TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW: SAFETIES
In camp (6): Kevin Byard, Kenny Vaccaro, Dane Cruikshank, Amani Hooker, LaDarius Wiley, JoJo Tillery.
Offseason developments: Back in March, the Titans re-signed Kenny Vaccaro, inking him to a multi-year deal to keep him from getting away after one season. On Wednesday night, the Titans and Kevin Byard agreed to terms on a multi-year deal. Now that's a pair of nice developments. In the NFL Draft, the Titans picked Iowa defensive back Amani Hooker in the fourth round. Former Vanderbilt safety LaDarius Wiley was signed as an undrafted free agent after working in the rookie camp on a tryout basis. The team also added JoJo Tillery (Wofford) as an undrafted free agent. Vaccaro invited Byard to Texas at the end of June's minicamp, and the two safeties trained together in Austin. The Titans parted ways with Johnathan Cyprien, who remains a free agent, and the team hasn't re-signed Brynden Trawick or Kendrick Lewis. The Titans released safety Damon Webb on Thursday.
In the spotlight: Byard. The former MTSU star earned his whopping contract, and will now aim to further establish himself as one of the best safeties in the game. Folks in Tennessee think he's already there. Byard is one of the leaders on the defense, and his relationship with Vaccaro is strong, which is important. With 12 interceptions over the past two seasons, Byard will use training camp to gear up for what should be another special season. In the season opener in Cleveland, he'll return to the scene of his three-interception game in 2017.
Battle to watch: Hooker vs. Cruikshank. Cruikshank was solid in his rookie season while playing in 12 games. While his work in the defense was limited, he did a good job on special teams, and he even scored on a 66-yard touchdown catch in a fake punt. He showed his toughness by returning from a shoulder injury faster than most expected. But in just a few months on the job, Hooker has already established himself as a legitimate option for playing time. He's instinctive, and tough. Cruikshank and Hooker are young and hungry, and battling for as many snaps as they can get.
Keep an eye on: A fifth safety? The Titans had five safeties on their final 53-man roster last season, and right now I can easily count to four – Byard, Vaccaro, Cruikshank and Hooker. But what about a fifth? In camp, several rookies and a returning DB will battle to make the most of their opportunities, but I wouldn't be shocked if the team explored other options here as well, depending on who's available. Defensive back Joshua Kalu, who is listed as a cornerback but can also play safety, has extra value because of his versatility and could earn a roster spot because of it.
Next up: Special teams.
TitansOnline.com looks back at veteran safety Kenny Vaccaro's 2018 season. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 in Nashville, TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) defends during an NFL game, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) make a catch in front of -Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro, left, brings down New York Jets running back Trenton Cannon (40) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Deonte Thompson (15) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs a route against Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass white hit by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro (24) and Kevin Byard (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
File-This Dec. 22, 2018, file photo shows Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) celebrating with Kenny Vaccaro (24) after Byard intercepted a pass against the Washington Redskins late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney, File)
Tennessee Titans players, including Kenny Vaccaro (24), Brian Orakpo (98) and Jurrell Casey (99) take the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (15) catches an 11-yard touchdown pass as he is hit by Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) scrambles as Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) reaches for him in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) for a loss during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) walks out during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (NFL Photos via AP)
Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) make a catch in front of -Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) celebrates after a play against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) makes a move on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 34-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro after catching a pass as linebacker Brian Orakpo (98), linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) and defensive back Logan Ryan, right, help during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) lines up in the secondary during a Week 9 NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys 28-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defenders Kenny Vaccaro (24) and Wesley Woodyard (59) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) lines up in the secondary during a Week 9 NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys 28-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys receiver Deonte Thompson (15) after a catch during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) makes a catch past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30)in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) and linebacker Wesley Woodyard after rushing for yardage during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) makes a catch past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defensive backs Kenny Vaccaro, left, and Logan Ryan after a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) closes to the ball in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30) during an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won, 16-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook, right, tries to get past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro, left, after a reception, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, center, is brought down by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard as Logan Ryan (26) and Kenny Vaccaro (24) close in on the final play of the fourth quarter in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans stopped the drive to hold onto a 20-17 win. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) intercept a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19), during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (19) is tackled after a catch by Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro and cornerback Logan Ryan (26) in action Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) defends during an NFL game, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
