Tennessee Titans (Last Year: 7-9)
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2014 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Charlie Whitehurst, WR/KR Dexter McCluster, OT Michael Oher, G/C Eric Olsen, NT Al Woods, DE/OLB Shaun Phillips, ILB Wesley Woodyard.
Early Draft Picks:
OT Taylor Lewan, RB Bishop Sankey, NT DaQuan Jones, S/CB Marqueston Huff, ILB Avery Williamson, QB Zach Mettenberger. Titans Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Chris Johnson, WR Kenny Britt, WR Damian Williams, OT David Stewart, CB Alterraun Verner, K Rob Bironas.
2014 Tennessee Titans Offense:
The Titans had the chance to pick Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater or Derek Carr, but they passed on all three because they want to give Jake Locker one more chance. Locker has been a disappointment thus far after being the eighth pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. That’s not to say that Locker hasn’t his moments; on the contrary, he was exceptional at times during the beginning of the 2013 campaign, torching the Chargers and Jets before getting hurt. But that has been the problem – Locker just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He has missed 14 games in the past two seasons, so the Titans may have to admit that they simply can’t count on him.
If Locker can somehow stay healthy, however – it’s a big “if” – he’ll have a good chance to succeed because of the changes Tennessee made this offseason. Beginning with the coaching staff, Ken Whisenhunt replaced Mike Munchak, which is a big upgrade. Whisenhunt helped restore Philip Rivers’ career and was able to revive Kurt Warner in Arizona. He’ll be able to coach up Locker.
The Titans also did a great job of getting rid of two problematic players in the locker room: Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt. Johnson had been a shell of his former self the past couple of years, as he was one of the least-efficient runners in the NFL. Tennessee used its second-round choice on Bishop Sankey, choosing him over the other running backs because the team valued his pass-protection ability. It’s unknown if Sankey will become a great runner, but he’ll at least provide a big upgrade on third downs, which was always Johnson’s weakness.
Britt wasn’t a big part of the offense last season, but not having his negative attitude around will be a big help. Besides, the Titans have a solid receiving trio, led by Kendall Wright, who logged 94 receptions in his second season. Justin Hunter, meanwhile, is coming off a rookie campaign in which he thrived late, posting a 6-109-1 line at Oakland and 4-114-1 at Denver in Weeks 12 and 14, respectively. Hunter has a ton of talent, so he could break out soon enough. He and Wright will be joined by the dependable Nate Washington and solid tight end Delanie Walker, whom Whisenhunt compared to Antonio Gates.
Tennessee used both of its early selections to help Locker. Sankey was the second pick, while Taylor Lewan was picked at No. 11. It seemed like an odd choice to some, but the selection made sense because left tackle Michael Roos won’t be around much longer. Lewan will start on the right side, meaning Michael Oher will be a very expensive backup in the short term.
Oher could be kicked inside to guard if there’s an injury to one of the players at the position. Andy Levitre was a stud last year, living up to the big contract he signed when he left Buffalo. First-round rookie Chance Warmack, meanwhile, was a bit of a disappointment, surrendering seven sacks and failing to blast open running lanes. He figures to get better, however. Warmack and Levitre will flank second-year center Brian Schwenke, who must improve his play as well.
2014 Tennessee Titans Defense:
The Titans will be switching defensive schemes this season, as they plan to transition into the 3-4. The move seems rather unnecessary. In fact, Tennessee doesn’t appear to have the appropriate personnel.
A big issue is the defensive line. Jurrell Casey was tremendous as an interior pass-rusher this past season, registering 10.5 sacks. However, he’ll be playing out of position in the 3-4. Ray Horton damaged Darnell Dockett’s career by moving him into the 3-4, and it appears as though he’s repeating history with Casey. Meanwhile, Mike Martin, a solid rotational player with upside, will be completely lost in this scheme.
