Titans Backup Quarterback Battle Looking Like A Tight Race

When it comes to the battle between Malik Willis and Will Levis for the No.2 spot on the quarterback depth chart, that competition is closer than many might think.

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - Most people assumed that rookie second-round draft pick Will Levis would come in and take over the No.2 position on the Tennessee Titans quarterback depth chart, even though head coach Mike Vrabel stated that Malik Willis was the No.2 behind Ryan Tannehill, with Levis as the third quarterback on that depth chart. 

Still, after Willis struggled in his rookie season when thrust into the starting role, it may feel like Vrabel's words were a formality of nicety to the second-year player. 

As it has turned out, through the organized team activities, and minicamp, Willis has more than held his own in the competition with Willis. In fact, at times, Willis has been the better quarterback during practices open to the media.

Willis has made the most of his time during the offseason, improving his footwork and other aspects of his game, specifically his accuracy. 

Meanwhile, despite his pro-level arm, Levis has had moments when he has looked like the rookie he is. That's not to say I've given up and think Levis was a wrong move. 

Far from it. It's one man's opinion, but I see the tools and the talent that made Levis a borderline first-round pick and what caused the Titans to trade up to get him. 

But as was expected, he needs work to improve his game to match the physical talents he possesses.  

Levis will remain in Nashville for the next two weeks, with his fellow rookies to continue to learn their playbooks and other techniques to improve their game, while Willis and the rest of the veterans are off enjoying the final weeks before the opening of training camp.

Considering the new emergency quarterback rules recently adopted by the league, it seems highly unlikely that the Titans will be looking to cut Willis, who was rumored to be a candidate for release prior to these last few weeks. But don't automatically set him for the role as the emergency third quarterback, either. 

If the season began today, and again this is one man's opinion, Tannehill and Willis would be one and two, while Levis would fill the No. 3 emergency quarterback role. 

In this process, Willis has been good enough to earn that role. 

However, training camp and the three preseason games count and will play the deciding role in how this competition ultimately shakes out, but for those who had Willis as an afterthought, think again.  

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