In no particular order, in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the Titans should look to boost their offensive line depth and defensive playmaking ability. Here are two players the Titans should target:

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

Jones has been a stud ever since he stepped on the Alabama campus. For the past three years, Jones has been a top offensive lineman in college football. What makes him appealing is that he is versatile. He has played—and succeeded—at every position on the offensive line.

The Titans have made a commitment to upgrading the offensive line with the addition of G Andy Levitre. They have also improved their depth on the line with the signings of OL Rob Turner and OL Chris Spencer. Drafting Jones would add to the depth across the line. Also, down the line, he could develop into a starter and replace either of the Titans current tackles. Michael Roos and David Stewart are both over the age of 30. And if Fernando Velasco struggles, Jones could be a possible replacement at Center.

Feb 26, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State defensive end Tyrann Mathieu catches a pass during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU

Another player the Titans should target is DB Tyrann Mathieu. The former Heisman candidate is a playmaker. He is physical, has above-average ball skills and has the ability to strip the ball loose or make an interception. He does, however, come with some baggage. With the path he appears to be on, and the amount of talent he has, this pick is worth the risk. He would add a “swagger” and attitude to the defense that new coach Gregg Williams loves and that the Titans defense desperately needs.

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Oct 28, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Colin McCarthy (52) reacts to the officials decision on a touchdown play by the Indianapolis Colts during overtime at LP Field. The Colts beat the Titans 19-13 in overtime. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Good news for Tennessee Titans enthusiasts: Jim Wyatt from The Tennessean had a positive update on middle linebacker Colin McCarthy. After undergoing a procedure on the right ankle that he injured in Week 1, McCarthy has already recovered to the point where he’s running again.

In 2012, the 24-year-old linebacker played in just seven games. McCarthy missed four games because of that ankle injury. A concussion forced him to miss the last five games of the season. He finished the season on injured reserve (IR). Even when McCarthy played, he was visibly bothered from his ankle injury.

McCarthy was chosen in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. McCarthy was a fine player when he played at the University of Miami. He increased his draft stock with a strong Senior Bowl. He would’ve been drafted higher had it not been for injuries.

And there we go again with that “injury” word.

Three shoulder surgeries. That’s what McCarthy went through when he was in college. It was the reason that some teams kept him off their draft board. But after playing 25 games in his last two seasons, his medical history didn’t scare the Titans front office.

In 2011, there was a significant difference in the quality of linebacker play when McCarthy took over for Barrett Ruud. And when the Titans drafted Zach Brown in the 2012 NFL Draft, they were hopeful that they had a linebacker trio who would carry them through the rest of the decade—or at least most of it.

How sure are the Titans of that? Are they sure enough to where they’d enter next season with Moise Fokou as his primary backup? How much do they emphasize middle linebacker in this upcoming draft?

Do the Titans search for a new starter (e.g. Arthur Brown)? Do they find a mid-round project who can compete for the starting job (e.g. Jon Bostic)? Or do they just focus on finding depth with one of their last picks, someone who can challenge Fokou for the No. 2 role?

Can the Tennessee Titans trust Colin McCarthy? If so, how much trust? Answer in the poll and expand further in the comments section. Poll closes Apr. 24, 5:00 A.M. CT

Oct 28, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; A Tennessee Titans fan shows his support in a game against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at LP Field. The Colts beat the Titans 19-13 in overtime. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft will start in nine days. Let’s assume that the Tennessee Titans were to use a draft strategy where they drafted based on position of need. The Titans have nine picks to replace any deficient starter or role player. Their first pick comes at No. 10.

What position should the Titans target as the biggest weakness? This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to use the No. 10 pick on that player. Management may like someone who they’re 100-percent confident won’t get taken before their No. 40 pick, No. 70 pick, etc.

Anyone who has paid attention to mock drafts would know that there are a variety of opinions as to how the Titans should use their picks. But when Apr. 27 rolls around and the draft is complete, what is the one position that this team must have improved on heading into the 2013-14 NFL season?

Check out the options. I’ll briefly discuss why each position is important to address. At the end, give your opinion in the Tennessee Titans 4/16 fan poll. Feel free to expand on it in the comments section.

(If no poll is available, it’s because I’m having technical difficulties. Bare with me).

Cornerback
In today’s pass-happy NFL, a team can’t have enough quality cornerbacks. The Titans have two fine players in Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner. After that, things aren’t so clear.

In 2012, opponents took advantage of the Titans’ lack of depth when they moved receivers inside the slot. As the team wasn’t confident in Tommie Campbell or Coty Sensabaugh controlling the outside receiver, Verner stayed on his outside assignment. Ryan Mouton was no match for receivers like Calvin Johnson.

Mouton wasn’t re-signed this offseason. There’s no doubt that the Titans will replace him on the depth chart. But will they replace him with a full-time nickelback, No. 2 cornerback or a mid-round project?

Edge-Rusher (DE, OLB)
What happens if Derrick Morgan or Kamerion Wimbley go down? Even if Ropati Pitoitua were used at defensive end, it’s not ideal on pass-downs. Keyunta Dawson and Scott Solomon are the top replacements on the depth chart. They could use Akeem Ayers at DE. But it’s not a permanent solution and more of a gimmicky move.

Offensive Guard
Half of this situation was already attended to when the Titans signed Andy Levitre. Can they enter next season with Eugene Amano playing on the opposite side of him? Amano appeared to play better when he was at guard as opposed to center. But with Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper, two of the best guard prospects in decades, most fans don’t want to take a risk with Amano—or anybody other than Warmack and Cooper.

Safety
Most of the Titans’ initial pre-draft visits have been with defensive backs. Some of them include safeties Kenny Vaccaro, Matt Elam, Jonathan Cyprien and Eric Reid. They’ve also talked with tweener defensive backs such as Sanders Commings and Khalid Wooton.

The Titans already signed two free agents this offseason (Bernard Pollard, George Wilson). They also have an unproven commodity in 2012 sixth-round pick Markelle Martin. Along with Michael Griffin, is that enough? Or is an elite safety a must?

Wide Receiver
After spending a first-round pick on a wide receiver in 2009 and 2012, the Titans shouldn’t need any help. But with the departure of Jared Cook (who was mostly used as a wide receiver), the lack of reliability from Kenny Britt and the organization’s rumored efforts to trade Nate Washington this offseason, does Jake Locker need more weapons if he’s going to reach his full potential?

Other
Younger offensive tackle. Healthier middle linebacker. New quarterback (not happening). Special teams and anything else.