NASHVILLE — Every year at training camp we see some of the Tennessee Titans' young players take a leap and this year one of the young players getting the most buzz is defensive lineman Jayden Peevy. That buzz is only set to increase after Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams gave Peevy a big vote of confidence before Thursday's practice.
Peevy signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M after the 2022 NFL draft concluded. Peevy played in one game for the Titans last season, playing only 27 defensive snaps, but spent most of the year on the team's practice squad.
Peevy wasn't quite ready for the NFL lights, but the Titans clearly saw the talent and now with Peevy more comfortable with the NFL grind, we are seeing major improvement according to Williams.
"I've seen the foot quickness. I've seen the use of his hands, the pad level," Williams explained. "All of those things have improved. From where he was last year in training camp to where he is today, it's been a huge improvement. Some that is just growth. Sometimes you bring a rookie in, whether they are a first-round pick or an undrafted free agent, just year to year learning how to work at this pro level is just different."
For Peevy to get that sort of praise means he has earned it. Peevy always had the talent and the size at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds. It was just about adjusting to the NFL and understanding what is required to be successful.
Peevy has done well in camp, but he still has three starters in Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry and Teair Tart in front of him on the depth chart. However, Williams doesn't believe that last year's lineups will prevent Peevy from getting into the starting lineup.
"Well, I'll say this, there ain't no guarantees they're going to be playing behind anybody," Williams proclaimed. "With what some of those guys are doing, particularly Peevy, has made a big jump. He's worked hard and done what we've asked him to do. So, we'll see how it turns out, that's what training camp is for, but because someone started for us or played for us last year doesn't mean they're going to have that same spot. You got to earn it everyday and that's how we function around here."
At this point, Peevy feels like a lock to make the roster, but he may be in line for more than just a roster spot if he continues his performance in training camp.
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