5 positions the Titans must address this offseason
After a 3-13 season, the Tennessee Titans enter the offseason with questions surrounding almost every position expect for quarterback. The good news is the Titans believe they have a player they can build around in Marcus Mariota. The bad news is that the 2015 season showed the roster still needs quite a bit of work.
With that in mind, here are five positions the team should upgrade heading into 2016.
1. Offensive Tackle
The Titans gave up an NFL-high 57 sacks in 2015, with Mariota taken down 38 times. Jeremiah Poutasi, a 2015 third-round pick, started the year at right tackle, but lost his starting spot and was later converted to guard. Byron Bell, who started at right tackle after Poutasi's demotion, is a free agent. With the top pick in the draft, the Titans could select Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil and play him on the right side as a rookie or shift incumbent left Taylor Lewan over to the right. Either move would strengthen both the position and the line as a whole. If Tennessee elects to go in a different direction with the top pick, right tackle will still need to be addressed either with a high draft pick or veteran free agent.
2. Center/Guard
Starting center Brian Schwenke suffered a season-ending ankle injury in October and was replaced by rookie sixth-round pick Andy Gallik. As Tennessee looks to upgrade the line, adding an interior offensive lineman to play center would allow Schwenke and Gallik to compete with Poutasi and Quinton Spain at left guard.
3. Cornerback
The loss of Jason McCourty to a groin injury midway through the season proved difficult for the Tennessee secondary to overcome. Perrish Cox was a nice signing as a free agent last year, but the Titans need more depth, particularly since Coty Sensabaugh is a free agent and may not return. Adding a veteran in free agency while also addressing the position in the draft will be important for Dick LeBeau's defense.
4. Safety
Veteran Michael Griffin posted another solid year, but he's 31 and carries a high cap number for 2016. That may place him in jeopardy of being released. Even if Griffin remains, the Titans need to find a young player to groom behind him. This is a position the team should invest in during the draft.
5. Wide receiver
Tennessee selected wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham in the second round in 2015 and although he showed promise, the team's lack of playmakers at the position was evident. Justin Hunter disappointed before being lost in November with a fractured ankle, while Kendall Wright missed six games with knee and rib injuries. The Titans have to give Mariota more weapons beyond tight end Delanie Walker. Green-Beckham is a start, but more is needed.