As of now, the front line projects to be: Ropati Pitoitua-Al Woods-Casey. Woods was signed over from the Steelers. He has been a career backup, but will be asked to start at nose tackle for Tennessee. He doesn’t even fit ideally as a starting nose, so the team’s decision-making in this regard is highly questionable. Pitoitua at least has experience in the 3-4 from when he was with Kansas City.
The Titans do have a couple of solid fits for the new 3-4 if the focus is shifted away from the defensive line. For instance, Zach Brown projects as a great piece at inside linebacker, as does Akeem Ayers. Wesley Woodyard played in the 3-4 when he was coached by Josh McDaniels in Denver, so he’ll compete for a starting job in the interior. Shaun Phillips, also signed over from the Broncos, has plenty of experience in this alignment.
Having said that, it’s fair to ask where the pass rush is going to come from. There’s Phillips, but that’s pretty much it. Phillips had 10 sacks in 2013, but he can’t even be counted on because he just turned 33. He’ll need to step up though because there aren’t any other proven edge rushers, which wouldn’t be the case if Tennessee still had a 4-3. Derrick Morgan’s transition from 4-3 left end to 3-4 rush linebacker projects to be extremely shaky. Morgan is coming off a very solid 2013 campaign, but figures to struggle mightily in the new system. Kamerion Wimbley, meanwhile, has a chance to contribute, but his skills completely eroded last year. He’ll turn 31 in October, but he could be completely finished.
The Titans also have issues in their secondary, thanks to Alterraun Verner’s departure. The talented corner signed with Tampa Bay, leaving Jason McCourty to start with 2013 third-rounder Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who barely played as a rookie. Coty Sensabaugh will reprise his role as a decent nickel.
Tennessee at least knows what it’s getting at the safety position. Bernard Pollard and Michael Griffin will be returning as the starters. Neither is exceptional, but both were pretty steady this past season.
2014 Tennessee Titans Schedule and Intangibles:
Rob Bironas was released, meaning one of Travis Coons or Maikon Bonani will be the team’s kicker. This is not an ideal situation.
Maybe Brett Kern can kick field goals. He had a decent 2013 campaign as a punter; he was in the middle of the pack in terms of net-punting average, but he was sixth in attempts placed inside the 20.
Tennessee outgained its opponents on both punt and kickoff returns, albeit by a slim margin. No touchdowns were scored for or against.
The Titans play the NFC East and AFC North, plus the Texans and Jaguars twice each, so their slate is pretty easy. Aside from the two Indianapolis contests, their toughest games are against the Bengals, Steelers, Ravens and Eagles. Any team in the NFL will take that.
2014 Tennessee Titans Rookies:
Go here for the Titans Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2014 Tennessee Titans Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2014 Tennessee Titans Analysis: Some perceive the Titans to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they are completely mistaken. They’ll be pretty competitive as long as Jake Locker stays healthy. They almost certainly won’t win the division, but 7-9 victories seems well in reach, as long as Locker doesn’t miss too much action.
Projection: 7-9 (3rd in AFC South)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings
More 2014 NFL Season Previews
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
NFL Draft Team Grade: B
Goals Entering the 2014 NFL Draft: It doesn’t appear as though the Titans are interested in drafting a quarterback No. 11 overall. They’ll give Jake Locker another year, which means they can focus on finding pieces for their new 3-4. A rush linebacker, five-technique, inside linebacker and cornerback are all needed. Finding a new running back and a left tackle of the future is something else Tennessee should focus on.
2014 NFL Draft Accomplishments: I don’t understand why everyone was so up in arms over the Taylor Lewan selection. Michael Roos won’t be on the team much longer, so Tennessee had to find a successor. Besides, with Justin Gilbert and the top three pass-rushers off the board, what else was Tennessee supposed to do, reach for a player? Lewan was the top prospect available, so he was a very good choice at No. 11.
The Titans made some other solid selections. Bishop Sankey could easily be Offensive Rookie of the Year. Getting DaQuan Jones in the fourth round was a steal. Zach Mettenberger, meanwhile, provided even more value in the sixth frame.
