TitanInsider Board

I think it would be DT. If JJ gets moved over to 6-technique DE then we'll be left with Brown, Casey, Haye, and Marks at DT. Brown's knees aren't getting any better and he wasn't a great run stopper to begin with. Casey and Marks are unproven and inexperienced. Haye is inconsistent but may pan out with some added bulk. The whole group seems a little weak. I'd be in favor of signing a FA and letting Marks go. I really want Aubrayo Franklin from San Francisco. He's a local guy who is good against the run and has the bulk we need in our new system.

I haven't been very impressed with Haye either, but I've been less impressed with Marks. Haye had 6 sacks when he was in Tampa Bay. I think he just didn't fit Cecil's system very well. I think he'll do much better in the new scheme. Although, it would be a bit surprising if we gave up on Marks this early. I just see Haye as the more talented player.

As for the scheming, it most definitely would work. Teams already know what you are doing when you line up. It doesn't matter what personnel you put in there. It's a description of where they line up relative to the OL and TEs. The opposing team is obviously going to know what kind of DE formation you are in once you get to the LOS, so it doesn't matter if you have specialized players or not.

In addition, most of the guys we would keep would be able to fill multiple roles. JJ and Klug could play both 6 and 3 technique. Hayes could play 7 and 6 technique. Morgan and Ball could play 9, 7, and 6 technique. The guys most people are talking about retaining are the ones who can fulfill multiple roles. The staff hasn't made a big deal about retaining Babin because he's a one trick pony and will want too much money for it. You have to keep a good balance of players on your team. You can't have all pure 6-technique DEs or you will not be able to hold a lead or stop a spread offense.

We do need a TE and safety, but I don't think either one will be a starter. Cook has the talent to be an all-star and displayed it last year. I think we'll go after an older Alge Crumpler type. There isn't that kind of talent out there this year, but there are some decent options.

As for safety, I'd love to upgrade, but I think Hope will be solid in the new scheme. He looked terrible in coverage last year because he was being used like a FS. I expect us to pick up a veteran to compete with him, but I doubt the FA vet will pan out.

I could see TE Randy McMichael (previously on the Chargers) being a target of the Titans during FA. He's an experienced vet with about another 2 years left in the tank who is a very capable pass catcher and capable blocker. He would be a quality reserve based on how he's done in San Diego and wouldn't cost much.

As for Safety, it all depends on how much the Titans are willing to spend. Eric Weddle would fit in well with Gray's scheme as he's capable two deep coverage but can also drop down into the box as a SS and make plays near the LOS. His desired contract may be too rich for the Titans blood though.

Blegh, I didn't realize that McMichael had off-field problems. Our TEs are young and more than anything they need a positive influence in the locker room.

Although there's a lot of teams with safety questions, I'm still wondering whether Weddle will really end up costing that much. Ultimately, he's a 5'11" SS and I just don't know how much teams will be willing to pay for a guy that's best in the box. I'd be surprised if the Titans didn't make an offer to Weddle but do you think that the Titans will be competitive?

A lot of the safety talk will hinge on whether or not Jerry Gray & Co. believe Hope has something left. If so, then you let him play and address the matter next year. If not, then you have to start shopping now.

DeAndre McDaniel out of Clemson went undrafted...think they might try to sign him as a UDFA? He's got good size. The knock on him is that he'd struggle sideline-to-sideline, but if we're going back to the FS/SS model perhaps he could compete for a spot.

Dawan Landry of the Ravens, who is not expected to be resigned, is another intriguing name in the mix.