Tennessee Titans: Top Five Position Battles

Just a few weeks removed from the 2009 NFL Draft, the NFL season is unofficially underway. Rookies arrived at their mini-camps to begin learning their trade, while veterans begin their offseason workouts. Meanwhile, all NFL teams will soon decide who will be in their starting lineups for the 2009-10 NFL season for a possible run at Super Bowl XLIV.

The Tennessee Titans finished the 2008-09 NFL season with a 13-3 record, but finished their short playoff appearance by playing just one game and losing to the Ravens, 13-10. The loss not only signified the end of a season, but the loss of masterpiece defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in free agency, and defensive genuis Jim Schwartz leaving to coach hopeless Detroit, as well. The only certainty for the team is that there will definitely be some shake ups during training camp in July.

Here is a list of the five best battles on which NFL and Titans fans should keep their eye:

5) Guard/Center

While the Titans seem  set at the “book ends” of their offensive line with Mike Roos and David Stewart, the interior line is going to be puzzling.

Jake Scott seems set at right guard, but the real controversy comes at left guard and center.

Kevin Mawae enters his 16th year in the league and isn’t getting any younger. Eugene Amano’s versatility at guard and center seems to make him the no-brainer replacement for Mawae in a few years. His versatility gives the Titans the option to keep him at guard or move him to center.

However, third year man LeRoy Harris proved in his one start last year that he can be effective.

4) Quarterback

While Kerry Collins revived his career last year, Vince Young is still waiting in the wings. Jeff Fisher has given his vow that Young will be the starter when he feels that he is ready.

When will that change be? If Collins goes back to his old ways, this year could be the revival of the other quarterback in Tennessee.

3) Kick returner

The loss of leading return man Chris Carr in free agency automatically created a need for a special team’s return specialist. Wide Receivers Mark Jones, Chris Davis, and Lavelle Hawkins will all compete for the two return spots on special teams. Cornerback Michael Griffin could also come into the fray, as he has had prior experience with kick returning.

2) Wide Receiver/Tight End

Certainly, the receiving corps for Tennessee will change this year.

In past years, the Titans had been considered a team that would draft a receiver in the first round. Years passed, and fans saw the Titans take Michael Griffin from Texas in 2007 and Chris Johnson in 2008.

The picks were stellar, but this was the year that the streak fell, as Tennessee drafted Rutgers standout Kenny Britt with their first pick. At 6’3,” Britt looks to be a possible starter come the beginning of the season, which leaves the second receiver slot a puzzle. The team signed veteran Nate Washington from Pittsburgh in one of their first offseason moves.

Washington’s competition will be the Titan’s leading receiver, Justin Gage. However, having both of these players may allow the Titans to open up more of a vertical passing game and rest Chris Johnson and LenDale White.

Tight end is going to be a very interesting situation. Bo Scaife was the team’s second leading receiver, but is more of a Kellen Winslow type tight end and almost a wide receiver. Scaife might also leave next season, as he was franchised by the team this year.

Adding Alge Crumpler last year helped the team’s blocking ability tremendously.

The Titans might let Scaife go at season’s end and use this year’s third round pick, Jared Cook. Cook is a similar type of tight end like Scaife. His ability to break into the open field will help the vertical game, as well.

1) Defensive Tackle

The loss of Albert Haynesworth creates a huge hole in the middle of the Tennessee defensive line. New defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil will have a few possible options to try to take Haynesworth's place.

Jovan Haye, a four year veteran, signed with the Titans to begin the offseason. Sen’Derrick Marks was drafted in the second round and looks to be in the rotation for Tennessee.

The player on whom you should keep your eye is Jason Jones. He recorded the third most sacks last year on defense with five, including 3.5 against eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh.