ROSTER OVERVIEW
Before NFL Free Agency kicks off, Zarek took a look at his roster, seeing what he had to work with for the upcoming season. Much was the same as last season, so things were looking good for the Titans. The team could look to plug some players in for depth, and that was all that was really needed.
Quarterback: Jamarcus Russell (78/87), Vince Young (87/87)
Perhaps the biggest question heading into the offseason. Young was benched after taking off last season and missing practices for a vacation, and Russell stepped in during the last quarter of the season to help lead the team. However, with the injury Russell sustained this offseason, the question will be: Can he continue to lead the team? With only two quarterbacks signed for the upcoming season, we're going to look to add a couple players just in case.
Running Back: Ray Rice (83/87), Jamaal Buckingham (69/88), Lendale White (75/78)
Rice, the second-year running back out of Rutgers, has solidified himself as the number one back for Tennessee after a rookie year which saw him run for almost one thousand yards. Fellow second-year back Jamaal Buckingahm has shown flashes of potential, and could be a solid backup to Rice, while the "veteran" Lendale White can spell both, and is a good change of pace from the the quicker, shiftier Rice and Buckingham.
Fullback: Ahmard Hall (80/82)
There's not much to say about Hall. His name wasn't called much during the season, which is good for someone better known as a blocker.
Wide Receiver: Desean Jackson (84/91), Eric Parker (73/73), Justin Gage (70/74)
Second-year pro Desean Jackson had a good rookie season, and will look to improve upon it in his second season as the number one option in the passing game. Parker was a favorite target in the red zone for the Titan's quarterbacks, netting five touchdowns on his twenty-seven catches. And this was in only eleven games. Justin Gage didn't show up much last season, but may have to be looked at more this upcoming season. The loss of Brandon Jones to free agency could be huge after he had a career year (45 catches, 753 yards and 2 touchdowns), and losing David Murphy means the team is thin at receiver. This is a definite need for the Titans.
Tight End: Mark Moffit (68/81), Mike Peterson (60/85)
After putting up 726 yards and 5 touchdowns on 65 catches last season, Desmond Clark refused to re-sign with the Titans, leaving a hold for the team. Clark was the safety valve for Young and Russell, and could be counted on to make the catch and extend the drive when needed. Second-year pros Mark Moffit and Mike Peterson will have their work cut out for them to replace someone as dependable as Clark. This is a position that will need to be looked at for the upcoming season.
Offensive Line (from left to right): Jake Scott (88/88), Ben Noll (88/88), Kevin Mawae (88/88), Justin Smiley (83/84), David Stewart (90/90) Back-ups along the offensive line: Michael Roos (78/79), Daniel Loper (75/75), Carl Pepper (75/78), Cory Withrow (78/78), Alex Stepanovich (74/76), Jeb Terry (75/75)
We are returning our entire offensive line from last year, a unit that was extremely productive throughout the season. Add in the entire back-up unit as well, and the offensive line should be a strength for the Titans again this season. The only cause of concern should be the Center position as Kevin Mawae is up there in age and had already expressed a desire to retire earlier this past season. Whether he stays or not could be huge for the Titans, who may have to go into next season with a new starter at what is perhaps the most key position along the line. Veteran Cory Withrow performed well when Mawae was injured at the beginning of the year, but the team would rather not have to rely on him for the entire season.
Defensive End: Antwan Odom (85/86), Kyle Vanden Bosch (88/88), Chris Cooper (70/70)
Our tandem of Odom and Vanden Bosch was solid all year, combining for 67 tackles and 17 sacks on the year, helping to set up our defense. Chris Cooper didn't give much when he got into games, so look for more depth to be picked up to improve the pass rush for next season.
Defensive Tackle: Dre Moore (87/91), Athya Rubin (82/84)
The two rookies were great clogging up the middle of the line for the Titans. While the numbers don't show it (49 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks combined), it was their eating up blocks that freed the linebackers to clean up on defense. Losing Randy Starks, who only played in seven games this past season, means the team has no depth behind those two, so defensive tackle is a position that will need to be addressed.
Linebacker: Keith Bulluck (91/91), Philip Wheeler (81/84), David Thornton (80/80), Stephen Tulloch (70/72) Robert James (72/75)
Bulluck, Wheeler and Thornton were one of the best linebacking trios in the league last season. Always in the right position, the three linebackers were able to secure their tackles. Stephen Tulloch and Robert James were solid in limited playing time, and will continue to back-up the key players. There is no immediate need here.
Cornerback: Eugene Wilson (90/90), Dejuan Tribble (71/80) RFA Cortland Finnegan (82/83)
Eugene Wilson, converted from safety and playing corner for the first time last season, developed into one of the best corners in the league as he picked off opposing quarterbacks 6 times and only opposing quarterbacks to complete 46% of their passes in his direction, giving up only 2 touchdowns all season. Tribble didn't see much playing time throughout the season, but is in position for a bigger role with the loss of Reynaldo Hill and potential loss of Cortland Finnegan. Speaking of Finnegan, the restricted free agent was solid again this year as the number 2 corner, intercepting the quarterback 3 times and only allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 55% of their passes and giving up 4 touchdowns. Tennessee will more than likely match any offer Finnegan gets. The teams needs more depth behind those guys, however, so this is a pressing need.
Safety: Michael Griffin (86/89), Chris Hope (83/83), Traye Jessup (82/84), Calvin Lowry (71/71)
Griffin and Hope were solid on the backend of things, and will look to improve upon that this upcoming season. Second-year pro Traye Jessup showed flashes of brilliance when starting for the injured Hope, and could look to take the next step forward and wrestle away the starting job. Lowry didn't even get into any games this past season, a healthy scratch all year for Tennessee.
Kicker: Matt Prater (82/86)
With Rob Bironas struggling mightily throughout the season, Stryker made waves when he signed the young Matt Prater for the final four games of the season. Prater didn't make him regret the signing as he nailed all 9 field goal attempts in those final four games and solidified himself as their kicker.
Punter: Craig Hentrich (87/87)
Hentrich was a solid punter all year. Nothing two flashy; just consistent. The 37-year old veteran looks to continue his solid play in the upcoming season.
In order of importance, the offseason needs looks as follows:
- Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
- Quarterback
- Defensive Line/Pass Rush
- Linebacker
- Running Back
- Offensive Line
- Safety
10-10-2017, 09:25 PM
