The Tennessee Titans got into the win column with a 23-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, and some of their rookies were major contributors. While it wasn’t perfect and there were some uneven moments, the rookie class made an impact. 

Let’s take a look at how they performed on Friday and grade those performances.

QB Cam Ward

It was a tough evaluation to make this week with Tennessee resting some key veterans on offense, which limited his weapons. Ward looked more comfortable in his second outing, but that didn’t translate to points or statistics. He completed only 2-of-7 passes for 42 yards, but he was also the recipient of some bad luck with drops and penalties that impacted multiple drives. Overall, there were some accuracy issues, and it was an uneven performance from a rookie playing without the majority of his supporting cast. 

Grade: C

LB Femi Oladejo

Oladejo improved in Week 2 of the preseason and flashed some early pressure, but there are still improvements to be made before he can be a consistent threat along the edge. He made some plays and flashed the athletic ability that made him an attractive prospect, but there is still work to be done. 

Grade: C

WR Chimere Dike

Dike made little impact this week, even after being given an expanded role early. The rookie receiver has a lot of work to do before earning extended playing time. 

Grade: C

TE Gunnar Helm

Helm built upon his solid debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and flashed everything one could hope for from the tight end position. He finished as the Titans’ leading receiver with four catches for 48 yards, which included a tremendous touchdown catch in the second quarter. He’s going to be a weapon in 2025.

Grade: A

WR Elic Ayomanor

Ayomanor took advantage of his opportunity early in the game and made the most of his goals. He pulled in two balls for 47 yards and looked like the dynamic receiving threat the team hoped for when selecting him in the fourth round. If he isn’t already, he should be pushing veteran Van Jefferson for playing time.  

Grade: B+

CB Marcus Harris

Harris saw some early action in the cornerback rotation and made some plays. The feisty corner finished with six total tackles (two solo) and looked solid in coverage. With L’Jarius Sneed still sidelined, Harris is working his way into a roster spot. 

Grade: B

RB Kalel Mullings

Mullings got some reps early with Pollard and Spears sitting out, but didn’t fully capitalize on his opportunity. He ran hard and with power, even converting a tough fourth-down short-yardage play, but it could have been better. 

Grade: B

Undrafted rookie free agents

On offense, Xavier Restrepo made his first two receptions and flashed the elusiveness and route-running skills that have been the talk throughout camp. TJ Sheffield took a step backwards with a fumble on special teams. Defensively, Jermari Harris flashed in coverage, but none of the undrafted rookies stood out. 

Grade: C-

Incomplete

Rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr. was held out as a precautionary measure as he is recovering from ACL surgery. Look for him to make his debut in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.Â