Tennessee Titans: Top 10 offseason moves
By P. L. Colter
Last month we counted down the Tennessee Titans’ top ten players, and not-so conspicuously absent were the new acquisitions.
Tennessee brought in a smorgasbord of new faces this spring, and each one will be counted on to make an immediate impact this season.
Now that Marcus Mariota is under contract, and the new faces have a few training camp practices under their belt, we can count down the Titans’ top ten offseason acquisitions.
10. Harry Douglas (free agent wide receiver)
Harry Douglas flourished as the slot receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, and looks to play a bigger role in Tennessee’s offense this season. He has plenty of competition for the starting job opposite Kendall Wright, but has had a solid start to camp so far.
9. Hakeem Nicks (free agent wide receiver)
Like Douglas, Hakeem Nicks looks to play a bigger role this season after a tough one year stint with the Colts. Nicks is also competing for the second starting receiver slot, and is listed slightly ahead of Douglas because he is having a slightly better camp so far.
8. Da’Norris Searcy (free agent safety)
Da’Norris Searcy was a solid contributor on a very good Buffalo Bills defense last year. He’s a willing tackler, and has looked good so far in camp. Searcy’s addition allows Michael Griffin to return to what suits him best…roaming the middle of the field and making instinctive plays.
7. Anthony Fasano (free agent tight end)
Tight end Anthony Fasano, by season’s end, could finish in the top five of this list. He’s a willing and physical blocker in the run game, and has a nose for the endzone when inside the 20 yard line. Fasano will also be able to spell bell cow starter Delanie Walker from time to time, and be trusted to perform like a number one when he does.
6. Dorial Green-Beckham (rookie wide receiver)
If the fans had their way, then DGB would be listed in the top five as well by season’s end. The 6’5 rookie is indeed the man of the future, but has a bevy of veterans ahead of him today. His rise or fall on this list depends on how fast he can progress. While mostly inconsistent so far in camp, Green-Beckham has already shown flashes of his unbelievable ability.
5. David Cobb (rookie running back)
David Cobb was brought in to bolster a Titans running game that never got going last year. A hamstring injury slowed him in OTA’s, but he’s now fully healthy and getting reps. Look for Cobb to be heavily involved in the Titans’ run game this season, whether he supplants Bishop Sankey as the starter or not.
4. Perrish Cox (free agent cornerback)
Perrish Cox had five interceptions last year in San Francisco, which would have led the team for Tennessee. Cox had a great mini-camp, and has not dropped off so far in training camp. He gives the Titans a quality veteran starter option to play alongside Jason McCourty this season. Cox will be a heavy day one contributor.
3. Brian Orakpo (free agent linebacker)
And speaking of heavy contributors, look no further than Brian Orakpo. His knowledge of the 3-4 scheme and ability to pressure the quarterback makes him a cornerstone piece to this year’s defense. If fully recovered from injury, which he appears to be so far in training camp, then a double digit sack season is not out of the question for Orakpo. Especially with a double digit sack caliber tackle like Jurrell Casey playing alongside him this year.
2. Dick LeBeau (assistant head coach / defensive coordinator)
One of Tennessee’s biggest offseason moves was acquiring the services of legendary football mind Dick LeBeau. Not only does he bring his Hall of Fame credentials and arsenal of blitz packages, but he also brings credibility to the franchise. That attracts players, as it did with Orakpo…who is a noted fan of LeBeau.
1. Marcus Mariota (rookie quarterback)
Four words….face of the franchise.
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