NFL1000: Tennessee Titans 2017 NFL Draft Preview
The Titans haven’t made the playoffs since 2008, but between their 9-7 record in 2016 (a six-win bump from the previous season), the continued development of quarterback Marcus Mariota, the haul of draft picks general manager Jon Robinson gets to enjoy and the ways in which Robinson has already helped build the team through the draft and free agency, there are several reasons to believe strongly in the franchise’s future.
All 10 of the Titans’ 2016 draft picks are still on the roster, and several rookies made important contributions—none more than right tackle Jack Conklin, who brought a toughness and energy to the offensive line and matched perfectly with 2014 first-round pick Taylor Lewan, who manned the left tackle spot adroitly. Now, with the fifth and 18th picks in the 2017 draft (the fifth pick from the Rams, who traded it away for the right to take Jared Goff first overall), Robinson gets to go back to the well.
He does so knowing there’s already been a bit of work done in free agency. The secondary, perhaps the team’s most glaring need last season, is enhanced with the additions of safety Johnathan Cyprien and cornerback Logan Ryan.
But Ryan might be a better slot corner, and with the release of veteran Jason McCourty, there’s still a big need at that position. Fortunately for the Titans, this year’s cornerback class might be the best of the last decade. There’s also a need for more targets for Mariota, some youth at pass-rusher and depth at linebacker. But overall, it would appear the best times are ahead for a team that has been on the downside for a long time.
Methodology
1 of 19
The NFL1000 team of scouts graded a series of important attributes for every player in their positional reviews. Using a scale starting at zero and going up to anywhere from five to 50 based on the position and the attribute, our scouts graded each player based on their own expertise and countless hours of tape review over the years. Our evaluators had specific positional assignments in their fields of expertise.
- Doug Farrar: Lead scout/quarterbacks
- John Middlekauff: Running backs/fullbacks
- Marcus Mosher: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Mark Schofield: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Duke Manyweather: Offensive tackles
- Ethan Young: Offensive guards
- Joe Goodberry: AFC defensive ends
- Justis Mosqueda: NFC defensive ends
- Charles McDonald: Defensive tackles
- Zach Kruse: 3-4 outside linebackers
- Derrik Klassen: 4-3 outside linebackers
- Jerod Brown: Inside linebackers
- Kyle Posey: Cornerbacks
- Ian Wharton: Cornerbacks
- Mark Bullock: Safeties
- Chuck Zodda: Special teams
Each corresponding position slide was written by the assigned scout.
Quarterback
2 of 19
Scheme: Air Coryell/Hybrid/”Exotic Smashmouth”
Starter: Marcus Mariota
NFL1000 Scores: 73.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 12/38
Marcus Mariota suffered a broken right fibula in late December—a rather drastic end to a stellar second season in which he continued the rapid development he’s shown since coming out of Oregon as the second overall pick in the 2015 draft.
He benefited from an improved offensive line and running game, but with just two top-level targets in receiver Rishard Matthews and tight end Delanie Walker, it was up to Mariota to manufacture plays at times, and he did so very well.
He had a string of eight games in the middle of the regular season with at least two touchdown passes in every game, and he only threw more than one pick in two games.
His completion percentage could be a bit better, but he improved in so many areas in 2016—everything from defensive recognition to the deep ball—that further progress almost seems a given, especially if the front office can bolster his list of targets.
Backup: Matt Cassel
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Matt Cassel was decent in the Titans’ final two games of the season after Marcus Mariota suffered a broken fibula, and he’s certainly more than acceptable as a backup. Cassel is a smart player who struggles with mobility—especially accuracy on the run—but he certainly has enough skill to maintain an average overall performance in Mike Mularkey’s offense.
