Tennessee Titans have several key storylines to follow throughout OTAs and Minicamp in May and June
The Tennessee Titans have been going through massive changes this offseason. New head coach. New staff. Massive free agent acquisitions on both sides of the ball. But which storylines are most intriguing as OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp stretch through May and June? Based on what general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan have […]
The Tennessee Titans have been going through massive changes this offseason. New head coach. New staff. Massive free agent acquisitions on both sides of the ball. But which storylines are most intriguing as OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp stretch through May and June?
Based on what general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan have been telling the media this spring and at 104.5 The Zone's special event with NFL Films' Greg Cosell, there are three key storylines to follow that stand out above the rest.
Who else will step up at Edge Rusher?
Harold Landry and Arden Key are a strong pass rushing duo with 18 sacks and a collective pass rush pressure rate over 10%, but the team will almost certainly need another reliable edge rusher this season. Last year that player was Denico Autry, but thanks to his departure the Titans return exactly zero edge defenders outside of Landry and Key with more than one sack last season.
At least Harold Landry was back to his old self making filthy pass rush moves left and right as our very own James Foster outlined late last season:
The Titans will likely be looking to Rashad Weaver, Sebastian Joseph-Day (although not a true edge), rookie Jaylen Harrell (Michigan), or perhaps even undrafted free agent signing Khalid Duke (Kansas State) to step up this season. The Titans desperately need one of them to flash quickly.
The Titans new look Offensive Line
General manager Ran Carthon turned the Titans' offensive line inside out and added several key contributors this offseason. First round pick JC Latham will obviously be the most prominent addition to watch, but he seems like he's already fitting in well with the new Titans' coaching staff. He's even already made a new friend in "Bertha", the massive 380-pound mechanical blocking sled:
Outside of Latham, Peter Skoronski should be a strong left guard, but how the other three offensive line spots form and gel together will be the key to the Titans' offensive success this season.
Ran Carthon said that he believed Lloyd Cushenberry was the best free agent center on the market this spring, so he's expecting great things. Saadiq Charles (new free agent acquisition) should push Daniel Brunskill and offer depth as a swing interior lineman. But who ends up sticking at right tackle? Is it just Dillon Radunz? Or will Nicholas Petit-Frere push to be more than a swing tackle?
Will Levis needs this offensive line to form some chemistry and keep him upright as he develops in year two.
Green Dot Candidates on Defense
The question of which defensive player will wear the green dot on their helmet–ultimately calling in the plays to the rest of the defense–has been a hot button topic this spring. When asked about it just two weeks ago by A to Z Sports' Buck Reising, Ran Carthon mentioned four names: Cedric Gray, Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, and Amani Hooker.
It may be a lot to ask of rookie Cedric Gray, but Carthon was effusive in his praise for Gray, saying he can play in all phases, and brings with him to the NFL incredible experience and production. Jack Gibbens logged more LB snaps than any returning backer for the Two-Tone blue, but he's a UDFA-level talent who may ultimately end up as the third man in the rotation.
Amani Hooker actually proactively asked the Titans' coaching staff if he could take the responsibility. That may make sense given his experience, but playing safety can also make the green dot role a bit more complicated. If he's way downfield out of breath after a deep shot, relaying proper signals to the entire defense could be difficult.
The early favorite to start the season with the green dot is probably Kenneth Murray given he's the most experienced NFL off-ball linebacker on the team. However, it is notable that his name was mentioned last by Carthon when asked about this topic most recently.
Be looking for more Tennessee Titans coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to watch some Cedric Gray highlights from his time at North Carolina to see how he could star with the Titans right away as a rookie this season you can check out the video below!
