After navigating through a few weeks of free agency, it’s time to take stock of where the Tennessee Titans stand. Assessing their current roster, it becomes evident that addressing their needs on both offense and defense is paramount. With a keen eye on bolstering their lineup, let’s delve into the Titans’ most pressing areas of concern and explore whether they should look to the draft, free agency, or both to fill these gaps effectively.
Beginning with the offense, there’s no denying that the Titans’ most glaring need lies in securing talent at the offensive tackle position. This deficiency looms large as one of the team’s top priorities. While other positions, such as linebacker or safety, may be of concern in the short term, the offensive tackle spot demands immediate and long-term attention. The Titans must fortify this crucial position to ensure the protection of their quarterback and the success of their ground game. So, the question remains: Should the Titans address this need through the draft, free agency, or a combination?
When addressing the Tennessee Titans’ dire need for an offensive tackle, the solution seems clear: a combination of free agency and the draft. The Titans can’t afford to overlook this critical position, and with one of their first two picks, securing an offensive tackle is a non-negotiable imperative.
Thankfully, the 2024 NFL Draft boasts a wealth of talent at the offensive tackle position, making it a suitable time for the Titans to strike. Names like Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, JC Latham, Amarius Mims, and Troy Fautanu highlight a deep pool of prospects at the top tier. Even in the second tier, players like Tyler Guyton, Patrick Paul, and Kingsley Suamataia offer intriguing options for early-round selections. With such an abundance of talent, the Titans must capitalize on the opportunity to secure one of these premier offensive tackles in the draft.
However, relying solely on the draft may not be sufficient to address the Titans’ immediate needs. The Titans should also explore the veteran market in free agency to complement their draft pick. With the current state of their offensive line, particularly the lack of depth and experience at certain positions, signing a seasoned veteran becomes imperative. While Jalen Duncan may serve as a backup left tackle, and Nicholas Petit-Frere could potentially fill the right tackle spot, the Titans can’t afford to gamble on the development of these players alone.
Considering the Titans’ offensive line composition, a veteran presence is needed to provide stability and experience. Exploring free agency for a proven offensive tackle would shore up the starting lineup and provide valuable depth and insurance against potential injuries or underperformance. With Daniel Brunskill anchoring the right guard position and Dillon Radunz as his backup, the Titans can solidify their offensive line with the addition of a veteran tackle.
Ultimately, the Titans’ success in addressing their offensive tackle needs will hinge on their ability to balance drafting a promising young talent and acquiring a seasoned veteran. By leveraging both avenues, the Titans can fortify their offensive line and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.
In assessing the Tennessee Titans offensive tackle situation, it’s crucial to recognize the youth and inexperience of their current options. Jalen Duncan and Nicholas Petit-Frere remain on their rookie contracts, underscoring the reality that any rookie drafted in the first two rounds will also be a newcomer to the league. While the Titans may anticipate landing a talented rookie through the draft, tempering expectations is essential, as relying solely on young players presents inherent risks.
The Titans must prioritize acquiring a seasoned offensive tackle in free agency to mitigate these risks and provide much-needed veteran presence and stability. This veteran addition would not only bring invaluable experience but could also step into a starting role if necessary, providing a crucial buffer for the Titans’ young offensive line.
Fortunately, the free-agent market offers several enticing options for the Titans to consider. Mekhi Becton, Donovan Smith, Andrus Peat, Charles Leno, and Chris Hubbard are among the notable names still available. Of particular interest is Peat, who boasts a wealth of experience playing on the left side of the offensive line and could seamlessly transition into the Titans’ starting left tackle position.
While the Titans may have their sights set on drafting a top-tier offensive tackle like Joe Alt with the seventh overall pick, the uncertainty of the draft makes it imperative to have a contingency plan in place. If Alt is unavailable, the Titans could select a right tackle prospect in the second round and enlist Peat to anchor the left side of the line for the upcoming season.
Indeed, bringing in a veteran like Peat would provide immediate stability and afford the Titans the flexibility to groom their drafted rookie behind him. With the lack of standout options remaining in free agency, prioritizing Becton over other available names becomes a logical choice for the Titans, given his potential to provide immediate impact and stability to the offensive line.
As the Titans navigate the remainder of the offseason, acquiring a veteran offensive tackle remains a crucial piece of the puzzle. Whether they ultimately secure Joe Alt in the draft or opt for Mekhi Becton in free agency, the Titans must prioritize bolstering their offensive line to ensure the success of their offense in the upcoming season.
When weighing the Titans’ options for the upcoming season, it’s clear they need to seize the opportunity to invest in potential and upside. With the offensive line, precisely the tackle positions, presenting a critical juncture for decision-making, the Titans must evaluate their prospects with short- and long-term perspectives. The allure of a player like Mekhi Becton at right tackle is enticing, especially with the potential acquisition of Joe Alt for the left tackle spot. This combination could transform the Titans’ offensive line, providing a solid foundation for years.
Regardless of the route, the Titans must address their offensive tackle needs through a multi-pronged approach. Drafting a promising prospect is necessary, but signing a veteran presence is required to provide immediate stability and guidance. This is not just a short-term fix; it’s an investment in the future of the Titans’ offense.
