Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson addressed multiple needs on both sides of the ball during the 2020 NFL Draft, but there is still some work to be done.
The Titans have already started filing out the back end of their roster with undrafted free agents. Even with those players added, Tennessee has enough cap space (upwards of $20 million) to sign veterans in order to shore up some positions.
Let’s see what those positions are, with a potential solution at each.
Wide receiver
There isn’t much needed here, but it wouldn’t hurt for the Titans to add someone who is a burner and can stretch the field vertically.
The best man for that job currently on the roster is Kalif Raymond, and he did make some big plays last season to show he can get the job done. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for the Titans to add a veteran here for more options.
Potential solution: Taylor Gabriel
Backup QB
I like the addition of Cole McDonald to compete with Logan Woodside for the backup quarterback spot. However, both signal-callers are still very inexperienced and neither have never taken a regular season snap.
It wouldn’t hurt for the Titans to add to the competition by signing a veteran backup with game experience. In the event that the veteran wins, the Titans can cut Woodside and stash McDonald on the practice squad.
Tennessee needs to make sure it explores every means necessary to ensure that the team can stay afloat in the event that Ryan Tannehill gets hurt.
Potential solution: Blake Bortles
EDGE
We could still realistically look at EDGE and say the Titans needed to add someone there during the 2020 NFL Draft, but that never happened and instead Robinson added to other parts of the defense.
After not drafting an EDGE, I would assume that means Jadeveon Clowney is coming, which would put a nix on this need for good. Clowney has the versatility to be moved all over the Titans’ defense, also.
Even as is, the Titans are doing OK at the position. If a move is made here, it’ll be a big one for Clowney. Signing him would take this defense to a new level.
Potential solution: Jadeveon Clowney
Backup ILB
The Titans might end up losing two inside linebackers this offseason in Wesley Woodyard and Daren Bates. Bates contributed mostly on special teams, while Woodyard was a backup and special teamer.
Looking at the current roster, Nick Dzubnar is the only inside linebacker with NFL experience behind starters Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans, and main backup David Long Jr.
It’s possible Dzubnar could be used for more than just special teams if need be, but he has played sparingly on defense during his career and is more of a special teams ace. Last year, the Titans used Long Jr. and Woodyard as the backups when Brown was hurt.
They might have to add another player in this spot who can be a reliable backup on defense.
Potential solution: Re-sign Wesley Woodyard
Kicker
The Titans added competition for Greg Joseph with the signing of undrafted free agent kicker Tucker McCann. However, like the situation at backup quarterback, the Titans’ options have little — if any — experience.
McCann is a rookie, and Joseph has attempted just 21 field goals in his brief career (including one in the playoffs last year), and he attempted just one with the Titans in 2019.
In order to help shore up what was the team’s biggest weakness last season, the Titans need to add a veteran option to add to the competition in training camp.
Potential solution: Stephen Gostkowski
Defensive Line
Yes, the Titans added Larrell Murchison, who can play all over the defensive line, and they signed Jack Crawford in free agency.
But are the Titans really set to roll into the season with a career backup, a rookie, and a host of other young, inexperienced linemen to fill-in next to Jeffery Simmons and DaQuan Jones?
A solution here could be Clowney yet again, as he has the versatility to play as a stand up outside linebacker and a 3-4 defensive end.
If the Titans don’t sign Clowney, they’ll still have the money to make a significant move, like signing Everson Griffen, who also offers versatility upfront.
Potential solution: Everson Griffen
