Tennessee Titans: Could DC Jerry Gray Be Moving Towards a 3-4?

Upon accepting the job as the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator last year, Jerry Gray spoke highly of throwing in different looks. However, throughout the season, Titans fans saw a fairly vanilla offense.

Expect that to change.

It was clear by the use of the zone blitz that Jerry Gray wanted to use more looks to confuse the quarterback. However, the personnel just was not there. Prior to the season, Titans officials spoke highly of LB Akeem Ayers and his ability to rush the passer. While he was a solid addition to the defense, he ratcheted up only two sacks.

It was also clear early on that Jason Jones was not good at setting the edge, a key attribute for any defensive end, but particularly a 3-4 defensive end. Furthermore, nobody on the team was truly able to drop back into coverage. While Gray often tried to drop back Jason Jones or Derrick Morgan into coverage, it often resulted in a busted coverage and easy completion (or touchdown) for the other team.

So why should we expect this to change in 2011?

Again, personnel. With the addition of Kamerion Wimbley, the Titans have acquired a player who is capable of putting his hand in the dirt and playing as a DE, as he did at Florida State, or dropping back and playing OLB, as he has for virtually his entire NFL career.

The addition of Leger Douzable on Tuesday also provides Gray with versatility. Douzable can play both defensive tackle and defensive end.

Yet another sign that the Titans could be moving toward more 3-4 looks is the drafting of Jurrell Casey last year. Casey, at 6'0 and 305 pounds played nose tackle for the University of Southern California. While he enjoyed a very successful rookie season as a 4-3 DT, he clearly has the size and experience necessary to play in a 3-4.

Finally, the Titans numerous attempts to sign a center in free agency shows that they are not interested in drafting one such as Peter Konz early in the draft. With both defensive starters in place, it is unlikely that they spend a first-round pick for a rotational player. Could they be looking for a linebacker to replace the aging Witherspoon?

By replacing Witherspoon with a younger, more versatile OLB, the Titans would have at least two players capable of playing OLB in a 3-4 (the draftee and Kamerion Wimbley). Ayers would be able to build on his solid rookie year without the need to play in a position that he is not comfortable with.

None of this is to say that the Titans are fully transitioning to a 3-4 anytime soon. There are still questions about whether or not Derrick Morgan could play DE in a 3-4 (or a 4-3 for that matter) or where players like DT Karl Klug would fit in.

But don't be surprised if the Titans flash several 3-4 looks next year.