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One of
the Tennessee Titans’ rookies to steal the show during preseason play was
running back Mekhi Sargent, who rightly received some recognition from the
folks over at NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.”
Sargent, a 2021 undrafted
free agent signing, was easily the team’s best back during the exhibition
slate, which earned him a spot on the initial 53-man roster on
Tuesday.
On a
list of “Rookie Risers” at the running back position, GMFB showed Sargent saw
some love, placing him at No. 3 on the list. He was the only undrafted player
to make the cut on any of the “Rookie Risers” lists.
The other backs joining him were Pittsburgh Steelers first-round
pick, Najee Harris, and New England Patriots fourth-round pick, Rhamondre
Stevenson.
It was a tough list to crack, but Titans
cornerback Elijah Molden easily could have made the “Rookie Risers” list for
defense, especially after posting an elite PFF grade among
non-first-round defenders in the preseason.
Sargent finished the
exhibition slate with 49 carries for 187 rushing yards, and three catches for
17 yards, while also finding the end zone twice, once through the air and once
on the ground.
But it wasn’t just about
raw production. Sargent passed the eye test with his hard-nosed running style,
and while Tennessee’s other backs struggled to find room to run, he exploited
every inch given to him.
