Normally when a team has won five games in two years, they don’t have much talent. For the Titans however, they possess a lot of young raw players, who could develop into something special, as well as a few under the radar sleepers.
Here’s a look at the Top Ten assets found in Nashville.
10. DGB
I know some of you would have him higher on your list, but I have him here because he’s not proven yet. He has all the potential in the world. Hopefully he can stay healthy and Mike Malarkey can do the same with him and the rest of our receivers as he did with our tight ends in the past. Keep your eyes on him, at his size he could be a touchdown machine this year.
9. Demarco Murray
A quarterback’s best friend is a strong running game. If Murray can get back to his 2014 form he could be the gem of our off-season pickups. He is already having a strong locker room presence, and says he wants to help our younger backs in any way he can. In interviews he has had since arriving in Nashville he says he feels like he has fresh legs and he believes his best years are ahead of him although he is 28.
8. Taylor Lewan
Yes, Taylor has had some shaky play over the years, some of that is due to injury, but we’re just not sure how much of it. Taylor has a very important job, and that is protecting the Quarterback’s blind side. He has a tough nasty demeanor which fits what this team will be trying to do in 2016. He has versatility to play either tackle position, but has been very vocal about wanting to stay on the left side.
7. Jason McCourty
In a weak corner back position group, McCourteyis a bright spot. Many analysts say he would be better as a No. 2 corner or at free safety like his twin brother Devin, who is arguably the best free safety in the league. McCourtey missed almost all of last season due to injury, and it really showed by receivers running open down field. He is also a locker room leader and a fan favorite.
6. Avery Williamson
Avery Williamson comes in at number six. The Milan Tennessee native (just a few miles down the road from me) plays at the middle linebacker position, and has been a real stud. He was the steal of the 2014 draft and one of the ones Ruston Webster got right. I’m keeping my fingers crossed he has a long successful career here in Titan blue.
5. Dick LaBeau
At number five we have a coach, not a player. Did that throw you for a loop? Since LaBeau landed in Nashville our defense has done nothing but get better. In fact this past year our defense finished just outside the top ten overall at number twelve, and that was after losing some key starters to injury, at one point we were ranked number eight overall. We also never had both starting corner backs on the field at the same time last year. LaBeau is a real life living legend is all I can say.
4. Delanie Walker
On a team full of disappointments last year you’ll find the league leading tight end. Delanie broke franchise records last year and was about the only real weapon on offence we had besides Marcus. Jon Robinson just did the smart thing and signed him to a two year contract extension. This year he will be asked to block more in our smash mouth theme, but he’s happy to do whatever. Delanie is not only a good motivator in the locker room, he leads by example on the field.
3. Jurrell Casey
a third round pick out of USC Casey is one of the most underrated players in the entire league. He’s constantly sacking Quarterbacks or eating double teams. In my opinion he’s the real star of the defense, I just love watching him play. He signed a new contract last year so hopefully he’ll stay awhile. This is very recent here, but I’m starting to notice him coming into his own as a leader. He says he wants to help the O-linemen not dominate them at practice.
2. Jon Robinson
At number two we have the new GM himself. Many have called him the MVP of the off-season. In year one he has already made this team better on paper. He is a native of Union City Tennessee (also just a few miles down the road from me) and says he’s been a fan since 1997 when the team moved to Nashville. He spent years cutting his teeth in New England, and hopefully he can bring that winning way here to Tennessee.
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Before we get to number one, here are the guys did not make the Top 10 but are Honorable Mentions:
Derrick Morgan, Brian Orakpo, Ben Jones, Jack Cocklin, Reshad Johnson, Kendall Wright, Kevin Dodd, and Wesley Woodyard.
1. Marcus Mariota
Did this really surprise anyone? The Quarterback is the most important position on the field. If his rookie year is any indicator I think we’ve finally found our franchise Quarterback. He has pinpoint accuracy when throwing, and he can take off and burn you with his legs too. In player interviews the team is saying Marcus is becoming more vocal, which is a good thing. The most growth at the quarterback position comes from year one to year two, and if our O-line can protect him, I’m excited to see what he can do!