Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (92) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that the Tennessee Titans are in need of help at the defensive end position.  While the defenses sack numbers did increase this year compared to last, a large part of that was due to the blitzing linebackers.  Akeem Ayers pass rush abilities and the emergence of rookie Zach Brown had a lot to do with those numbers.  You can only get away with blitzing so often before the better quarterbacks in the league will pick you apart, which is why getting consistent pressure from your front four is so important.  The secondary is in major need of help, but we all know a good pass rush can send mediocre defensive backs to the Pro Bowl.

Cliff Avril is one of the bigger name Defensive Ends that are set for free agency in a few weeks.  As you can see, his production is off the charts as he’s had almost 30 sacks in the past three years.

Some say he’s merely a product of head coach Jim Schwartz, who we all know from his days as a Titans defensive coordinator.  He also has the benefit of playing beside two of the best defensive tackles in the game.  PFF has Avril rated incredibly low with a score of -11.6.  They aren’t the end all of evaluation, but I do hold their analysis with a good bit of regard.  All I can imagine is that they see Avril as a one trick pony.  His sack numbers are great, but I’m not sure how he holds up against the run.

As you can see in the video below, most of his sacks come from simply running by the left tackle.  His burst off the line is stellar but you never see him swim inside, run a stunt or just bulldoze the Offensive Tackle backwards.

Avril’s price tag may prove too high for the Titans once he explores free agency, especially considering the number of needs the Titans have.  I can’t see why it would hurt to bring him in though.  If the Titans do spend big money on any one free agent this could be the one.  Adding a proven edge defender would essentially eliminate any need at the end position, but I’m not convinced Avril is the guy.

I know the draft has a lot of rush end talent at the top, but they are all unproven.  Why not take a sure thing, improve your defensive immensely, take pressure off your weak secondary, and open up your draft options all at the same time.  The question is whether Avril is that sure thing or not.

You can follow me on Twitter  @gunnelsj

Nov 23, 2009; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive back Michael Griffin (33) prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

The Tennessee Titans have informed Michael Griffin that they will be using the franchise tag on him. It’s a pretty good deal for the Titans, with the tag being estimated at $6.2 million.

If Griffin can return to the Griffin of the past, the one who was pro bowl worthy, he should find himself earning a new contract. Even if he doesn’t, this is a lot less of a gamble then the Titans putting all their eggs in one basket, that basket being the hope for Mark Barron to fall to them at the 20th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Titans can now move their focus to the d-line, where they look to have almost no depth at DE as free agency approaches with all of the DE’s but Derrick Morgan set to be a free agent. You have to wonder how they expect to address that. Obviously  Mario Williams would be a huge upgrade and bring stability to a line that had its’ worst production, possibly ever, this last year.

There’s a lot of doubt as to whether they’d be willing to spend that type of money and I seriously doubt they’ll bring him in, but a man can dream. Lions DE Cliff Avril is off the list, as the Lions marked him with the franchise tag today.

It’s starting to look like the Titans are almost certainly going to address DE with the first pick of the 2012 NFL Draft… Now I’m nervous.

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Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

It’s time to take a look at defensive free agents that could fit and improve the Titans defense. I’m sure the Titans will at least take a look at some of these players. Let’s remember that the Titans finished 18th in total defense and next to last in sacks. It will be interesting to see if the Titans address defensive or offensive line with the top picks in the draft, as both are big needs.

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