NFL Rumors: Latest Speculation on Mario Williams, Tennessee Titans

Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders broke down the needs of all four AFC South teams, and not surprisingly, he selected defensive end as one of the Tennessee Titans' top holes. 

McCown points out that the Titans had the second-to-last adjusted sack rate in 2011, and few teams had a lower rate of quarterback hits and pressures. 

His solution to that problem?

Signing Houston Texans free agent defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams. 

This from McCown's article:

"

There are a number of options available for Tennessee in free agency, but perhaps the most interesting would be to make a play for Texans outside linebacker Mario Williams. Not only would they strengthen their pass rush, but they'd also weaken a divisional rival in the process. The other top pass rushers are either unlikely to make it past the franchise tag (Cliff Avril, Calais Campbell) or are a little older than the Titans would probably like (Robert Mathis, John Abraham, Andre Carter).

"

I tend to agree with McCown's logic. 

While the Titans need to address holes on the interior of their offensive line and outside linebacker alongside Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers, plus re-signing free agent cornerback Corteland Finnegan, signing Williams could transform the Titans defense in 2012.

The others holes could each be addressed in the NFL draft, too. Bringing in Williams, despite his season-ending pectoral injury, is about the surest move a team like the Titans could make this offseason.

The No. 1 pick in the 2006 NFL draft, Williams has 53 sacks in six NFL seasons. He could be looking to get out of Houston, where the Texans employ a 3-4 defense under Wade Phillips, now that his rookie contract has expired. Williams had five sacks in five games standing up at outside linebacker, but he's still a better fit in his more traditional defensive end role.

There's no doubt that Williams will cost a pretty penny, and Tennessee might not be willing to hand over the kind of money it would take. Williams may not sign with a division rival without a big deal, either. But on paper, this move looks beneficial for both teams.