The Tennessee Titans released their first regular-season depth chart ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Denver Broncos, and there were a couple of interesting takeaways.
First of all, when the dust settled, Cedric Gray beat out James Williams for the starting position at inside linebacker next to Cody Barton. While both players had outstanding training camps and performed well in the preseason, Gray was all over the field and just made plays. Williams and newly signed linebacker Kyzir White will form a solid rotation at a position that was viewed as a weakness prior to the start of camp.
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The other big surprise came on the offensive side of the ball, where rookie wideout Elic Ayomanor will start the season as the starter opposite Calvin Ridley on the outside. For most of training camp, many analysts had penciled in veteran Van Jefferson into that role. But, as was the case in the inside linebacker competition, Ayomanor made more plays than Jefferson on the field, and he brings more upside to the position.
The only other position note to come out of the initial depth chart that is worth monitoring is at center. After the Titans released Cory Levin, they slid rookie Jackson Slater into the backup role behind Lloyd Cushenberry. The team did sign Levin to the practice squad, and he will likely be elevated for the opener with Cushenberry coming off the Achilles rehab, and not playing a snap during preseason.
Surprise rookie Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is listed as the primary backup to JC Latham at right tackle, although veteran Olisaemeka Udoh will likely be the swing tackle on game day.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans rookie WR Elic Ayomanor slides into the starting lineup