2016 NFL Draft – AFC South – From Worst to Worse: Who Do the Tennessee Titans Need?

By Joanne Kong

Twitter: @kongfu4u 

NUMBER 1 PICK: Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans

Here’s the skinny, Tennessee Titans fans.

The team went from second worst in the National Football League in 2014, to the worst team in 2015.  Okay, maybe not the worst team, but the team with the most losses and the least amount of wins.  A 3-13 record.  With the second overall pick in 2015, the Titans drafted quarterback Marcius Mariota.

Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota

Unfortunately, Mariota’s performance was below expectations, partially due to a season ending injury.  He ultimately threw for 2,818 yards and 19 passing touchdowns with 10 interceptions and rushed for 252 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.  Mariota still has a lot to learn and only has room to grow as he gains experience in the league.  Most importantly, the Titans clubhouse will want to build on their 2015 investment by providing improved protection along the offensive line.

Mariota was sacked 38 times in 2015 leading to being the tenth most sacked quarterback in the league.  This isn’t necessarily only the fault of the offensive line.  Other factors can be associated with this statistic, such as the quarterback holding the ball too long as he reads the field.  Regardless, protecting Mariota will be among the top priorities for the Titans.

So what can be expected for the Titans 1st overall pick?

The Offense

Skill position check list:

Quarterback: check

Tight end: check

Receivers: check

The Titans signed ex-Miami Dolphins Rishard Matthews during the off-season.  Matthews was drafted by the Dolphins in the 7th round in 2012, and had 61 targets last year for 662 receiving yards and four touchdowns, but should hopefully see more targets with former Oregon Ducks teammate Mariota.

The addition of Matthews should bring about familiarity and confidence in a trusted receiver while giving Mariota another option, outside of tight-end Delanie Walker (the Titans top scorer and receiver in 2015), Kendell Wright and Dorial Green-Beckham (the Titans 2nd round pick in 2015).  With a shallow pool of wide receivers in the 2016 draft, the Titans will benefit most from focusing on other aspects of the team.

Running Back: check

Yeah, the Titan’s picked up Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray during the off-season.  A smart pick-up at a much needed position.  Murray was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011, was signed by the Eagles in 2015 where he had 193 attempts, rushed for 702 yards and 6 touchdowns.  A far cry from his better seasons with the Cowboys in 2013 and 2014.  Murray’s addition should open up the playbook for Mariota and reduce pressure to constantly throw the ball.

The Defense

In 2015, the Titans defense was middle of the pack in sacks (39) due to a solid front line, but had the tenth least interceptions (11) with one returned for a touchdown, and only 8 fumble recoveries with 1 returned for a touchdown.  But what was the worst part, ultimately leading to a 3-13 record?

A weak secondary.

The Titans were stronger in defending against short passes (within 15 yards), ranking 18 out of 32 teams, and weaker defending against long passes (over 15 yards), ranking 31 out of 32 teams.  While being weak against deep receivers (and particularly bad against #2 receivers), the defense was strongest defending against running back receptions, ranking first in the league.  Clearly, opposing offenses quickly learned that they could exploit the Titans secondary downfield.

To address this issue during the offseason, the Titans signed Pittsburgh Steelers corner back Antwon Blake and Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson.

These pick-ups won’t be enough to strengthen the team’s secondary.  They will also need to do some work in the upcoming draft at the safety and cornerback positions.

However, since the Titans have needs on both sides of the ball, the smart choice would be to pick-up the best available player in one of the necessary positions, prioritizing offensive tackle, cornerback and safety.

With that said, in the 2016 draft, with the first pick, the Titans should pick offensive tackle, Laremy Tunsil.

Laremy Tunsil

However, don’t be surprised if the Titans trade their number one draft pick for a sweet sweet offer.  The San Francisco 49ers (7th pick) and Los Angeles Rams (15th pick) are in need of a quarterback, and are behind two teams expected to take a quarterback, Cleveland and Dallas.  Luckily for the Titans there are several quality options in the first round at offensive tackle and corner back if they choose to trade their number one pick.  These include Ronnie Stanley (OT), Jack Conklin (OT), Vernon Hargreaves (CB) and MacKensie Alexander (CB).

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With the addition of DeMarco Murry and building protection on the offensive line, Mariota should be able to move this offense out from last place.  Plus, an improved defensive secondary could better control game pace and field position.  But a lot of this potential will come from the draft.  The time is almost upon us, and we’ll see if the Titans take advantage later this month…or find themselves drafting first overall again next year.

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