Now that the Super Bowl has been played and free agency is less than a week away, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three offseason needs for each team. The next franchise under the microscope is the Tennessee Titans.
What to Know
2014 Record: 2-14
Draft Picks: 2nd Overall
Notable Free Agents: Jake Locker, Nate Washington, Ryan Succop, Leon Washington
2014 In Review
Instead of being named the “AFC South,” the division should simply be entitled “Indianapolis and the field.” Once again, the Colts claimed the crown by competing against teams that are currently preparing for the future. The Tennessee Titans are clearly one of those franchises. Finishing 2-14 in 2014 after going 7-9 the season prior, Tennessee must decide whether to keep some of their veterans–most notably Jake Locker–or hand the keys to other young players.
After losing 88 percent of the contests on a 16-game schedule, there are clearly needs scattered across the board. To simplify the matter, what are the three biggest priorities the Titans must address during the offseason?
Tennessee Titans 2015 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Skill Position Player
Analyzing the Titans top needs was tricky. Their main issue has been to figure out what to do with quarterback Jake Locker. Locker is a talented, yet injury-prone guy who has set the franchise back to some degree. Rookie Zach Mettenberger showed some promise in 2014 as he put forth an 83.4 passer rating while completing 60 percent of his throws, but many pundits are not sold on him being the long-term answer. Regardless of who the team tags as the starter, however, weapons are needed in the backfield and on the outside.
The Titans should address the wide receiver position this spring. Delanie Walker, their 30-year-old starting tight end, led the team in receptions (63) and yards (890) in 2014. Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter are talented young pass catchers, but their production has to improve. At age 31 and being a free agent, Nate Washington days are clearly numbered. With the No. 2 pick and an estimated $43.8 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, the Titans have the luxury of drafting either Amari Cooper or Kevin White, or even snagging an established star from a rich crop of free agent wideouts (e.g. Randall Cobb or Jeremy Maclin).
As for the tailbacks, more depth is needed behind second-year rusher Bishop Sankey. Shonn Greene has remained a serviceable backup throughout his career, but he may not be in the Titans future plans as he approaches 30. Tennessee should tab a running back anywhere from the second round and beyond.
Run Stopper
The Tennessee Titans need hole cloggers, period. The squad’s rushing defense was an atrocity in 2014, as it surrendered 137.2 yards per game on the ground (31st in the league). With big-name defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh unlikely to sign with the Titans, the team could be in the Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton or Jared Odrick sweepstakes during free agency. Any of these guys would be a significant upgrade in the middle and a path-maker for linebackers.
Offensive Line
Along with finding a quarterback for the future, finding an offensive line to help that quarterback is essential. The Titans ranked 27th in sacks allowed in 2014 with 50. Chance Warmack and Andy Levitre are two solid guards in their twenties. The tackle spot is a big concern, however. Michael Oher was a blocking liability, and therefore he was released. Left tackle Michael Roos retired a few days ago. With edge rushers like J.J. Watt and Robert Mathis in the same division, drafting a nimble tackle will be important for Tennessee.
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