Backup: Alex Tanney
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The former Monmouth College alum landed on the Chiefs roster as an undrafted free agent in 2012 after setting the NCAA’s all-time record for touchdown passes with 157. It’s a massive step from Division III to the NFL, and Alex Tanney has bounced around different NFL practice squads throughout his career. He’s a good-sized player with a live arm, but he hasn’t been able to show the enormous development needed to play in the NFL at this time.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Davis Webb (Cal), Brad Kaaya (Miami)
Running Back
3 of 19
Scheme: Gap/Power
Starter: DeMarco Murray
NFL1000 Scores: 75.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 5/82
After a terrible 2015 season in Philadelphia, DeMarco Murray re-established himself as one of the best and most productive running backs in the NFL. Murray had 1,287 yards and nine rushing touchdowns while also adding 53 catches. He not only had a great individual season, but he also helped carry the Titans to a late-December playoff push.
Murray is a natural one-cut runner who is a little straight-line but makes up for it with quick feet. He hits the hole with a purpose and plays fast between the tackles. He can break arm tackles and also has the ability to always fall forward. With his great vision and patience, he is a natural outside runner because he lets his offensive lineman locate in space. Despite not having the top end speed, he is an explosive playmaker in the open field because of his instincts. In the passing game he is fantastic. Murray has natural hands and the ability to make the first defender miss or run through them. He is also one of the best pass protectors in the NFL.
Overall, Murray is the Titans' bell cow and should have another monster season in 2017.
Backup: Derrick Henry
NFL1000 Scores: 70.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 40/82
With the resurgence of DeMarco Murray, the Titans' second-round running back Derrick Henry had something of a disappointing rookie season on the stat sheet. He finished the season with 490 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 110 attempts. While a 4.5 per-carry average is respectable, Henry failed to provide a big-play spark off the bench with his longest carry of the season going for only 22 yards.
Henry is one of the bigger NFL backs in league history but doesn't always run as hard, given his size. Despite being a little tight, he has good feet and the ability to make defenders miss. He does play fast downhill and has the strength to break soft arm tackles on the second level of the defense. He is a load in the red zone and a natural short-yardage running back because of his size.
Henry was not productive in the passing game, with only 13 receptions, but his role should grow heading into his second NFL season. Overall, the Titans have a fantastic young backup whose productivity will only grow with comfort in the Titans offense.
Backup: David Fluellen
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
David Fluellen has never played in an NFL game. He has bounced around on practice squads and will be fighting an uphill battle to make the roster in 2017. He will need to be a standout on special teams just to have a chance to play in the NFL this season.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Fullback
4 of 19
Scheme: Gap/Power
Starter: Jalston Fowler
NFL1000 Scores: 71.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 14/20
The former fourth-round pick Jalston Fowler has helped established the Titans running attack as one of the most physical in the NFL. He is a very physical lead blocker who can locate defenders in space and also has the power to move bodies. He helped DeMarco Murray have a bounce-back season by clearing holes all year long.
Fowler plays no role as a runner or pass-catcher. He is just not a dynamic athlete with the football in his hands. Overall, the Titans have their fullback for the foreseeable future, and he will be the lock starter come Week 1.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Wide Receiver
5 of 19
Scheme: Air Coryell/Hybrid/”Exotic Smashmouth”
Starter: Rishard Matthews
NFL1000 Scores: 67.3/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 46/155
Signed as a free agent this past offseason, Rishard Matthews posted the best statistical season of his career in 2016, catching 65 passes for 945 yards and nine touchdowns, all of which stand as career highs for the former Nevada receiver.
His size and skill set make him a solid Z receiver for Tennessee. He can be effective on the outside on deep vertical routes and patterns that move him either inside or toward the boundary and is adept at finding space versus zone coverage, showing solid field awareness. He can break press at the line of scrimmage but is at his best when facing off coverage, and he can use his quickness to sell defenders on routes.
One area in which he could use a bit of improvement is at the catch point. He struggled with some drops last season, and in contested catch situations there are times when he cannot complete the play. But his ability to adjust to the football downfield helps him in the vertical passing game—an important point for this offense.
Starter: Tajae Sharpe
NFL1000 Scores: 65.1/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 73/155
Rookie Tajae Sharpe turned in a solid season in his first NFL campaign, catching 41 passes for 522 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His best performance arguably came in his debut, as he caught seven passes for 76 yards against the Vikings on opening weekend.
Coming out of the University of Massachusetts there were some concerns about his hands as well as his consistency at the catch point, as he was a bit of a body catcher on tape. But during his rookie season he flashed in that regard, making a number of plays in contested catch situations.
One example was in Week 16, when he ran a deep comeback route versus the Jaguars and Prince Amukamara. While he did not get a lot of separation on his break, he was able to wrestle in the pass from Mariota with the defender draped on him.
With his size, Sharpe fits the mold of the X receiver for the Titans offense. As he enters his second season, increased ability to get separation on deeper routes would provide a big boost to the Tennessee offense.
Sharpe was at his best in the short-to-intermediate area of the field, but on deep crossers, posts and vertical routes, his separation was spotty. If he can improve in those situations, he’ll be in good shape for a great sophomore campaign.
Starter: Harry Douglas
NFL1000 Scores: 61.5/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 116/155
Veteran Harry Douglas saw reduced playing time during the 2016 season and was a healthy scratch for a stretch of games in the middle of the year. He saw action in 11 games, catching 15 passes for 210 yards. His most notable play from the year may have come in Week 14, when he executed a low block on Chris Harris Jr., which did not draw a flag but drew the ire of Aqib Talib on the following play.
As a receiver, he is inconsistent against press coverage and works best against zone or off-man situations. He is a hard-nosed player, willing to contribute as a blocker on the outside or even when aligned in the wing.
Douglas is 32 and took a pay cut to stay with Tennessee. He is likely a WR3 option for the team at best.
Backup: Eric Weems
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Another veteran, Eric Weems was signed by the Titans this past offseason to provide some depth on the roster. He went without a catch as a receiver but was a strong contributor for the Falcons last season as a kick and punt returner. With his size, speed and quickness, he is an option in the slot for Tennessee, but it is likely the bulk of his play is again on special teams for the Titans.
Backup: Tre McBride
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The Titans, much like the writer, cannot seem to quit the third-year receiver.
Tre McBride was a favorite of the amateur scouting community during the 2015 draft season, as the William and Mary receiver was viewed by many as a dark-horse Day 2 selection. But he slid all the way to the seventh round before being drafted by the Titans. He appeared in seven games as a rookie, catching two passes for eight yards and a touchdown in the season finale.
He was waived before the start of last season but was re-signed to the practice squad and promoted to the active roster for the final half of the season. He appeared in only two games and did not see a reception. This season might be his make-or-break year in Tennessee.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Josh Reynolds (Texas A&M), Isaiah Ford (Virginia Tech), ArDarius Stewart (Alabama), Taywan Taylor (Western Kentucky)
Tight End
6 of 19
Scheme: Air Coryell/Hybrid/”Exotic Smashmouth”
Starter: Delanie Walker
NFL1000 Scores: 66.9/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 17/96
Delanie Walker was a big part of Tennessee’s offensive success last season, as well as the continued development of Mariota. He caught 65 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns, with the scoring numbers representing a career high for him.
Walker is adept at a number of routes in the passing tree and showed some ability after the catch, particularly with play strength. A prime example of this trait came against the Denver Broncos in Week 14, when he caught a pass behind the line of scrimmage and was able to shake off Chris Harris, among other defenders, turning a sure loss into a solid gain.
He was a good blocker for the Titans in their running game and when Tennessee would line up using 13 personnel. He will turn 33 before the start of the season but looks to have a few more solid years ahead of him.
Backup: Phillip Supernaw
NFL1000 Scores: 58.9/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 79/96
Phillip Supernaw was used as the third tight end by the Titans last season but saw significant playing time as the offense used a number of two- and three-tight end formations.
