Dec 4, 2011; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills offense lines up against the Tennessee Titans defense during the third quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Titans beat the Bills 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

The defense was tougher to project than the offense. We have some intriguing rookies and some veterans who have not played at the top of their game lately.

Here are the projected starters for the 2012 Tennessee Titans offense:

Defensive Ends

Derrick Morgan, Kamerion Wimbley

Wimbley is an instant upgrade from last year. He will be rushing the quarterback from all over the field. Kamerion will also be used as an outside rusher in 3-4 packages. He has the perfect combination of size and speed. At least double digit sacks are expected from him.

Morgan is in the hot seat. He showed glimpses of what he is capable of doing late in the season but if he doesn’t start to be consistent he’ll be wearing another uniform next season. His starting job will be pushed from hungry players around the roster.

Defensive Tackles

Jurrell Casey, Mike Martin

Yes, Mike Martin. For me, Martin was the best value pick for the Titans from this year’s draft. He has the size to play in the interior, stop the run, and chase players until the whistle. He’ll share a lot of time with Karl Klug, who will manage pass rush situations.

Jurrel Casey will have a long and productive career. He is a solid starter and could become one of the best in the league. He is strong, fast and disruptive. Casey is the real deal and the Titans know it.

Linebackers

Collin McCarthy, Akeem Ayers, Will Witherspoon

Zach Brown is not ready, he may certainly take Witherspoon’s job, but I don’t see that happening until late in the season. He is a raw talent who will either be a great player or a bust. Don’t worry, he’s not allergic to contact.

Colin McCarthy was the steal of last year’s draft. He is becoming one of the leaders of this defense and he will benefit a lot from having a complete offseason. Colin showed great instincts last season. He’ll be a starter in the league for many years.

Ayers was solid but not spectacular. He will also benefit from having a complete offseason and big things are expected from him this year. He will have to improve his production rushing the passer if he wants to remain a undisputed starter on this team. He may have a bright future if coaches are able to unlock his full potential.

Cornerbacks

Jason McCourty, Alterraun Verner

I really like them together. Young, fast, smart, playmakers that may easily play together for many years.

Jason outplayed his twin last season by recording 103 tackles and 2 interceptions. He was consistent through the season and was always around the ball. He has still some room for improvement, but he is on his way to become an indisputable starter in this league.

Alterraun saw his production go down last season. He lost some playing time to Jason as Cortland Finnegan had the number one spot. This season he will have all the opportunities to show he can be the starter for this team for the nest several years. He is a playmaker and is always around the ball.

Safeties

Michael Griffin, Jordan Babineaux

The Titans showed they trust Griffin by giving him a five-year contract last week. He had a down year last season but still showed some glimpses of the pro bowler we saw a few years ago. If he can get back to that level, he certainly is one of the best in the business. He has some room of improvement when we talk about tackling technique but he still is a dependable starter.

Babs surprised us all last season. He was all over the field making tackles. His only issue is his lack of speed but he certainly solidified his status as starting safety for the Titans this upcoming season.

Don’t forget to check the Offensive Starters I projected last week at http://titansized.com/2012/06/18/tennessee-titans-projected-starters-offense/

Now remember how they barely missed the playoffs?

Well I had started to somewhat forget with how excited I am for this next season to start. It’s surprisingly easy to forget all the awesome highlights the Titans had this past season. Here’s a little reminder…

Notes I came away with after watching the video:

• I still love Damian Williams and think he is underrated.
• Jason McCourty is blooming into that number one corner the Titans need him to be.
• Colin McCarthy is the MLB the Titans have been looking for since Bulluck left. God is he awesome.
• Donnie Avery was a Tennessee Titan? (sarcasm)
• Hasselbeck did well, but some of those passes were luck/won by the wide receiver. Have to be more on target this year.
• I’m going to miss Cortland Finnegan. I just am.
• I hope Nate Washington brings the same attitude and awesomeness he had this last season.
• Marc Mariani + Tommie Campbell = #Winning
• Please stay healthy this year Kenny Britt. PLEASE!
• If Mike Martin and Kamerion Wimbley do what I think they will for the defensive line this year, the Titans are going to surprise a LOT of people this year. Seriously. I’m sticking with the 10-6 record.
• Jake Locker = Super Bowl bound

Did I miss anything?

