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It was not a memorable off-season for the Titans. Marred by the ghost of Pacman Jones and the arrest of LenDale White, not to mention several prominent key free agent defections. Report just in, there's been a Mike Williams sighting.
TENNESSEE TITANS
2007 Record: 10 -6
2008 Draft Selection: # 24
2008 Adjusted Salary Cap Number: 122.22M
Prominent Player Departures:
TE – Ben Hartsock, Ben Troupe, DT – Randy Starks, DE – Travis LaBoy, Antwan Odom, RB – Chris Brown
Areas of Need This Off Season:
Wide Receiver, Middle Linebacker, Tight End, Cornerback
Remaining Free Agents Potentially on the Titans’ Radar:
WR- Darrell Jackson, Sammie Parker, Cedrick Wilson
MLB – Randall Godfrey, Adam Seward
CB – Hank Poteat, Kiwaukee Thomas, Fred Thomas
Summary:
For a team that got their cabinets raided in free agency, the Tennessee Titans had an uphill climb to replace those players. Not to mention, that they were only a player or two away from being mentioned in the same breath as the Colts and Chargers last year. Vince Young is a natural leader and kept the Titans afloat last season. LenDale White picked up the slack in 2007 and had a productive year in the Titans’ backfield. Brandon Jones and Roydell Williams were bright spots at the receiver position and helped Young through a sometimes rocky sophomore season. The Titans should look to add a bona fide number one playmaker at this spot though and the only way this will be accomplished, is through the draft. Granted the receiver position is weak in this draft, but it could be said that there is even value throughout the first round, depending on what style of receiver you are looking for. If speed is what you need, than the burner, DeSean Jackson or the nimble Devin Thomas might be your choice. Jackson is a Santana Moss-type that possesses average height, yet plays above his 5’9” frame. Thomas is in the Laverneous Coles-mold in that he has the speed and elusiveness to beat you, but won’t kill you with it. Thomas also has great vision, hands and is physical, though he might need some time to make the transition to the NFL. If you want a tall possession receiver, Limas Sweed or Malcolm Kelly would be the choice then. Both players have big frames, play physically on the ball and have soft hands. Neither have blinding speed, but they do work well in space and have adequate quickness. Due to the well-rounded game that they both possess, they could both be off the board when Tennessee steps to the podium. As stated earlier, there aren’t any playmakers available in free agency and the Titans did bring back Justin McCariens for a second tour of duty in Nashville. A recent addition on the free agency market is Darrell Jackson. Jackson did not pan out in San Francisco, so they cut ties with the veteran. Tennessee has two solid linebackers but lacks a Mike linebacker. Roosevelt Colvin, Randall Godfrey, Adam Seward and Takeo Spikes would be situational guys and only Seward would be a good fit for middle linebacker. Look for the Titans to patrol the wire this summer when teams start cutting their losses to save money. The second round of the draft could have some talent that Tennessee might explore. Jerod Mayo is a local guy that played for the Volunteers and he brings it. Mayo is tough, fast and does not understand the concept of underachieving. Curtis Lofton of Oklahoma is another bulky linebacker that hits like a tank.
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