As a blocker, Supernaw is very solid and can execute strong blocks whether in zone or power/gap designs. In the passing game, his skill set is somewhat limited, as he does not have consistent ability to get separation on his routes whether downfield or underneath. But he can serve as a consistent outlet in the flats and has the frame to be effective in short-yardage situations or on play-action style plays.
With Anthony Fasano leaving town, there is a chance he takes on more of a role behind Walker, but he’ll need to hold off Jace Amaro for that spot in the lineup.
Backup: Jace Amaro
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Jace Amaro was drafted in the second round by the New York Jets in the 2014 NFL draft but never materialized as a true offensive weapon for the team.
He appeared in 14 games as a rookie, catching 38 passes for 345 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He missed the entire 2015 season with a shoulder injury, and after he was waived by the Jets at the start of last year, he was signed by the Titans. He appeared in only three games last season, catching three passes for 59 yards.
He has the size and frame to be an effective red-zone option, and with the departure of Fasano, there is an opportunity for Amaro to solidify a role as the second tight end on the roster.
Backup: Jerome Cunningham
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The Titans signed Jerome Cunningham to a reserve/futures contract in January of 2017. He went undrafted in 2013 following a collegiate career at Southern Connecticut State University and was out of football for that year. But he was signed by the New York Giants for the following season, and after spending the 2014 season on the practice squad, he was active for a few games in 2015.
The Titans signed him off waivers to start the 2016 season, but he failed to make the final roster and spent the season on the practice squad. At this point, he seems to be primarily a depth option for the team.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Left Tackle
7 of 19
Scheme: Gap
Starter: Taylor Lewan
NFL1000 Scores: 76.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 9/40
Taylor Lewan enters his fourth season in the NFL after Tennessee drafted him 11th overall in 2014.
Through three seasons, Lewan has registered 37 career starts but had ups and downs in his first two seasons and there was talk about Lewan being shifted to right tackle or even being benched following the 2015 season.
In 2016, Lewan seemingly turned the corner and had a phenomenal season for Tennessee, which resulted in a trip to the the Pro Bowl.
Lewan was excellent in executing all the things the Titans needed in their “exotic smashmouth” system and only surrendered two sacks on the season in pass protection.
Backup: Dennis Kelly
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Dennis Kelly enters his sixth season as a professional and his second season with Tennessee after spending his first four seasons with Philadelphia, which drafted him in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.
Kelly has 21 career starts, including six in 2016 (extra tackle formation to start game) for the Titans. Kelly has the ability and experience to play both tackle slots and both guard slots.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None—could consider bringing in camp competition with free agents
Right Tackle
8 of 19
Scheme: Gap
Starter: Jack Conklin
NFL1000 Scores: 73.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 12/38
Tennessee selected Jack Conklin eight overall in the 2016 draft—a big investment that yielded a big return in Year 1.
Conklin started all 16 games for Tennessee and was excellent in executing what the Titans asked him to do. Conklin was given help in many pass protection situations, but you can't discredit the fact that the then-rookie surrendered just two sacks on the season and was named First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press.
Conklin will enter his second season highly touted and looks to develop even further as he presses to be one of the best tackles in the game.
Backup: Tyler Marz
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Tyler Marz was an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin in 2016 and spent the year on Tennessee’s practice squad.
He had a solid collegiate career and figures to continue to develop and provide depth on the offensive line.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None—could consider bringing in camp competition with free agents
Offensive Guard
9 of 19
Scheme: Gap
Starter: Quinton Spain
NFL1000 Scores: 71.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 29/78
Quinton Spain took quite a step up in play last year and is fast becoming one of the best young guards in the league. He’s the physical tone-setter of this exotic smashmouth scheme and is one of the most mauling guards you’ll find from a strength standpoint.
His grades match this as well, as he ended up with the sixth-highest strength and power grades and the seventh-best run-blocking grade in NFL1000 last year.