The issue I have with Tennessee’s class, however, is that it didn’t find enough pieces for the 3-4. Rush linebacker and defensive end had to be addressed, but those areas were completely ignored.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
11. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: A- Grade
Taylor Lewan, or one of Michael Oher or Michael Roos will have to play guard in 2014. Lewan, of course, will be the left tackle of the future once Roos moves on, so this pick makes a ton of sense. Lewan was also arguably the prospect available, as Mel Kiper promised that he would not escape the top six. There are some character issues with him, but there’s no doubt that Jake Locker’s protection has improved tremendously. There are no now excuses for Locker.
54. Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington: B Grade
Bishop Sankey has made history by becoming the first running back in a draft ever chosen after pick No. 37. I did not think Sankey was going to be the first back off the board, but he makes sense for a team that just lost Chris Johnson to the Jets. The Titans didn’t have a viable starting running back on the roster, so that has likely changed.
112. DaQuan Jones, NT, Penn State: A- Grade
It’s about time the Titans secured some new pieces for their 3-4. I don’t like their scheme change because they don’t have 3-4 personnel, but DaQuan Jones will really help. He’s a talented nose tackle who should see a decent amount of action as a rookie. He could have gone earlier than this, so I like this pick a lot.
122. Marqueston Huff, S/CB, Wyoming: C+ Grade
There were better options available for the Titans at this juncture, but it’s not a terrible pick. I would have liked Tennessee to pick a pass-rusher or a more natural cornerback, but secondary help is needed. I had Marqueston Huff in the fifth round, so it’s a bit of a reach.
151. Avery Williamson, ILB, Kentucky: C Grade
This is too early for Avery Williamson, but I can’t say I’m surprised that the Titans are picking an inside linebacker out of the SEC. The position was a big need, especially with a new 3-4 scheme being installed. Wesley Woodyard was signed, but depth is needed.
178. Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU: A Grade
Tennessee fans have to love this. Zach Mettenberger was viewed as a second-round prospect prior to the torn ACL, positive drug test and other medical issues. That’s a lot, so Mettenberger deserved to drop, but he should have gone in the fourth round. He could develop into Tennessee’s future starter.
Season Summary:
It was believed that the Titans would need to make the playoffs for the coaching staff to survive. The front office spent lots of money in free agency, after all. Things looked promising when Tennessee began the year with a 3-1 record, but Jake Locker was knocked out for several games on two occasions. The Titans, as a consequence, finished just 7-9. Now, a new coaching staff will have to meet expectations.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Running Back: Chris Johnson is not expected back because of his $8 million salary. He was cut, so Tennessee may spend a second-day selection on a replacement.
- Outside Linebacker: Only nine teams had fewer sacks than the Titans this past season. Jurrell Casey and Derrick Morgan put good pressure on the quarterback, but Kamerion Wimbley was a huge disappointment. Tennessee could spend the No. 11 overall selection on an upgrade. With the move to the 3-4, they’ll be searching for an outside linebacker. Signed Shaun Phillips
- Offensive Tackle: Michael Roos and David Stewart will have their contracts expire sometime soon. Stewart could even be released this offseason. The Titans will probably be looking to add a tackle for the future. Signed Michael Oher
- Cornerback: Alterraun Verner is a free agent. He’ll be missed if he signs elsewhere, but Tennessee may give 2013 third-rounder Blidi Wreh-Wilson a chance to start. Even still, the front office will need to add depth at the position.
- Inside Linebacker: Akeem Ayers and Zach Brown could play middle linebacker in the new 3-4. Depth will be needed if that’s the case. If Ayers plays outside, however, another middle linebacker will be united. Signed Wesley Woodyard
- Quarterback: Is Jake Locker the quarterback of the future? He played well at times in 2013, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy throughout his brief career. He’ll likely get another chance, but Tennessee may want to think about bringing in a young signal-caller for competition. Signed Charlie Whitehurst
- Defensive End Depth: The Titans have a couple of free agents at this position, so depth will have to be acquired. Re-signed Ropati Pitoitua
- Kicker: Rob Bironas was released.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2014 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Wesley Woodyard, OLB, Broncos. Age: 28. 
