Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads

In the NFL, the draft dominates headlines, but some of the most impactful players in a franchise’s history arrive without being selected in a single round. These “undrafted gems” overcome long odds—being passed over by all 32 teams—to earn roster spots, and for the Tennessee Titans, they’ve often played pivotal roles in shaping successful seasons. Undrafted players bring a unique mindset: hunger, resilience, and a chip on their shoulder that drives them to outwork drafted counterparts. For the Titans, identifying and developing these players isn’t just a happy accident; it’s a deliberate strategy, rooted in rigorous scouting of small-school talents, attention to intangibles like work ethic, and a willingness to give underdogs a chance. From special teams standouts to starting-caliber contributors, these undrafted gems have filled roster gaps, provided depth, and even become fan favorites. This exploration of their journeys is why Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads is a story of perseverance—and a testament to the Titans’ ability to find talent where others don’t look.

Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads gains its first layer of depth with the story of Mike Reinfeldt, a safety who joined the Houston Oilers (the Titans’ predecessor) as an undrafted free agent in 1976 and went on to become one of the franchise’s most decorated defenders. Reinfeldt, who played college football at the University of Wisconsin, was overlooked in the draft due to concerns about his size (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) and speed. But the Oilers saw his instincts and reliability, and he quickly proved them right: in his rookie season, he recorded 4 interceptions and earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Over his eight-year career with the Oilers, Reinfeldt became a four-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL in interceptions (12) in 1979, and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. What made him a gem wasn’t just his on-field production; it was his consistency—he missed just two games in eight seasons—and his leadership, serving as a team captain for five years. Reinfeldt’s legacy extends beyond his playing days: he later worked in the Titans’ front office, helping the team identify other undrafted talents. His journey set a precedent for the franchise, showing that undrafted players could become cornerstones of the defense.

A more recent example in Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads is Lequint Allen Jr., a running back who joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after a standout career at Syracuse University. Allen was passed over in the draft due to questions about his ability to translate his college success (1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year) to the NFL’s physicality. But the Titans saw his versatility—he was a threat as a runner, pass-catcher, and blocker—and invited him to training camp. Allen seized the opportunity: he led the team in preseason rushing yards (320) and scored three touchdowns, including a game-winning 25-yard run in the final preseason game against the Chicago Bears. By the regular season, he had earned the No. 2 running back spot behind Derrick Henry, and when Henry missed two games with a hamstring injury, Allen stepped up, rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. What made Allen a gem was his adaptability: he thrived in short-yardage situations, caught 12 passes for 98 yards, and became a key special teams contributor. His story resonated with fans, who embraced his “underdog” narrative and cheered his every carry.

Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads is particularly notable for the Tennessee Titans’ ability to find undrafted talent in the secondary, a position where instincts and football IQ often matter as much as measurable athleticism. One such player is Cortland Finnegan, a cornerback who joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2006 out of Sam Houston State. Finnegan was considered too small (5-foot-10, 188 pounds) and slow (4.58-second 40-yard dash) to compete in the NFL, but the Titans saw his tenacity and willingness to play physical. He quickly became a fan favorite for his aggressive style—he wasn’t afraid to tackle running backs twice his size or trash-talk star wide receivers—and his production matched his intensity. In 2008, he recorded 6 interceptions and earned his first Pro Bowl nod; by 2009, he was named First-Team All-Pro. Finnegan spent six seasons with the Titans, recording 18 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles, and his rivalry with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne became one of the most memorable in AFC South history. The Tennessee Titans’ ability to spot Finnegan’s potential—beyond his combine numbers—showcased their commitment to evaluating the whole player, not just his measurable traits. For the Tennessee Titans, Finnegan wasn’t just an undrafted gem; he was a defining player of his era.

Another vital chapter in Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads is the role of undrafted players in strengthening the Titans’ special teams units, often the first place undrafted talents make their mark. Brett Kern, a punter who joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2009, became one of the best special teams players in franchise history. Kern, who played college football at Toledo, was signed by the Denver Broncos in 2008 but released before the regular season. The Titans picked him up in 2009, and he immediately transformed their punting game: he led the NFL in punting average (47.9 yards) in 2011, was named to three Pro Bowls, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017. Over his 13 seasons with the Titans, Kern pinned 312 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line—a franchise record—and became a locker room leader, known for his work ethic and ability to calm teammates during high-pressure moments. What made Kern a gem was his consistency: he missed just two games in 13 seasons and remained elite well into his 30s. The Tennessee Titans’ decision to give Kern a second chance after his release by Denver paid off handsomely, as he became one of the most reliable punters in NFL history. For the Tennessee Titans, Kern’s story is a reminder that undrafted players can provide stability and excellence in positions that are often overlooked.

Finally, Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads highlights the Titans’ long-term commitment to developing undrafted talent, a strategy that has paid dividends in building depth and fostering a culture of resilience. The team’s scouting department prioritizes “small-school gems”—players from FCS, Division II, and Division III programs who may not have played against top competition but possess the physical tools and mental makeup to succeed. They also invest in their practice squad, using it as a developmental league for undrafted players; many Titans undrafted gems, like Lequint Allen Jr., spend time on the practice squad before earning roster spots. The Titans also pair undrafted rookies with veteran mentors—like how Derrick Henry mentored Allen—to help them adjust to the NFL’s demands. This holistic approach has made the Titans a destination for undrafted players: they know the franchise will give them a fair shot to compete, regardless of their draft status. As the Titans continue to build for the future, undrafted gems will remain a key part of their strategy—players who bring not just talent, but the heart and hustle that define what it means to be a Titan. Undrafted Gems Joining Tennessee Titans Squads isn’t just about individual success stories; it’s about a franchise that values effort over pedigree, and in doing so, has built a legacy of turning underdogs into winners.