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

Defensive Backs

Sep 22, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novak (9) and holder Mike Scifres (5) dive for the ball after a blocked field goal against Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner (20) and safety Bernard Pollard (31) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s assume Verner doesn’t return. The Titans still have No. 1-cornerback Jason McCourty. Coty Sensabaugh played well as a nickelback and would likely get an opportunity for that No. 2 job. The Titans just spent a high third-round pick on Blidi Wreh-Wilson. Who knows whether this new staff will continue with the Tommie Campbell project.

Verner or no Verner, cornerback isn’t a pressing need. The Titans don’t have as much depth at safety. Losing Pollard (or Michael Griffin, if he became a cap casualty) would leave them with soon-to-be 33-year-old George Wilson and sixth-round pick Khalid Wooten.

It’s worth mentioning that, in the New Orleans Saints’ first season of transitioning to Rob Ryan‘s 3-4 defense, they used their first-round draft choice on safety Kenny Vaccaro. It doesn’t appear as though there are any safeties who are that highly touted, which makes one at No. 11 seem unlikely.

CHANCES
Safety (if Pollard leaves): Average
Cornerback (if Verner leaves): Very Low
Safety (if Pollard stays) or Cornerback (if Verner stays): None