Shifting the focus to the wide receiver position, it’s evident that reinforcements are needed to bolster the depth chart. While Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Treylon Burks provide a solid top three, the lack of depth behind them is concerning. With uncertainty surrounding players like Colton Dowell and Kyle Phillips, the Titans would be wise to target two wide receivers in the draft.
The abundance of talent in this year’s wide receiver class presents a prime opportunity for the Titans to secure young playmakers who can grow alongside quarterback Will Levis. Players like Malik Nabors and Marvin Harrison Jr. offer tantalizing potential and could inject much-needed energy into the Titans’ receiving corps. By making strategic roster moves and prioritizing the long-term vision for the team, the Titans can position themselves for success both now and in the future.
Transitioning from offense to defense, it’s evident that the Tennessee Titans face many challenges on the defensive side of the ball. The glaring need for an edge rusher is the most pressing concern when assessing the front seven. While linebacker and safety may also warrant attention, the need for a dynamic edge presence demands immediate action.
In addressing this need, the Titans must focus on the upcoming draft. Fortunately, the 2024 draft class boasts a wealth of talent at the edge rusher position, particularly in the second round. Players like Chris Braswell from Alabama, Darius Robinson from Missouri, and Marshawn Kneeland offer tantalizing potential and could immediately boost the Titans’ pass rush.
With the uncertainty surrounding current edge rushers on the roster, including Rashad Weaver and Arden Key, the Titans cannot afford to rely solely on their existing options. While Harold Landry remains formidable on one side of the line, his long-term future with the team is uncertain. Additionally, the rotational role assigned to Key by defensive coordinator Brian Callahan underscores the need for a bona fide starter at the edge position.
Moreover, the financial considerations surrounding Weaver and Key further complicate the situation. Weaver’s status on the roster is far from guaranteed, and the Titans could potentially save money by parting ways with him. Similarly, Key’s contract situation raises questions about his future beyond the upcoming season.
Given these factors, the Titans must prioritize acquiring a young edge rusher through the draft to solidify their pass rush for the foreseeable future. By investing in a promising prospect, the Titans can address one of their most significant defensive needs and lay the groundwork for sustained success on defense.
As the draft approaches, stay tuned for further analysis and breakdowns of potential edge rusher targets as we delve deeper into the Titans’ offseason strategy and evaluate their progress in shoring up their defensive front.
Reflecting on the Titans’ current defensive lineup, uncertainties loom over the future of players like Arden Key and Harold Landry, underscoring the urgent need for an edge rusher. This void is a short-term concern and a critical component of the Titans’ long-term planning. Whether aiming to bolster their pass rush immediately or lay the foundation for sustained success, the Titans must prioritize addressing the edge rusher position.
Looking ahead to the draft, the Titans possess the opportunity to secure a dynamic edge presence with their second-round pick. If they can maneuver to acquire additional picks, targeting an edge rusher remains paramount. Whether it’s a stand-up edge rusher or a versatile defender like Denico Autry, who can wreak havoc on the edge and interior, the Titans must make the most of their draft capital to address this pressing need.
Conversely, the free-agent market offers slim pickings for addressing the Titans’ long-term edge rusher requirements. With no standout options available, the draft emerges as the most viable avenue for securing a player who can make a meaningful impact now and in the future.
Shifting focus to the linebacker position, the Titans’ depth chart presents its own set of challenges. While Kenneth Murray may assume the starting weak-side linebacker role, questions linger about the middle linebacker position. With Jack Gibbons currently slotted as the backup, the Titans need a hard-nosed run-stuffer to anchor their defense.
Despite the presence of developmental prospects like Otis Reese, the long-term outlook for linebackers remains uncertain. Realistically, the odds of an undrafted free agent like Reese emerging as a long-term solution are slim. Therefore, the draft is the most prudent action for addressing the Titans’ linebacker needs.
As rumors swirl about the Titans’ interest in linebackers, the possibility of trading back to acquire additional picks becomes increasingly enticing. With extra draft capital in hand, the Titans can afford to be aggressive in targeting linebackers who fit their defensive scheme and possess the potential to make an immediate impact.
When analyzing the Titans’ defensive needs, linebacker emerges as a priority position that could benefit from a strategic approach. Ran Carthon, known for his success in late-round drafting, has notably struck gold with linebackers. With this track record in mind, it becomes apparent that relying on free agency for a long-term solution may not be the wisest course of action. While names like Isaiah Simmons may tempt some, the value of mid-round draft picks cannot be overlooked. Therefore, targeting a linebacker in the mid-rounds of the draft presents a sensible strategy for the Titans to address short- and long-term needs.
Simultaneously, the Titans must also prioritize bolstering their edge rusher position in the draft. Given the importance of linebacker and edge rusher roles to the team’s defensive scheme, the Titans must address both positions through the draft.
Moving on to the secondary, safety emerges as a critical area that warrants attention. While late-round draft picks may offer limited contribution guarantees, the odds of finding a viable contributor at safety in the draft’s later stages are relatively low compared to linebackers. Therefore, pursuing a safety in free agency appears to be the more pragmatic approach for immediate needs to address the position more comprehensively in next year’s draft.
A multi-faceted approach is necessary to address the Titans’ defensive needs effectively. By strategically utilizing the draft and free agency, the Titans can shore up key positions and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.
