The Tennessee Titans were well behind the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans in the AFC South last season, despite most preseason predictions putting them at second place within the division. At 2-14, they even finished behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it has a lot to do with issues at the quarterback position.
2015 NFL depth charts: Mariota, Green-Beckham could start from Day 1 for Titans
The Tennessee Titans grabbed potential starters at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line with their first three picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Locker retired this offseason after multiple seasons cut short by injury, leaving the Titans with a hole at the position. Going into free agency, many expected them to try to sign someone to compete with Zach Mettenberger, but it didn't happen. Still, bringing in players like Brian Orakpo and Perrish Cox were solid moves, along with re-signing Derrick Morgan.
They appeared to be set to go forward with Mettenberger, a risky proposition given that the Jaguars, Colts and Texans all drew positive reviews for their work in free agency as well. Heading into the NFL Draft, Tennessee had a long list of needs and the No. 2 overall pick. The team ended up taking quarterback Marcus Mariota, which drew negative reviews from critics, who thought the Titans should have followed through on draft-day rumors and traded their No. 2 pick -- a trade that would have likely given the Titans multiple first-round picks.
But they think Mariota is their guy, and overall, Tennessee still had a solid draft. Now, after free agency and the NFL Draft there are multiple positions that could see some changes heading into training camp as the Titans look to improve on their dismal 2014 season.
Quarterback
This is obviously the big one. Passing up what was presumably multiple first-round picks and potentially even players, the Titans stuck with their plan and drafted Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick. Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston, who went first overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, were considered the only surefire starters in this year's quarterback class.
Technically, Mariota will compete with Mettenberger for the starting role, but it’s hard to imagine the first-rounder won’t earn the job. Mettenberger completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 1,412 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in limited work last season. Those aren’t horrible numbers, but they likely won’t have much of an impact on the training camp battle. The Titans will consider this a battle of rookies, and Mariota should win it.
Wide receiver
Not to belittle what he was able to accomplish last season, but tight end Delanie Walker was never supposed to lead the Titans in receiving. He caught 63 passes for 890 yards and four touchdowns last season, eclipsing Kendall Wright, Nate Washington and Justin Hunter. Tennessee's wide receiver depth chart is in flux, with Harry Douglas in the mix after signing a three-year deal during free agency and now second-round pick Dorial Green-Beckham coming on board.
Green-Beckham is one of the most talented rookie receivers, and he would have been a slam dunk first-round selection if not for off-the-field issues. He should be able to step right in and compete for a starting job, though who winds up starting opposite him will be interesting. Wright and Green-Beckham could easily occupy two of the starting spots, but don’t count out Douglas, who maintains he’s more than a slot receiver.
Offensive line
Tennessee took Utah offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi in the third round, but he is eyeing a starting job sooner rather than later. With other teams in the division beefing up their defense, the Titans needed to be sure that Mariota stays protected. Unfortunately, the team doesn't have anybody set for right tackle. Enter Poutasi.
Poutasi started at right tackle as a freshman with Utah, and started on the left side the past two seasons. The Titans released Michael Oher in March, and then signed Byron Bell in free agency. Along with Jamon Meredith and Byron Stingily, there's a crowded competition at the right tackle spot. Poutasi has the talent and the upside to win that battle, but it will play out in training camp. The competition will likely come down to either Poutasi or Bell in the end.
See More:
