3. CORNERBACK LeShaun Sims
After a disastrous 2016 season for Titans defensive backs, GM Jon Robinson made a clear effort during the offseason to improve the position. Moves he made included releasing Jason McCourty, signing Logan Ryan, and drafting Adoree’ Jackson. Ryan and Jackson will likely be the Titans’ top two options at corner this season, but 2016 fifth round pick LeShaun Sims certainly should not be forgotten.
Sims’ rookie season was one of ups and downs; he showed both flashes of brilliance and flashes of ineptitude. But, considering that he was a fifth round draft pick, it was a generally successful season. If he could improve his ability to turn his head and make plays on deep passes, something that is certainly coachable, he could be a big asset for the Titans’ defense.
Sims INT: Redzone Cover 1 played to perfection. Ball must either be dumped off to 84 or thrown away. @LeshaunSims all over Maclin's post. pic.twitter.com/wbDw87y02b
— Luke Worsham (@luke_worsham) December 20, 2016
Though Sims isn’t as small as some of the NFL’s more prototypical nickel corners, learning to play in the slot could be the key for him to remain an integral part of the defense going into his sophomore season. He will have to fend off veteran Brice McCain, who had a respectable season as the Titans’ nickel corner in 2016. As Training Camp begins for the Titans, that battle will as well.