Tennessee Titans OTA’s: stock up…stock down
By P. L. Colter
Organized Team Activities resume today for the Tennessee Titans, and it’s never too early to gage which players are on the rise…and which ones are….
Well…you know.
Today we begin a camp-long series entitled…”Stock up…Stock Down”.
Stock Up:
DaQuan Jones: DE
Last week head coach Ken Whisenhunt named DaQuan Jones the starting defensive end over last year’s starter Ropati Pitoitua. Jones, last year’s fourth round pick, spent over half the season on the inactive list last year, but made the most of his opportunities when inserted into the lineup late last season. Jones must have also impressed new defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, which says even more about his stock.
Zach Brown: LB
Seeing Zach Brown on the field, running around and making plays, was a welcomed site to see for the Titans and their fans. Prior to being lost for the year on the fourth play of the first game last season, Brown was on the fast track to stardom…after posting 184 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 4 ints, 3 fum recoveries, and 2 tds his first two seasons. A healthy Brown rounds out a formidable linebacker quartet that also includes Brian Arakpo, Derrick Morgan, and Avery Williamson.
Perrish Cox: CB
Cox, the free agent acquisition from San Fransico, made an immediate impact with his new team…intercepting qb Marcus Mariota on the first day of practice. Shortly after, Mariota told reporters how impressed he was with Cox’s speed and athleticism. An encouraging sign given the lack of productivity out of his position last season.
Stock Down
Ropati Pitoitua: DE
Pitoitua was informed that he will no longer be the Titans’ starting defensive end, joining qb Zach Mettenberger as the second starter from last season to lose his spot. Playing behind Jurrell Casey, and recently promoted DaQuan Jones, Pitoitua now falls back into a crowded group of defensive linemen that will be fighting for replacement reps.
Dorial Green-Beckham: WR
The Titans and their fans are still waiting to see what the mammoth rookie wide receiver known as DGB can do on the field. Green-Beckham injured his hamstring in rookie camp, and has been held out for the start of OTA’s. The last thing that a player who hasn’t played at game speed in over a year needs right now, to fall behind. Especially at the wide receiver position…where several veteran players will be vying for the coveted top two slots.
Shonn Greene: RB
I know what you’re thinking…how can his stock get any lower? Well, by missing OTA’s all together. Greene, who’s already widely rumored to be cut soon, told the Titans that he will remain home to tend to a family matter. I’ll accept that at face value, but the cynical fan (or front office executive) may see it as a subtle way to say…”I’m not coming up to Nashville and potentially injure myself, only to be released anyway.” As a fellow business man, I cannot argue with his premise, but still…stock down.
We will update this list periodically throughout the offseason.