Feel free to leave comments on here or hit us up on our Facebook page or Twitter!

You can also find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Alterraun Verner is expected to be the starting cornerback next to Jason MCourty for 2012, his role in the defense will be a lot bigger this season and coaches and fans expect him to step up. Verner had a huge rookie season; he recorded 3 picks, 1 forced fumble, 11 passes defended and 85 tackles in 12 starts. Last season he didn’t have the same playing time, so his numbers weren’t as good as the rookie ones. He still showed potential to be a starter in this league, as well as the ability to cover the best receivers in the division. I’m sure he will benefit a lot from a whole offseason training as a starter. I had the opportunity to ask him some questions about the team, Finnegan’s departure, his expectations for next season and some others.

Titan Sized:  I’m sure Cortland Finnegan was a great teacher for you. With his departure, how do you feel about taking on an even larger role in the defense?

Alterraun Verner: “Well we all hate to see Cortland go. He was a great player, great teammate, great mentor, great person and a great Titan. But I am ready to step up in any roll the team has for me. I just want to win and get to these playoffs and have a shot at the bowl. So yes, I am ready.”

Titan Sized: You are a really positive and self-determined guy, what types of goals have you set for yourself this next season?

Alterraun Verner: “Goals I have set are to get us into the playoffs this year. After that I want to lead the NFL in interceptions and defensive touchdowns. Get a pro bowl berth/all pro bid. That would be adequate for me. LOL.”

Titan Sized: People think that there is something special happening with the Titans right now and it seems like everyone on the roster is glad to be a part of the team. How are you feeling about the team and the upcoming season?

Alterraun Verner: “I feel enthused about the team right now. I think we are heading in the right direction. If we can stay healthy and play like I know my teammates and I can, then we will be [able] to do some special things! But I have great optimism this year for us.”

Titan Sized: You had such a strong and impressive rookie season but had a little quieter season this past year. Do you think the lockout and lack of familiarity with the new defensive system was partially to blame for your lessened numbers? Do you expect a bit of a bounce back this season?

Alterraun Verner: “Well my numbers mostly went down because of my lesser role on the team. I was only serving as a nickel back, so I saw less time then the previous year. I felt I got picked on more my rookie year also so I had more opportunities to make plays where this year I didn’t really have that opportunity. So it wasn’t that I wasn’t productive just lack of chances. I feel this year will be an automatic upgrade if I am the starter. I will be on the field more and get a better feel of the game sooner.”

Titan Sized: As a top athlete in football you certainly had to go through many obstacles in your career since you were a kid, what’s your key for success?

Alterraun Verner: “My key for success has been God! Faith in him kept me always motivated to try and reach my goals even with adversity. So the obstacles were just stumbling blocks to show his might and he has come through all the time for me! My favorite line in a song “if my god is for us, who could ever stop us, then if my God is with us, then who can stand against.”

Titan Sized: What will you do when you retire? Coach?

Alterraun Verner: “Yes I would like to coach and teach at a high school. Feel like that is a great level to start!”

Titan Sized: You are definitely a fan favorite, something else you want to add for all your fans?

Alterraun Verner : “Just want to say to all the fans is thanks for sticking with the team and myself even through the dark days! I appreciate the support and you guys give me the energy to perform every Sunday!

Just want a special shout out to my bruins in there upcoming season with coach Mora. Expect big things from them, and excited to see the progression.

Also, will be coming out with my own website soon in the next few weeks and information about my camp this year in June in Los Angeles. Information coming soon that you can find on my twitter: @Alvern_1 or my Facebook fan page!”

Titan Sized: Thanks a lot for your time Alterraun and good luck for next season.

Alterraun Verner: “Thanks for allowing me to share my story. Have a great day and go titans!”

I’m very excited about Verner’s attitude towards next season. We all know him as a hard worked and I’m sure he will accomplish his goals. As a fan I don’t think CB is a top priority in the upcoming draft. Verner and McCourty are the starters and we may need help at nickel back since Campbell is not ready yet. Mouton and Walker need to step up. Titans should pick a CB no higher than the 3rd round; We have bigger needs.

I want to thank Alterraun Verner again and hope the best him for this upcoming season.

Special thanks to Justin Stewart for helping me with the questions.

Feel free to leave comments on here or hit us up on our Facebook page or Twitter!