Tennessee Titans: Evaluating 2014 NFL Draft Needs with No. 11 Pick

Defensive Line

November 24, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski (61) blocks against Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill (94) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Which defensive linemen can make the transition from a 4-3 to 3-4 defense? Ropati Pitoitua has 3-4 experience. Mike Martin gained 3-4 experience at the University of Michigan. Jurrell Casey could get some playing time as a 3-4 defensive end and maybe a nose tackle on passing downs (e.g. Cullen Jenkins).

Defensive end isn’t the problem. The question is whether the almost 330-pound Sammie Lee Hill can anchor the middle as a nose tackle. Even if he can, the Titans still need depth at this position. A dominant nose tackle who requires double and triple-teams pays huge dividends to the effectiveness of the entire defense.

No. 11 seems a bit early for Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix. If the Titans wanted to go this route, they’d probably trade down and acquired another mid-round pick to make up for the third-rounder they don’t have this season.

CHANCES
Nose Tackle: Average
Defensive End: Very Low