Signed with Titans (4 years, $16 million)
Wesley Woodyard was a quality linebacker for the few seasons before 2013, but struggled this past year because of a stinger he suffered in early October. He was ultimately benched, but he should rebound as long as he can play the weak side again.
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Shaun Phillips, DE, Broncos. Age: 33.
Signed with Titans (2 years, $6 million)
So much for being done. Shaun Phillips came off a disappointing season and logged 10 sacks for the Broncos. Unfortunately, he’ll turn 33 in May.
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Michael Oher, OT, Ravens. Age: 28.
Signed with Titans (4 years, $20 million)
Michael Oher can be a very good blocker when focused, but he often has mental lapses, hurting his team with penalties and surrendered sacks.
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Dexter McCluster, WR/KR, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Signed with Titans (3 years, $12 million)
Dexter McCluster is a nifty offensive player and a much better return specialist. He scored twice on special teams in 2013.
- Al Woods, NT, Steelers. Age: 27. — Signed with Titans
- Eric Olsen (RFA), C, Steelers. Age: 26. — Signed with Titans
- Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Chargers. Age: 32. — Signed with Titans (2 years, $8 million)
Tennessee Titans Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Alterraun Verner, CB, Titans. Age: 25.
Signed with Buccaneers (4 years, $26.5 million)
A former fourth-round pick, Alterraun Verner had an excellent 2013 campaign, though he faded down the stretch. A solid No. 2 corner going forward, Verner won’t be 26 until December.
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Rob Bironas, K, Titans. Age: 36.
Rob Bironas wasn’t cut because of performance issues, given that he was 25-of-29 last year, including 2-of-3 from 50-plus. Tennessee axed him because of money (saves $3.125 million). Bironas is still a very good kicker, but his age is becoming an issue.
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Chris Johnson, RB, Titans. Age: 28.
Signed with Jets (2 years)
One of the most overrated players in the NFL, Chris Johnson hasn’t been good for years. He’s a poor runner because he’s way too indecisive, resulting in lots of negative runs. This was acceptable when he used to break 50-yard runs quite frequently, but those days – along with his elite speed – are long gone. Johnson turns 29 in September, so he’s going to just get it worse, and to top it off, he stinks in pass protection, so he can’t really be used on third downs. He would probably be an overrated commodity if the demand for running backs wasn’t so low.
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Kenny Britt, WR, Titans. Age: 25.
Signed with Rams (1 year)
Kenny Britt can be a dominant receiver, but a combination of injuries and lethargy have sapped his play-making ability. He’s only 25 though, so maybe he can bounce back on a new team.
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Bernard Pollard, S, Titans. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Titans
The Patriots’ worst nightmare, Bernard Pollard continues to be strong in run support, but somewhat of a liability in coverage.
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Ropati Pitoitua, DE/DT, Titans. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Titans (3 years)
Ropati Pitoitua is a stout run-stuffer who offers a bit of pass-rushing ability. He played in the 4-3 this past season, but his best scheme fit is the 3-4.
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David Stewart, OT, Titans. Age: 32.
David Stewart has missed eight total games in the previous two seasons. He used to be a quality right tackle, but he has regressed of late. He can still start, but better options should be available for teams.
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Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Titans. Age: 32.
Signed with Texans (2 years)
It’s strange that the Titans cut Ryan Fitzpatrick when he was much better than Charlie Whitehurst, the new backup they just signed. Fitzpatrick handled himself well this past season, throwing 14 touchdowns to 12 interceptions while completing 62 percent of his passes.
- Antonio Johnson, DT, Titans. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Titans (2 years)
- Chris Spencer, C, Titans. Age: 32. — Re-signed with Titans
- Marc Mariani, WR/KR, Titans. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Titans
- Mike Otto, OT, Titans. Age: 31.
- Rob Turner, G, Titans. Age: 30.
- Damian Williams, WR, Titans. Age: 26. — Signed with Dolphins (1 year, $800,000)
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