With a lack of foot quickness, he won't be a premier pass protector or a fit for zone schemes, but he’s the perfect embodiment of what the Titans want to do up front.
Starter: Josh Kline
NFL1000 Scores: 69.2/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 41/78
Josh Kline did an admirable job filling in for Chance Warmack last year, but is he the long-term answer in such a power-based offensive scheme that seems central to the Titans' identity? I don’t think so.
That said, I’m not certain that answer is in this draft class either, unless Jon Robinson wants to splurge his extra first-round selection on converting Alabama tackle Cam Robinson inside to guard.
Backup: Sebastian Tretola
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Sebastian Tretola may end up being the long-term developmental play here, and while he fits the schematic identity of this Tennessee offense very well, his tape at Arkansas showed he has some things to clean up in pass protection before being ready to start in the NFL.
Team Need: 3/10
Potential Draft Fits: Nico Siragusa (San Diego State), Damien Mama (USC)
Center
10 of 19
Scheme: Gap
Starter: Ben Jones
NFL1000 Scores: 68.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 28/38
Ben Jones was a lower-end center option last year, but what is weird about his fit in Tennessee is he doesn’t really fit the mold the Titans value in their other offensive linemen, as his trait bell curve is more balanced than power-based, like the Titans' other starters.
If Jones wants to take the next step forward to locking this spot down, he needs to offer more in pass protection. His marginal pass-pro performance isn’t enough to justify the systematic departure in play style Jones has from the Titans' other personnel.
Backup: Tim Lelito
NFL1000 Scores: 68.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 50/78 (graded at offensive guard)
Tim Lelito should slide into the head interior backup role pretty well, but I’ve included him as a center rather than a guard (although he can play both) given the Titans' lack of other options at the position. He should fill the void Josh Kline had before the Chance Warmack injury as a guard as well, and adding him gives the Titans enough depth that drafting an interior player early isn’t needed unless it’s a clear splurge upgrade.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: Kyle Fuller (Baylor), Jay Guillermo (Clemson)
Defensive End
11 of 19
Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Jurrell Casey
NFL1000 Score: 66.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 10/53
Jurrell Casey had another good year for the Titans. It may have taken him a couple of weeks to round into shape, but when he is on, Casey is one of the funnest 3-4 ends to watch in the league. He's surprisingly nimble and packs a punch with his moves. Tennessee loves to move Casey around and get him into advantageous situations.
In his 724 total snaps, Casey recorded 44 tackles and five sacks. His starting position should be completely secured even if the Titans look to draft a player to rush from inside this year.
Backup: Karl Klug
NFL1000 Score: 62.2/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 31/53
Karl Klug may be one of the most underrated defenders in the NFL. He doesn't look like much, but Klug continues to play with maximum effort, athleticism and leverage.
Even though he totalled only one-and-a-half sacks in his 400 snaps, Klug was consistently disrupting offensive plays and getting into the opposing backfield. A knee injury shorted Klug’s season and might put his role in this defense in jeopardy as the Titans may look at add another interior rusher.
Backup: DaQuan Jones
NFL1000 Score: 59.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 44/53
DaQuan Jones is a solid rotational/backup, and when Klug got hurt, we saw him get more snaps and flash more on tape.
For a big-bodied defender, Jones has adequate athleticism to go with natural power. In his 672 snaps, Jones tallied 26 total tackles and one-and-a-half sacks.
Team Need: 6/10
Potential Draft Fits: Jonathan Allen (Alabama), Solomon Thomas (Stanford), Malik McDowell (Michigan State)
Defensive Tackle
12 of 19
Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Sylvester Williams
NFL1000 Scores: 60.2/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 73/99
Sylvester Williams struggled in an increased role last season as a Bronco. The Broncos lost a considerable amount of interior defensive line talent prior to the 2016 season, leaving Williams to become one of their mainstays. As a result, the Broncos run defense eroded as Williams was pushed around and taken advantage of.
