With Ken Whisenhunt coming in to be the new coach of the Tennessee Titans, expect this offense to improve tremendously in 2014. Jake Locker will likely have one more chance to prove his worth before he is released. Overall, the Titans don't have a ton of talent on this team.
Without a good draft this year, the Titans could be in contention for the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. The Titans have a ton of work to do before next season and the draft will be a great way to add impact players to this team. Here is the Titans final preview.
Major Needs
Quarterback: As I said earlier, Locker may not be the long-term option for the Titans, especially with Whisenhunt taking over. With the new regime, passing the football will become more popular on this offense. That being said, Locker needs to learn how to sit in the pocket and go through his reads better.
Running Back: After releasing Chris Johnson, the Titans have a need at the running back position. Right now, Shonn Greene is the starter, but he is a few years removed from his prime. Dexter McCluster was signed in free agency, but he is nothing more than an offensive weapon type of guy.
Outside Linebacker: The Titans deploy a 3-4 scheme and their defensive line is solid as any. The problem is their linebacker group. The Titans have to find a new starting outside linebacker and they could address it in the first of Thursday's draft.
Cornerback: Top cornerback Alterraun Verner left in free agency and that left a gaping hole at the cornerback position. Jason McCourty is a competent cornerback, but Blidi Wreh-Wilson is not ready for a starting gig.
Day One Targets
Justin Gilbert: Perhaps the best man-coverage guy in the draft, Justin Gilbert is fast and smart enough to create takeaways from the cornerback position. The 3-4 defense needs press cornerbacks and Gilbert fits the bill.
Kony Ealy: Michael Sam was the best pass rusher at Missouri, but it's Kony Ealy who has the better potential of the two. Ealy has the frame to play outside linebacker and he could start right away with the Titans.
Anthony Barr: Another outside linebacker target here. Anthony Barr out of UCLA plays with a ton of speed and versatility. He can simply do it all. Barr can get after the quarterback, stop running backs in the backfield, and drop back in coverage too.
Blake Bortles: I believe the Titans could surprise many and draft a quarterback early. Whisenhunt may want to go in a direction than Locker and Blake Bortles has an array of qualities Whisenhunt may like. Bortles has a strong arm and he has great pocket awareness. Bortles has drawn comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger.
Day Two Targets
Jeremiah Attaochu: In my opinion, Jermiah Attaochu projects as the best 3-4 outside linebacker in this draft class not named Jadeveon Clowney. With long arms and quick feet, Attaochu can become a special player in the NFL.
James Gayle: Although he is undersized, James Gayle is an intriguing player in this defensive end class. Gayle's calling card is speed and athleticism. His talent could be used in multiple ways for the Titans.
Lamarcus Joyner: Florida State's Lamarcus Joyner is this year's version of Tyrann Mathieu from last year. Joyner is undersized and he has small arms, but he is a wild card and he shows the instincts to play in every position of the secondary.
Tom Savage: In the past few weeks, there hasn't been a hotter name than Tom Savage in the pre-draft process. Although he didn't have a great college career, NFL teams really like what they see out of Savage. The Pittsburgh product has a strong arm and he has the height that NFL coaches love.
Mid-to-Late Targets
Aaron Lynch: On the radar of a ton of teams, Aaron Lynch out of USF has a ton of potential. He is still extremely raw, but it shouldn't be surprise many to see him have double-digit sack numbers in a few years.
Phillip Gaines: The trend of drafting a cornerback who has long arms and good height is becoming a hot trend in the NFL. Phillip Gaines is 6" and he has long arms that keep distance between him and the receiver.
Aaron Murray: According to many sources, the Titans have a ton of interest in Georgia's Aaron Murray. Although he is coming off reconstructive knee surgery, Murray throws a strong ball and he has good accuracy. It also helps that he started over 35 games against SEC competion.
Final Seven-Round Mock
1. Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State
2. Jeremiah Attaochu, Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
4. Terrance West, Running Back, Towson
5. Aaron Murray, Quarterback, Georgia
6. Aaron Lynch, Outside Linebacker, USF
7. Henry Josey, Running Back, Missouri