Secondary
Daniel:
S: 1. Brian Randolph 2. Evan Berry
S: 1. LaDarrell McNeil 2. Todd Kelly Jr.
CB: 1. Cam Sutton 2. Malik Foreman
CB: 1. Justin Martin 2. Emmanuel Moseley
NB: 1. Rashaan Gaulden 2. Micah Abernathy
Thoughts: Several good battles here. Randolph and Sutton are the only starters I feel great about projecting. Kelly Jr. is really going to push and he’s going to play a ton regardless. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the second corner and the nickelback right now. I think Martin, Moseley, Gaulden and perhaps Abernathy figure into that conversation the most. There are plenty of moving pieces and other guys in the conversation, but this is a good starting point.
Houston:
S: 1. Brian Randolph 2. Evan Berry
S: 1. LaDarrell McNeil 2. Todd Kelly Jr.
CB: 1. Cam Sutton 2. Malik Foreman
CB: 1.Emmanuel Moseley 2. Justin Martin
NB: 1. Rashaan Gaulden 2. Micah Abernathy
Thoughts: Much like 2014, I think the secondary could be in for quite a few shifts during the 2015 season. Cam Sutton and Brian Randolph are locks, and LaDarrell McNeil’s improved play in 2014 is probably enough to give him the nod heading into spring practice, but things could certainly change between now and the end of next season. Todd Kelly Jr. has the tools you look for at free safety, but it may be another year before he can take over for the always steady Brian Randolph. Emmanuel Moseley had a strong second half of the season, and another year in the weight room could really take his game to the next level. The depth and talent at corner/nickel should be very reassuring for Vol fans heading into the season.
Reed:
S: 1. Brian Randolph. 2. Evan Berry
S: 1. Todd Kelly Jr. 2. LaDarrell McNeil
CB: 1. Cam Sutton 2. Malik Foreman
CB: 1. Justin Martin 2. Emmanuel Moseley
NB: Rashaan Gaulden. 2. Micah Abernathy
Thoughts: I feel confident about just two of these projections – Randolph and Sutton. I will be surprised if Justin Martin doesn’t start somewhere, but that could potentially be at nickelback. Moseley and Gaulden should challenge for a starting spot as well. Abernathy also has the athleticism to compete. McNeil played much better than I expected last year, but Kelly has more upside. If he fixes a few technique/scheme issues, his athleticism and playmaking ability will make it tough to keep him off the field. This group as a whole will have much more overall talent than last season. It should take another step forward.