In fairness to Williams, there are occasional plays in which he immediately wins with his burst off of the snap, but he too often gets bullied at the point of attack to be relied upon as a legitimate option moving forward.
Backup: Austin Johnson
NFL1000 Scores: 57.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 95/99
Despite being a second-round pick in last year’s NFL draft, Austin Johnson was abysmal as a rookie. Johnson held up enough in the run game to earn himself snaps, but the Titans' options were limited and Johnson’s flashes were not all too promising. He lacked any spark as a pass-rusher, partly due to his inability to get off the ball with prowess.
He seldom wins snaps immediately and he does not possess a combo of strength and technique that allows him to rush the passer once contact is initiated. Johnson being a premium pick will continue to earn him opportunities, but he will need to improve dramatically to prove he is here to stay.
Backup: Antwaun Woods
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Antwaun Woods made the roster as an undrafted free agent last year, though he barely saw the field. Woods, a massive nose tackle, is more roster-filler than anything right now.
Unless he has dramatically improved from his rookie season and given reason for the Titans to give him snaps, Woods is expendable.
Team Need: 9/10
Potential Draft Fits: Carlos Watkins (Clemson), Jarron Jones (Notre Dame), Grover Stewart (Albany State)
Outside Linebacker
13 of 19
Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Brian Orakpo
NFL1000 Scores: 70.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 12/65
Brian Orakpo put together his finest season as a member of the Titans in 2016, tallying 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble over 16 games. The veteran rusher now has at least seven sacks in six of his eight NFL seasons (the two other seasons were wrecked by injury).
Orakpo can win with speed and power, and his motor is always running at full throttle. He wasn’t great against the run, but his combo ability to rush the passer and confidently play coverage makes him one of the NFL’s better 3-4 outside linebackers.
Orakpo is signed in Tennessee through the 2018 season.
Starter: Derrick Morgan
NFL1000 Scores: 70.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 11/65
Healthy for 15 of 16 games, Derrick Morgan quietly produced his best NFL season in 2016. He tallied a career-high nine sacks, while finishing with the 11th-best grade among 3-4 OLBs.
His length, power and technique made him a consistent nuisance as an edge-rusher, especially with Brian Orakpo requiring so much attention on the other side. The two formed one of the better edge-rushing combinations in the NFL last season.
He’s also under contract through the 2018 season.
Backup: Kevin Dodd
NFL1000 Scores: 63.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 58/65
Kevin Dodd’s rookie season was a major dud. The Titans’ second-round pick in 2016 played fewer than 200 defensive snaps as a rookie, largely because he struggled to stay on the field (nine games played), but also because he struggled mightily when he was healthy.
His lingering foot issues are likely the root cause of his lost rookie season, but the Titans have to be worried about their young edge-rusher. He needs to get his foot right and forget about the disaster of 2016.
Backup: Aaron Wallace
NFL1000 Scores: 62.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 60/65
The Titans’ seventh-round pick nearly played more defensive snaps in 2016 than Dodd, the second-rounder.
Aaron Wallace was on the field for 10 games. He gave the Titans 14 tackles and a sack over 115 snaps.
He’s an energy player who is still in the elementary stages of learning how to rush the passer at the NFL level, but he has the athletic traits to be an effective edge player with more development.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: Keion Adams (Western Michigan), Samson Ebukam (Eastern Washington), Joe Mathis (Washington)
Inside Linebacker
14 of 19
Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Avery Williamson
NFL1000 Scores: 69.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 28/65
Avery Williamson is the better of the two inside linebackers for the Titans, but he may be on the way out soon. Williamson is entering the final year of his contract with the Titans, and general manager Jon Robinson may not see him in the plans moving beyond 2017.
