Titan Sized
FanSided

Most important Titans return: Derick Roberson, Vic Beasley, or Darrynton Evans

By Will Lomas

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 22: Linebacker Derick Roberson #50 of the Tennessee Titans sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter in the game at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 22: Linebacker Derick Roberson #50 of the Tennessee Titans sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter in the game at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Derick Roberson, EDGE

Pros

Despite my love for Harold Landry and everything he brings to the Tennessee Titans, the best pure pass rusher on this roster is most likely Derick Roberson.

Roberson has a blistering first step that forced All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to play on his heels all game. Not only that, but one of Roberson’s two sacks on that game is the only sack allowed by Ramczyk all season, which is pretty impressive.

He isn’t just a one-trick pony though, he also had a  sack against the Saints where he stunted inside into the A-gap and quickly found Drew Brees for a stop on 3rd down.

Roberson is the only electric EDGE in a group of EDGEs that win primarily through power and hand placement. That stylistic counterpunch may be something desperately missing from a front four that isn’t getting any help from the coaching staff on 3rd downs.

Cons

Roberson’s role on the Titans is going to be as a DPR on 3rd downs, but when your primary move is an outside speed rush, it leaves your defense vulnerable to screens. I think that Roberson has done a good job in the past reading and reacting to those but without any game experience this season I don’t know if he is going to be immediately ready to deal with that.

The Titans linebackers have struggled this year so far, so asking them to make those plays might be tough if he isn’t able to get back and help.

Home/Titans News