James

Proche

The former Miami (FL) receiver stays with his quarterback, albeit a beat away from actual NFL playing time on the practice squad. The Titans also added WR Mason Kinsey, WR James Proche II, QB Trevor Siemian, OL Andrew Rupcich, DT Isaiah Raikes, DE Ali Gaye, RB Jordan Mims, DB Kendell Brooks, DT Cam Horsley, RB Jermar Jefferson, DB Amani Oruwariye, DE Carlos Watkins, TE Thomas Odukoya and C Corey Levin to their practice squad.

This one surprised some Titans beat writers, as Proche was expected to be their returner this year. It’s possible he’ll get brought off the practice squad for a few weeks and the Titans were willing to risk losing him to protect some of their younger players. Also released by the Titans were OL Brenden Jaimes, LB Blake Lynch, CB Amani Oruwariye, and DL Carlos Watkins. To get down to 53 players they also waived LB Brian Asamoah, DB Kendell Brooks, TE Drake Dabney, T Jaelyn Duncan, OLB Ali Gaye, DT Cam Horsley, RB Jermar Jefferson, WR Mason Kinsey, RB Jordan Mims, TE Thomas Odukoya, NT Isaiah Raikes and OL Andrew Rupcich.

Originally a sixth-round pick with the Ravens, Proche has spent the past two years with the Browns. He played primarily on special teams in Cleveland, catching just three passes for 21 yards across 19 games. Proche will be fighting for a roster spot in Tennessee this summer.

Cleveland made a slew of roster moves. The Browns also placed T James Hudson III (shoulder) on IR, released WR James Proche II, and elevated S Chris Edmonds and WR Jaelon Darden from the practice squad for Week 6’s matchup with the Eagles.

Proche was drafted by the Ravens in the 6th round of the 2020 NFL Draft but was cut by the team before the 2023 season. He signed with Cleveland, where he played 10 games and caught no passes. However, he did win the job as the primary punt returner, so he figures to remain an integral part of the Browns’ special teams unit.

Proche had received sporadic playing time for the Ravens over the previous three seasons due in large part to his blocking ability, managing just 25 receptions during that span. The retooled pass-catching corps and new offensive coordinator heading into 2023 made his skillset expendable. Also released or waived were WR Tarik Black, QB Anthony Brown, G TyKeem Doss, CB Tae Hayes, CB Kyu Kelly, CB Jeremy Lucien, G Tashawn Manning, FB/TE Ben Mason, OLB Jeremiah Moon, DT Rayshad Nichols, ILB Josh Ross, WR Sean Ryan, OL Jaylon Thomas, TE Travis Vokolek, LB Kristian Welch, RB Owen Wright, DT Angelo Blackson, RB Melvin Gordon III, QB Josh Johnson, C Sam Mustifpher, CB Kevon Seymour, T David Sharpe, WR Laquon Treadwell, DE Brent Urban and CB Daryl Worley.

The diagnosis came straight from coach John Harbaugh in his post-game press conference. Proche has reportedly been in the lead for No. 2 duties opposite Rashod Bateman, which says more about this wideout group than Proche. Harbaugh also said second-year pro Tylan Wallace is dealing with a “minor” knee sprain but might not miss any time. Although neither injury sounds like a long-term concern, it further highlights just how thin and unproven this receiver corps really is. The Ravens probably need to get on the receiver workout circuit.

Devin Duvernay, Proche’s main competition, has been dealing with a thigh contusion. Second-year WR Tylan Wallace, who struggled as a rookie, is reportedly having a quiet start to camp. That has set up Proche with a lot of first-team opportunities and the third-year wide receiver has made the most of them. Zrebiec reports that “Proche has made a few plays in just about every practice. Some have been on deep passes, like the 65-yard touchdown he caught from Lamar Jackson on Thursday. Some have been in the red zone. He’s worked pretty much every area of the field, and his precise route running has made him a nightmare to deal with for Ravens defensive backs in one-on-one drills.” Proche looks like a last-round target in best ball drafts as a stacking partner with Lamar Jackson.

Jackson did not participate in OTAs this year, although he has stated that his absence was not contract-related. He reported early to training camp and is practicing as normal, even as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. The fifth-year quarterback is taking on risk by playing without a deal in place for 2023 and beyond, but Jackson—who does not have an agent—is clearly willing to bet on himself. Jackson’s participation is great news for the Ravens offense, which is expecting a big jump from Rashod Bateman, and bigger contributions from Devin Duvernay, James Proche, and Tylan Wallace.

Zrebiec said Rashod Bateman will enter the 2022 season as the team’s clearcut No. 1 receiver, with the No. 2 spot up for grabs between Proche, Tylan Wallace, and Devin Duvernay, who caught 33 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns last season. “I think he’ll get a bigger opportunity this year and it wouldn’t surprise me if he emerges as a reliable target, particularly on third downs, for Jackson,” Zrebiec said. “Proche has really good hands and there’s a toughness and confidence about him that suggests he’s ready to become a bigger contributor.” Proche popped last year in Week 16, catching seven of eight yards for 76 yards in a lopsided loss to Cincinnati. He came into the NFL with a history of production, leading the nation with 111 receptions in his final season at SMU. His 15 touchdown receptions ranked fourth among all college wideouts that season. Proche could be someone to monitor in deeper formats.