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By Chris Clark
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August 25, 2020
Just days after the sad news of the Tennessee Titans waiving
Cole McDonald, news broke that they are bringing in fan favorite linebacker
Will Compton for a tryout. Yes, you read that correctly: “The BOY” Will
Compton.
If you aren’t a Tennessee Titans fan, you may be wondering who
Compton is. Well, let me tell you. Compton became a Titans sensation in 2018 after he joined the team via
Free Agency. He was brought in by Washington, as an undrafted free
agent, in 2013. He has played seven seasons, five in Washington.
Compton is mostly known for his
role as a co-host on the popular podcast based in Nashville, Bussin’ With The
Boys, with Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan. If you’ve ever heard the saying,
“FOR THE BOYS,” he and Lewan started that famous mantra that’s used
occasionally by the Titans social media accounts, and a lot by Tennessee Titans
fans.
Even though Compton is a fan favorite off the field because of his
relatable personality, he is productive on the field as well. When
he played in Tennessee in 2018, he had 16 tackles playing as more of a role
player. With the Raiders,
where he played a more prominent role, he racked up 41 tackles after joining
the team midseason. That productivity is a must for the Titans
defense.
The Tennessee Titans inside
linebackers are young, and are led by Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans. After
those guys, there aren’t many notable names that can make a consistent
impact. Compton would provide much-needed depth and experience, especially
in a season with no preseason.
It is also notable that Compton played under head coach Mike Vrabel before, and during his short stint with the Raiders he was given the green dot, which allows him to communicate directly with the defensive coordinator during games to make adjustments. That is a representation of his knowledge on defense as a player, and already having experience with the Titans makes him that much more valuable.
Compton doesn’t just add
value to the defense, though, but also from a special teams standpoint.
Around half of Compton’s 16 tackles in 2018 with the Titans came on special
teams. Titans General Manager Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel have
consistently raved about how important special teams is during their tenures in
Tennessee. Robinson loves picking up players that can play dual roles in both
offense/defense and special teams.
But, aside from all the on the
field experience he brings, the Tennessee Titans should bring Compton in simply
because he is a Titan at heart. When the Titans faced the Raiders in 2019, Compton ended up with a loss
on the field, but a win for his wardrobe as he was gifted seven jerseys during
jersey swaps with his former teammates.
Just guys being dudes. #TENvsOAK @TaylorLewan77 x @_willcompton pic.twitter.com/ZBDGU5uP6s
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 9, 2019
We will see if he is signed after his tryout,
but adding Will Compton wouldn’t hurt the Tennessee Titans at all. He is a respected player within
the locker room, and a beloved player among the fan base. This move
seems like a no-brainer.
