Based on what Bri has been posting here, there's a decent chance he's a starting DE. It sounds like Mularkey is feeding the press a bunch of . . . well, malarkey . . . about what the depth chart will be this year. To me, this is a great speculative add that costs nothing right now and has the potential to be a situation similar to Kerry Hyder last year. Hyder lined up as a DE most of the season but had a DT designation so his points were skewed in leagues with designation-adjusted scoring.
One paywall site lists him as the starter.
Here's some text elsewhere:
Austin Johnson progress
Titans coach Mike Mularkey raved about the progress of defensive lineman Austin Johnson earlier this week.
On Friday, Johnson said he feels much more comfortable heading into his second NFL season, and it’s paying off.
“I just feel a whole lot better about the defense, and how to play it,’’ Johnson said. “And I’m more comfortable in the games from the experience I’ve had. I feel better about the technique, and playing at a consistent pace.”
Johnson started at defensive end in Saturday’s game against the Panthers. He has two tackles in two preseason games.
As a rookie, Johnson recorded 15 tackles, a half sack and a tackle for a loss in 10 games.
Johnson has worked both at end and inside on the team’s defensive line.
“He's playing fast, he's playing physical,’’ Mularkey said of Johnson. “He's holding the point very well. The violence in his game is getting better, it has since he's been here. I've been pleased with the way that he's played.”
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Jason Wolf didn't say it but did say Jones at NT
Casey, a two-time Pro Bowler, received a contract extension and is primed for a big season. Jones has been seeing time at nose tackle, as well. Klug returned from Achilles surgery. Johnson, a second-round pick last year, is a valuable part of the rotation. King was acquired from the Chiefs on Friday in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2018. He’ll provide depth.
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His scuffle with Matt Kalil, Panthers LT
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/nfl-blog/article167732982.html
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Another way, Titans depth chart lists him as backing up Jones at end and then lists Sylvester Williams at nose. That at least clarifies him as an end.
Williams has been terrible. He was (literally) pulled from every preseason game so there's no reason (for him to be on the roster, Mularkey is bonkers) to expect him to do well all of a sudden. He looks down at his ankle and ya know it's bugging him. He gets no leverage and pushed around. Hence...all the Jones at NT talk. Jones played more NT than End as preseason(for the starters) closed out