling clash at linebacker even before Lorenzo Carter's sudden retirement.
Carter was slated to provide a veteran presence. Still, his decision to step away added intrigue to the ongoing competition between James Williams and Cedric Gray, both second-year players hungry to secure a spot alongside Cody Barton.
Turron Davenport's ESPN column, released Tuesday before Lorenzo Carter's retirement was announced, captured the anticipation for this particular battle. Davenport has projected that there will be a neck-and-neck battle at inside linebacker.
"James Williams v. Cedric Gray. The two second-year players battled through tough rookie seasons," Davenport wrote. "Now they'll fight for the opportunity to start next to Barton at inside linebacker.
"Linebackers are always better to watch when the pads come on. Williams, a converted safety, has already shown himself to be a downhill thumper who will lay out ball carriers. Gray seems to be a more natural linebacker and has a better feel for the defense. Both players figure to be in a rotation at the very least, as they gave the Titans enough confidence not to add a veteran free agent to the mix."
Lorenzo Carter, though primarily known as an outside linebacker, has experience playing inside linebacker in certain defensive packages, which adds an interesting dimension to the Titans' linebacker battles. This explains why the competition between Williams and Gray remains so relevant even after Carter's retirement.
However, with Carter's unexpected absence, the Titans may reconsider signing a free agent to strengthen their linebacker depth as training camp progresses.
Category: Football
