2013-14 Tennessee Titans Training Camp Preview: Defensive Line
September 30, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Ropati Pitoitua (75) in the second half of the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chargers won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Training camp is right around the corner. The 2013-14 NFL regular season is fewer than two months away. What can Tennessee Titans enthusiasts expect from their team as they prepare for those meaningful games that begin in September?
Over the next few days, Titan Sized will give a brief preview on each position. What are some storylines heading into training camp and preseason games? Are there any jobs up for grabs? All players listed are from the roster at titansonline.com.
We’ve covered quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. It’s time to glance over the tight ends.
2013-14 Tennessee Titans Training Camp Participants: Defensive Linemen
Jurrell Casey
Stefan Charles
Zach Clayton
Keyunta Dawson
Lavar Edwards
Thaddeus Gibson
DaJohn Harris
Antonio Johnson
Karl Klug
Mike Martin
Derrick Morgan
Nigel Nicholas
Ropati Pitoitua
Kamerion Wimbley
Storylines:
No. 1: Will Derrick Morgan Continue to Progress Upward
Morgan enjoyed a strong finish to last season. But as the No. 17 pick from the 2010 NFL Draft, fans expected more than 10.5 sacks through his first three seasons. Some fans were expecting those types of numbers on an annual basis.
It’s a contract year. Will Morgan continue where he left off last season? He was a solid run-defender who lead the team with seven sacks. Can he increase those totals to double digits? Will he turn more of those pressures and hurries into sacks?
No. 2: Jurrell Casey-Mike Martin-Sammie Lee Hill
Lots of potential in this group. While none of these players have boasted Pro Bowl-credentials, all three of them are solid rotational guys who could blossom if given the opportunity for more playing time. Replacing Sen’Derrick Marks with Hill should give the Titans a deeper and more effective presence inside.
No. 3: What Lies Ahead for Karl Klug?
An undersized defensive tackle finds himself competing for a job on a defense that wants to become bigger in the trenches. Klug will try to make his presence felt as he transitions to defensive end. Even if he stays at defensive tackle, can he earn playing time among a group of defensive tackles that are listed in No. 2?
No. 4: Rounding Out the Depth
Expect a rotation of defensive linemen that include Morgan, Casey, Martin, Wimbley, Hill, Edwards and Pitoitua. That’s seven players. The Titans would probably keep two or three more bodies on the bench. Klug and Johnson have the best chance of making this team.
One undrafted free agent to watch: Stefan Charles. At age 25, Charles is a prospect who comes from the University of Regina (Canada). Here’s an interview from NFL Draft Zone. With a strong training camp, Charles could beat out Johnson or maybe even Klug for a spot on the 53-man roster.