Free agency: 1 player at each position Tennessee Titans should sign
By Ravi Konjeti
Defensive lineman
Starting at the middle of the defense, the Titans are anchored by rising star DaQuan Jones. Jones had his best season as a pro last year holding the middle of the defensive line. While Jones was solid last season, the Titans will need depth behind him after Austin Johnson’s departure.
The Titans have a starter at the position in Jones and don’t need to dish out significant cap space to fill the depth. While big named free agents like Ndamakong Suh and Michael Brockers are off the list, the Titans can attack the mid-tier players.
If we are talking about a defensive lineman with a pedigree, then the first name that comes to mind at this point in free agency is Damon Harrison.
Snacks isn’t an every down player in the NFL any more, not only because he will be 31 next season but because he is primarily a run stuffing behemoth.
On a roster with Jurrell Casey missing but with DaQuan Jones and Jeffery Simmons still in place, you may think that a pass rushing DT is the best fit here. While I get that, Harrison would afford the Titans the opportunity of matching Simmons and Jones up against tackles while he took on guards and centers.
Imagine being an offensive having Harold Landry or Vic Beasley lining up on your outside shoulder, while Jones or Simmons line up on your inside shoulder. Your head would be spinning trying to figure out how you needed to pass set and whether or not you had to be worried about the speed, the power or a stunt.
All that happens because Harrison allows you to play your strong defensive tackles outside instead of eating up blocks in the middle.