The NFL deadline for roster cuts has come and gone and the Tennessee Titans’ initial 53-man roster is here.

Here’s a look at everything that came as a surprise on Tuesday.

---

1. Three tight ends

I consistently saw the Titans tight end room as being a battle between Thomas Odukoya and Kevin Rader for the fourth and final spot.

Odukoya, a second-year international player, had a breakout camp thriving as an in-line blocker. He has excellent strength and physicality that would fit as a backup option for Trevon Wesco.

Rader has sneaky athleticism and the ability to play H-back. With the Titans not having a fullback on their roster, Rader was a dark horse to make the team.

But to my surprise, the Titans are not going with either and instead keeping just three tight ends.

2. Trade for Nick Folk 

Over the last 48 or so hours, rumors swirled about the Titans kicking the tires on trading for a veteran kicker.

But many people, myself included, were expecting to see the Titans not carry a kicker on the initial 53 and sign one after cuts around the league were made.

After all, the Titans haven’t valued the kicker position enough to dedicate resources to it in the past. So why would they give up draft capital to acquire one now

But Tennessee did wind up making an investment in the position by trading a seventh round pick to New England for Nick Folk.

Folk is a 15-year veteran with 211 games under his belt. Tennessee has their kicker for 2023, and that’s a pleasant surprise. 

3. Reese over Niemann, Campbell

On my final roster prediction, I had veteran linebacker Ben Niemann as a surprise to make the team over 2022 sixth-round pick Chance Campbell.

Throughout training camp, Campbell had been rotating in with Jack Gibbens as the third linebacker and getting regular time with Tennessee’s second-team defense. After missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury, there was some optimism that Campbell would come into his own and have an impact on Tennessee’s defense in 2023.

Niemann was a fit to backup Azeez Al-Shaair if needed and with his veteran experience, he didn't seem likely to make it onto a practice squad.

But the Titans shocked everyone by choosing 2023 UDFA Otis Reese IV (Ole Miss) over both Niemann and Campbell. 

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has always been a big fan of Reese's game, but given the competition at inside linebacker, Reese still felt like a longshot to make the team. Reese is an ex-safety that boasts some great speed that makes him a special teams threat. 

4. Anthony Kendall

Anthony Kendall, who played his college football at Division-III Baldwin Wallace College, earned a spot on the Titans' roster on Tuesday.

Kendall was unranked as a high school recruit, did not receive an invite to the NFL Combine, attended three different pro day workouts, and signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft.

Kendall set himself apart on special teams and received continuous praise from Mike Vrabel during the preseason. His underdog story has now landed him on an NFL roster. 

If you were reading between the lines of Vrabel's comments, you may have seen this one coming, but Kendall was not without worthy competition in the secondary.

5. Eric Garror left off

UDFA cornerback Eric Garror was one of the best storylines of training camp, and I have to say, I was surprised to see he didn’t make the cut.

Garror made a number of open field tackles and plays in coverage during his preseason opportunities. He also showed some ability as a punt returner that could come in handy.

With all the competition at the back end of the secondary, Garror stood out to me as a defender more than anyone else. But as we know, it’s not always about defense when it comes to earning a roster spot.

Tennessee instead opted to keep Anthony Kendall, who Mike Vrabel says jumped out on special teams. 

Titans reveal initial 53-man roster for 2023 season

A look at the full Titans 53-man roster.