Tennessee Titans: Free Agency Day Two Recap
By Les Bailey
There wasn’t much activity around the Tennessee Titans headquarters during day two of the 2015 NFL Free Agency period, but the team got down to the business of signing players they aquired on day one. The coaching staff got a closer “Pro Day” look at their projected first round draft pick, Leonard Williams and will have all hands on deck today, as they get a look at Marcus Mariota during his Pro Day workout.
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The Titans helped out their defensive secondary on Tuesday by adding Safety, Da’Norris Searcy from the Buffalo Bills, and adding another target for Zach Mettenberger by signing the Atlanta Falcons third receiver, Harry Douglas. Both signed deals on Wednesday, and are in the fold.
Nathan Jahnke at Pro Football Focus ranked this deal as an A-Minus, and said that with George Wilson on the UFA list, and the the release of Bernard Pollard, Searcy is a younger, better version of both players, and should be a day one starter.
"While Searcy’s main responsibility was stopping the run, he was also successful in coverage when targeted. When quarterbacks threw his way, they had an NFL passer rating of just 21.5. That was the fourth-best mark among starting safeties. He had three interceptions compared to just nine catches allowed."
The addition of Harry Douglas has not been ranked by PFF yet, but Douglas was glad to be out from under the shadow of Julio Jones, and Roddy White in Atlanta, and should bolster a receiving corp in Nashville that was anemic at best.
As the third receiver in Atlanta, Douglas caught 51 passes for 551 yards in 2014, and only tight end, Delanie Walker, and receiver, Kendall Wright caught more in Tennessee.
Brian Orakpo
The Titans brought in former Washington Redskins outside linebacker, Brian Orakpo for a visit on Wednesday, and used former Texas teammate, safety, Michael Griffin for a little recruiting. Their careers in Austin, overlapped, and Griffin urged Orakpo to join up with him in Music City.
Orakpo was a first round draft pick out of Texas, but his career in the Nation’s Capitol has been injury plagued. He would be a great fit in the 3-4 defense the Titans are running, and when healthy, is one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.
ESPN Titans reporter, Paul Kuharsky covered the story, and indicated Griffin did his part:
"“Come here, we need you,” he said. “We’d love to have you here. …I told him I love the organization and that they will be great to him also.”"
But reported:
"It’s unclear if Orakpo is still at Titans’ headquarters. Before the visit, he told ESPN’s Josina Anderson he planned on going from Nashville to Arizona to meet with the Cardinals, but that “we’ll see what happens.”"
Leonard Williams USC Pro Day
Tennessee Titans defensive line coach, Griff Smith lead the position workout on Wednesday, and told ESPN reporter Erik McKinney:
"Williams said he looked forward to seeing what the Tennessee assistant was like and how they worked together on the field, adding afterward that he “really liked” Smith following the workout. Williams’ first team visit will be to Tennessee, scheduled for April 3."
The 6’5″ 300 pound defensive tackle remains as ESPN Draft Analyst, Mel Kiper’s best player on the “Big Board”, and is slated to go with the second pick to the Tennessee Titans.
Marcus Mariota Pro Day for Thursday
It’s all hands on deck today, as the Titans brass will be in Eugene for University of Oregon quarterback, Marcus Mariota’s Pro Day workout. In fact, the Titans have asked for a private session.
On hand, are General Manager, Ruston Webster, Head Coach, Ken Whisenhunt, offensive coordinator Jason Michael, and at least one scout, who will be in attendance for the workout. Also, lead contract negotiator, Vin Marino will be in his office standing by to talk to whomever he needs to speak with.
The report from Paul Kuharsky doesn’t sound like the Titans are totally sold on Zach Mettenberger going forward.
Next: Is Marcus Mariota The Titans Future Quarterback?