Could Defensive Tackle Johnathan Hankins Be A Fit in Nashville?
By Kyle Zwiazek
The Tennessee Titans have managed to fill most of the holes on their roster, but they could use some more depth at the defensive tackle position. Johnathan Hankins could be a great addition at that spot.
Since the release of Karl Klug earlier this offseason, the Tennesse Titans have a depth issue on the defensive line. It is a minor issue, but adding another defensive lineman would be useful for the Titans. One of the more intriguing options out there is Johnathan Hankins. He is a big bodied defender that can play anywhere on the line in a 3-4 scheme. Hankins is also just 26 years old, meaning he still has a lot of good football left in him. This would not be the most sexy move out there, but what defensive lineman is?
Hankins is just the right guy to bring into Nashville because he has a background of being a run stopper and has had success as a pass rusher. In 2014, Hankins had seven sacks while recording 30 tackles. Although the sacks have never been that lucrative, Hankins consistently gets his tackles. That would be useful as a replacement for Klug.
Another positive is that Hankins would probably come at a reasonable price. Although free agents are still out there, it is late in the process and players like to know where they will be playing next year. Hankins will probably want to find a team sooner rather than later. Therefore, he may give the Titans a discount to get on a team quickly. If Hankins is not signed soon, he may be one of the players that does not have a job going into the 2018 season.
Does it make sense?
It makes sense from a perspective that the Titans have solidified a lot of the holes on their roster. Is it absolutely necessary to sign another defensive lineman, but having a depth option that has had success in the league is always a good idea. The Tennessee Titans have a defensive minded head coach that is looking to build a defense that strikes fear into opposing teams. With Hankins, Jurrell Casey, and DaQuan Jones lining up on the line of scrimmage, teams may be hesitant to run the ball. It is worth looking into for Jon Robinson and the Titans. Who knows; maybe he can reclaim his top form.