Titans coach reveals the key to winning training camp position battle

NASHVILLE - With the free agent addition of Tony Pollard to a backfield with second-year running back Tyjae Spears, the Tennessee Titans have two electric backs that will be interchangeable during the 2024 season.

Both Pollard and Spears are elusive, willing pass protectors, and dangerous after the catch in the passing game. The Titans coaching staff has been unable to name a starter when asked, but that's likely because Pollard and Spears are truly going to get equal opportunity.

But with two players who are so similar, it begs the question: What are the Titans looking for in an RB3 to come off the bench?

In a surprise move, Tennessee parted ways with undrafted rookie running back Dillon Johnson after just one day of training camp. Given the open competition at RB3 and Johnson's' collegiate success, he was considered a candidate to make the 53-man roster.

But with Johnson now out of the picture. the Titans have three running backs in camp competing for one spot. Hassan Haskins, Julius Chestnut, and Jabari Small are all in the mix and getting opportunities to stand out in practices. So what is it the Titans are looking for in their RB3? Do they want someone similar to Pollard and Spears who can also be viewed as "interchangeable", or an entirely different skillset?

I spoke with Titans running backs coach Randy Jordan about that very topic earlier this week.

"Thumper," Jordan told me without hesitation. "A guy that's physical. A guy that's going to be an enforcer. A guy that can play on first, second, or third down and you'll be able to hand it to him to finish games. In the National Football League, when you're trying to finish games in four minute and play keepaway, you want that guy that's 230 or 225 that you can hand it to and get those hard yards to finish a game off."

If "230 or 225" is the standard, Jabari Small (198 pounds) does not seem like the ideal fit. Both Haskins and Chestnut are listed as 228 pounds on the the team's roster.

It's clear the Titans are looking for the most physical running back possible to fill that third roster spot. When I watch both Haskins and Chestnut run during the preseason games, I will be keeping a close eye on who finishes runs the strongest and fights for tough yards - that's the guy who is going to end up making the team.

Related: Brian Callahan reacts after Titans roster takes a big loss in training camp