By: Mike Moraitis | Titans Wire
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman and undrafted free agent Isaiah Mack was a pleasant surprise during training camp and the preseason in 2019, leading to him making the team’s 53-man roster.
The Chattanooga product ended up playing sparingly during his rookie campaign, as he was in on 170 snaps over the 13 games he played. Mack finished with eight combined tackles (four solo, one for loss) and 1.5 sacks.
For Mack, it was a learning experience in his first season, and guys like Jurrell Casey, DaQuan Jones and Jeffery Simmons helped him along the way, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“I learned a lot of things,” Mack said. “I learned from Jurrell about pass rush and learned from DaQuan and Jeffery about the run. I got put with a bunch of good guys I could learn from. I am glad I was put in a spot to learn from some good guys.”
In 2020, Mack finds himself with an opportunity to earn much more playing time if the roster remains as is.
The departure of Jurrell Casey means there’s an opening on the defensive line alongside Simmons and Jones. Mack’s main competition for snaps will be veteran Jack Crawford and 2020 fifth-round pick, Larrell Murchison.
But for now, Mack is just focused on improving, and if he can do so he has a real chance to make a serious impact on the Titans’ defense in 2020.
“I just want to keep getting better, keep improving. I feel like for everybody, no one is guaranteed anything. I know that’s the way I look at things. It is all about improving and trying to be the best player you can be. I know I’m going to work, and I’m going to do everything I can to get better so I can help the team.”
What the Titans need most out of their defensive line is a more effective pass-rush, an area where Mack has shown flashes before.
If Mack can provide that, along with solid run defense, he could play a significant role during his sophomore campaign.