Williamson is starting caliber and offers good athleticism against the run. Tennessee elected to use Sean Spence as the coverage linebacker, leaving Williamson with few on-field reps worth evaluating. In limited time, he shows adequate zone awareness but lacks the downfield speed or lateral agility to compete against solid competition.
Starter: Wesley Woodyard
NFL1000 Scores: 68.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 42/65
Wesley Woodyard just signed an extension to remain with the Titans through the 2019 season.
Woodyard turns 31 years old this summer and likely won’t be a high-level starter by the time his contract expires. Nonetheless, he’s a seasoned veteran who the Titans could tab as the guy to prepare a rookie standout. Woodyard may not even win the starting job if a competition arises this summer, but the Titans recognize his value as a leader to a young player.
As a player, Woodyard lacks the speed to compete in every phase that inside linebackers are relied upon, but he wins plenty of reps with technical efficiency and timing. The Titans can play Woodyard as a backup or a starter and know that he offers consistency for a defense that could be competing for an AFC crown sooner rather than later.
Backup: Daren Bates
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Daren Bates currently holds the primary backup role after the departure of Sean Spence in free agency. But don’t expect it to last long.
Bates is little more than a depth piece and special teamer who lacks the basic fundamentals to see the field with any regularity. He could stick around for a year, but a safer bet is that Tennessee looks to replace him after teams trim their rosters in the summer.
Team Need: 7/10
Potential Draft Fits: Haason Reddick (Temple), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt), Raekwon McMillan (Ohio State)
Cornerback
15 of 19
Scheme: 3-Shell Zone Blitz
Starter: Logan Ryan
NFL1000 Scores: 64.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 43/133
Logan Ryan comes over from the Patriots, where he was primarily a slot corner. He was a beneficiary of what he was asked to do as well as what was around him.
He performed well in his role, so I won’t take any credit away from him there. In fact, twice over the latter half of the season he graded in the 80s. That’s rare territory for us.
It’ll be interesting to see how Ryan does in an expanded role. For now, he’s the best corner on his team. That’s never been the case.
Until whomever they draft gets acclimated to the NFL game, Ryan will be “the guy.” Because he’s never been close to that the three-year, $30 million contract might have been steep. Time will tell.
Starter: LeShaun Sims
NFL1000 Scores: 63.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 56/133
The fifth-rounder out of Southern Utah might have made veteran Jason McCourty expendable. LeShaun Sims played in five games in which he played enough to earn a grade.
His first game was in Week 12 and it was not a pretty sight. Sims gave up four first downs, two catches over 20 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t play the following week, as you’d expect. But he was forced into the lineup the final four games. Sims graded a 69, 76, 70 and 54.
He played quite well until that Week 17 game. And he flashed enough as a rookie to give the Titans confidence going into next year.
Nickel: Brice McCain
NFL1000 Scores: 59.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 99/133
Brice McCain played primarily in the slot. The Titans tried him on the outside a couple of times and he couldn’t hold his own. McCain didn’t exactly light it up in the slot, either. McCain graded in the 70s just once in 15 games.
McCain is 30 years old and entering the final year of his contract. You’d expect more in coverage from a guy who's been around for as long as he has. I doubt he sees the field next year for the Titans.
Team Need: 9/10
Potential Draft Fits: Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State), Gareon Conley (Ohio State), Quincy Wilson (Florida)
Free Safety
16 of 19
Scheme: 3-Shell Zone Blitz
Starter: Kevin Byard
NFL1000 Scores: 69.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 31/50
Kevin Byard had plenty of ups and downs during his rookie season, as most rookies do. He struggled initially with eye discipline in coverage, leaving him vulnerable to play-action fakes and misdirection. He did improve in that aspect as the season went on, but it’s something he will need to continue to work on going into his second season.
He did flash as a run defender and was quick to fill gaps, often exploding through them to land a big hit. He does need to be careful with going too far trying to land those big hits, as he did miss tackles while trying to set the tone at times last season.
