2011 NFL Draft Results: Tennessee Titans Address LB Position with Akeem Ayers

The Tennessee Titans couldn't wait any longer to address their slumping defense, and they took Akeem Ayers out of UCLA with their second pick of the NFL Draft.

Ayers was one of the better players remaining on the board at the time of the pick, but the Titans did pass on addressing their defensive line by not taking Da'Quan Bowers.

Bowers, at one point, was a lock to go in the first round.

The Titans are getting an amazing athlete in Ayers who will instantly help out on special teams, and could possibly make a major difference in the Titans rush defense next season.

Ayers made forcing turnovers look almost like child's play during his time at UCLA, forcing 13 turnovers and returning two interceptions for touchdowns in 2009.

However, it's not all bells and whistles with Ayers.

His speed and toughness have been questioned by some scouts due to his NFL Combine performance, but supporters say that he plays much faster on the field.

His numbers at UCLA back that up.

This should somewhat ease the minds of fans who are worried about Stephen Tulloch's future with the team. It's very likely he'll walk in free agency this summer, and this pick shows that the Titans feel the same way.

Outside of Tulloch, the Titans are extremely thin at linebacker. If Tulloch were to leave, then that would leave Ken Amato as next on the depth chart.

Amato only has 42 career tackles.

This is a very smart pick by the Titans and it should add a lot of athleticism to a declining Titans defense.

The Titans didn't shock the masses in the second round quite as much as they did with their first-round pick of Jake Locker, but it shows that the organization still has their team needs in order.

Unfortunate news did come shortly after the Titans picked Ayers, when the NFL announced that the lockout had been reinstated.

This means that these drafted players will not be able to meet with their respected teams until the lockout is lifted again.

For rebuilding teams like the Titans, this lockout has to be ended quickly so these players can begin learning their new systems to make an immediate impact in 2011.