NASHVILLE - Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson has been competing for a roster spot in a crowded room since the start of training camp.
The Titans are looking for someone to step up at slot receiver and earn a position as both a reserve on offense and key special teams member.
Jackson has also been in the mix at kick and punt returner, something he did very well at Tulane before being selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft
But the 24-year-old rookie is not without competition. Mason Kinsey is currently listed as the Titans' top punt returner on the unofficial depth chart and has had a very impressive camp on offense. Kearis Jackson got some work for the Titans in 2023 on punt returns and showed his skills in the preseason opener with a 63-yard kick return. Then there's Kyle Philips, who probably has the most offensive upside of the group if he can stay on the field.
WR Position Battle
The WR6 battle has been so intense that there is even speculation about Tennessee keeping seven receivers. But I'm just not sure I see that happening, especially if the Titans believe they can keep the receiver who fall short on the practice squad.
Who is going to step up and take it? That has been the question. But between performances in the preseason game and joint practices over the last week, it appears Jha'Quan Jackson is separating himself from defenders and his teammates.
Jackson flashed in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers with an impressive 26-yard punt return that set up the Titans' first-team offense with good field position. He had one catch on two targets in the game as well. It was a strong NFL preseason debut and it has carried over to joint practices with the Seahawks this week.
The Titans offense did not make many big plays agains the Seahawks in joint practices. But on Wednesday afternoon, the day was highlighted by two long touchdown catches by Jackson. Neither pass was thrown deep. Both were short passes across the middle that gave Jackson an opportunity to turn on the jets. He blew by a sea of Seahawks defenders for a pair of scores. One came in 7-on-7 drills, but the other was in the full 11-on-11 team period and went for 75 yards.
"He's getting better every day. And I think that's all you can ask for him," said Titans head coach Brian Callahan earlier this week when asked about Jackson's recent success. "He played well in the game, had a nice punt return, had a really explosive play today. A 70-yard touchdown or whatever it was. That was a real touchdown. So that's good to see. I think he needs to keep stacking those days and keep making a case for himself. He's got ability. We drafted him because we liked his ability with the ball in his hand, and I think those things have shown up in practice."
And therein lies the reason why I believe Jackson can be considered the favorite to earn the last roster spot in the receiving room. He was drafted by this head coach and this front office. He was drafted with a clear vision in mind for how he can help this football team win games...and up to this point, he has fulfilled that vision and done what is asked of him.
There is value in a player who can make a play with the ball in his hands. If not in Tennessee, I'd be willing to bet that Jackson will get a shot to make plays on an NFL 53-man roster this season...Which is usually a good indicator that the Titans need to keep him.
Jackson has proved he can separate from defenders, and in doing so, has started to separate himself from his Titans teammates in one of the tightest position battles of 2024 training camp.
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