I did wonder if Byard might shift to strong safety this year, but with signing Johnathan Cyprien, who is exclusively a strong safety, that would appear unlikely.
Backup: Brynden Trawick
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Brynden Trawick is purely a backup at this point in his career.
He played for the Raiders last season after having spent time with the Ravens before that. The 2013 undrafted free agent played in just two games last season, in which he did flash potential as a coverage safety.
He can be a decent backup option for the Titans, but I’m not sure he’ll manage to push Byard for any snaps.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Malik Hooker (Ohio State), Marcus Williams (Utah), Tedric Thompson (Colorado), John Johnson (Boston College)
Strong Safety
17 of 19
Scheme: 3-Shell Zone Blitz
Starter: Johnathan Cyprien
NFL1000 Scores: 72/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 24/53
The lights finally came on for Johnathan Cyprien last season. In Gus Bradley’s scheme, Cyprien played almost exclusively in the box, almost acting like an extra linebacker. In this Kam Chancellor role, Cyprien excelled, diagnosing run plays and flying through gaps to make plays in the backfield. His coverage ability also improved, but it was limited to mostly simple underneath zones where Cyprien kept the play in front of him and broke quickly on any checkdowns.
In that sense, he was a slightly odd signing for the Titans in free agency, given their need for more of a coverage safety than a box safety. But if they keep him in his box safety role—or perhaps use him as a dime linebacker—then it’s a safe bet that they’ll get production out of him.
Backup: Da’Norris Searcy
NFL1000 Scores: 71.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 25/53
Da’Norris Searcy was the starting strong safety last season and perhaps can consider himself unlucky to be knocked down the depth chart. He is a different type of safety than Cyprien in that he is more of a coverage safety. Searcy would often match up against tight ends and occasionally slot receivers in coverage, while Cyprien played purely zone coverage.
He’s certainly a nice backup option to have, and the Titans could consider trying him out at free safety if Byard doesn’t develop the way they anticipate him doing in his second season. If not, the Titans could try to implement a three-safety package with Cyprien at dime linebacker, Searcy at strong safety and Byard at free safety.
Whatever they elect to do, Searcy is good enough to be seeing plenty of playing time.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None—could consider bringing camp competition with undrafted free agents
Kicker
18 of 19
Starter: Ryan Succop
NFL1000 Scores: 69.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 5/34
Ryan Succop had the best year of his NFL career in 2016, with perfect accuracy on field goals under 50 yards over the course of the season and his only two misses coming from 50-plus yards.
Since signing with Tennessee prior to the 2014 season, Succop has consistently been above-average as an NFL kicker, although his signing was something of a leap of faith by the Titans, as Succop had not shown the consistency required of an NFL kicker during his earlier time in Kansas City.
While Succop is not a big name and does not attract the attention of some of the other top kickers in the league, he is a relative bargain at $2.4 million in the last year of his contract. Tennessee will have a difficult decision to make in the offseason, as a showing similar to 2016’s will require them to shell out some additional cash for Succop, but for now, Titans fans and their front office can sit back and enjoy one of the quiet success stories among NFL specialists.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Punter
19 of 19
Punter: Brett Kern
NFL1000 Scores: 66.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 16/34
Brett Kern was my top-rated punter heading into the 2016 season, with a phenomenal 2015 campaign that showed a big leg, good directional ability and strong distance control. Unfortunately, Kern was not able to replicate his 2015 performance, sliding back to the middle of the pack this year. Kern displayed effectively average grades for distance and hang time and was slightly above-average directionally.
While Kern’s 2016 season was disappointing compared to his outstanding 2015 showing, there is always a chance that he rediscovers the form that made him so successful that year. Kern does need to prove that his 2015 was not a fluke, and while he may not end up in quite the same stratosphere, even moderate improvement on his 2016 numbers will put him firmly in the top 10 at his position.
Kern is currently under contract for three more seasons, and it is unlikely Tennessee will look to move on prior to the end of that contract.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
