2011 NFL Draft News: Tennessee Titans Looking for Defensive Size in Draft

The Tennessee Titans defense is looking for a new identity in 2011, and it may include a drastic shift in how the personnel department looks at defensive linemen.

In an interview with Pro Football Weekly, the Titans new defensive coordinator Jerry Grey told Arthur Arkush that he is looking for more size up front.

The previous regime of Jeff Fisher, Chuck Cecil and Jim Washburn preferred their defensive linemen like an appetizer platter—a little of this, a little of that, no one playing a more important role than the unit as a whole.

Now, Grey is asking, "Where's the beef?"

The Titans hired Grey to run the defense after Fisher's contract was bought out, Cecil was let go after finishing 26th in total yards allowed and 30th in total penalty yards, and Jim Washburn moved north to lead the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line.

Grey can certainly help with the 29th worst pass defense, he was a four-time Pro Bowl defensive back as a player and has been one of the top defensive back coaches in the NFL for years.

Like most good NFL defensive coordinators, it looks as if Grey is going to start his defensive revamp with a transformation up front—even if it means parting ways with some of the better talent on the Titans roster last year.

Jason Babin led the Titans in sacks last year with 12.5. However, his career year has been attributed to Washburn's guidance, and his smaller stature could explain why the Titans haven't shown a lot of interest in re-signing him. Babin is expected to draw a considerable salary on the open market, and the Eagles could easily lead the list of suitors.

Fundamentally, this change along the line means a drastic shift from a defensive scheme that was first put in place while the Titans made their home in Houston and were known as the Oilers. Jeff Fisher perfected this defense with the help of Jim Schwartz—now with the Detroit Lions.

To change the scheme properly means to add new talent. Thankfully, the upcoming draft is stocked with high-quality defensive linemen.

Over at ESPN, both Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairley as a future Titan. That pick is gaining traction at CBS as well, showing up in the mocks of Chad Reuter and Rob Rang.

Fairley isn't the only lineman who could go from consideration as top pick to first choice in the Titans war room. At DraftTek, Da'Quan Bowers is projected to the Titans after a meniscus tear and a poor pro day left his stock falling.

If a top pick doesn't fall, the Titans could be in a position to trade down or reach for size in the front four. Massive Baylor defensive tackle, Phil Taylor has visited the Titans and Temple tackle Muhammad Wilkerson will be soon.

Jerry Grey has his work cut out for him turning this defense around. As of right now, it looks as if he'll be bringing in a few good mean to do the heavy lifting.

Michael Schottey is an on-call editor for the Bleacher Report College Writing Internship, as well as an NFL Featured Columnist and an NFL Labor/Draft Expert. A member of the Pro Football Writers of America, he has professionally covered the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, as well as NFL events like the Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl. Follow him on   Twitter.