Titans Pre-Season Look Part 2

                                                                                                                                                   By: Clark Shelton

We began last week with a look at the Special Teams and Secondary positions. This week we will take a look at the linebacker and defensive line spots.

LINEBACKER:
Defensive Coordinator Jerry Gray and his newest weapon, Special Assistant Gregg Williams, have to look at this group of starting linebackers and feel pretty good. LB Coach Chet Parlavecchio’s crew understand his system after 3 years as their coach. Akeem Ayers (2nd year), Zach Brown (3rd Year), and Colin McCarthy(3rd Year) combined for 235 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions and 11.5 sacks. McCarthy spent half of last season nursing an injury and depth comes into question. Watch for veterans Shaw, Solomon, Jones and Fokou to be key contributors to the team.

Defensive Line:
After last year, there are reasons to doubt this defensive line, but a nice draft pick and some free agency and maturity could put this unit over the top. At DE Derrick Morgan finally began to show his full potential with 53 tackles and 6.5 sacks. The 4th year veteran, if he stays healthy, could be have a breakout year this season. On the other side at defensive end, questions remain. Kamerion Wimbley’s production was way under anything he had done at Cleveland and Oakland. Expect him to be pushed by 6th round pick LSU’s  Lavar Edwards. Rumors are still swirling that FA veteran John Abraham is on the Titans wish list if money is available after signing Chance Warmack. Ropati Pitoitua and Karl Klug are both listed as DE/DT and could provide beef on the outside when needed.

Defensive Tackle shows depth this year and new faces. Sammie Hill was picked up from the Lions, with hopes he can return to his 2010-11 numbers. Jurrell Casey showed consistency his first 2 seasons and with some veteran help could really improve in his 3rd year. Rookie Mike Martin showed a lot of promise in his rookie season. Pitoitua will bring some size on the Depth Chart at 329 lbs. Klug brings tenacity and speed at either spot. Undrafted rookie Stefan Charles from Regina, Canada will be interesting to watch during pre-season.

Thanks for checking in with your Source for the Tennessee Titans. See you next week when we look at Offensive Line and Tight Ends.