State of the Tennessee Titans Roster: Defensive Tackle

by Jimmy on Jun 19, 2009 1:48 PM CDT in Tennessee Titans Commentary

Pretty safe to say that defensive tackle will be the most watched position on this team in 2009. In case you haven't heard, the Titanslost the best defensive tackle in the league this offseason. There is no question that there isn't a player in this group that is as good as Albert Haynesworth, but I really do believe that Jim Washburn can take this group and get their play as a whole be better than the DT play as a whole in 2008.

Tony Brownis the incumbent starter. He is one of those guys that Washburn has pushed the right buttons to make him realize his potential. He is a run stuffer who can get after the passer a little bit and has some nice dance moves, but in all seriousness, he is a valuable asset to this rotation.

Jovan Hayeis currently listed as the starter at LDT. I am very interested to see what the Titans will get out of Haye. He is a hometown boy, playing his college ball at Vanderbilt, and had a very good season in 2007 when he recorded 6 sacks with Tampa. Haye followed that up with a 0 sack performance last season, so it remains to be determined what type of player he really is.

Jason Jones is the guy that most of us expect to emerge as a start. He showed flashes of being really good, especially in his 3.5 sack, 3 forced fumble performance against the Steelers last season, but it remains to be seen if he can be a steady performer over the course of a 16 game season.

The other unknown is 2nd round pick Sen'Derrick Marks. Marks showed a lot of upside in his career at Auburn, and if history has taught us anything it is that Wash can coach up a guy like that. It will be exciting to watch his progression through camp and into the season.

Kevin Vickerson is coming off a decently productive season and should continue to improve this season. He is a solid role player to add depth to this group.

Then there is the object of shake's affection, Mitch King. King put up some really good numbers in college ~~as a defensive end~~. He listed as a DT on the current depth chart. He will have to put on some weight to play at that position. If he is able to do that he will probably make a strong push to make the roster.

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I

might be of the minority here…
But I am most excited about Javon Haye. I think he is one of those quick – strong, good push kind of defensive linemen we were planning on looking for after the departure of Albert.
Now, for Jason Jones, sure the kid has a ton of potential, and I expect alot out of him. However, the one game which he showed up BEST was against the Steelers. Yes he had 3.5 sacks, and caused 3 force fumbles. But, not to get over-hyped, which I think alot of you are, it was against an ATROCIOUS offensive line.
I think he will have a fantastic year, but I look at him and Javon Haye to have a fantastic 2nd LDT rotation.

by RhiNo6705 on Jun 19, 2009 5:27 PM CDT reply actions

After we signed Mitch King I became an instant fan, the guy is a beast and will have a good NFL career. Most Titan fans write him off as not making the final cut but I believe he’ll surprise a lot of people. If I have to guess which DT will be cut my money is on Vickerson, the only thing going for him is that he’s slightly over 300lbs.

In all honesty I wouldn’t mind keeping 11 defensive linemen on the roster going into the season opener (6 DT, 5 DE). With that many guys we could have a fresh line the entire game plus it would help keep guys rested and injury free.

by BurheadTitans on Jun 19, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions

I don't

think I can agree with you on Vickerson.
I record all games and have watched them multiple times. I usually watch the Trenches and as far as I saw, Vickerson got alot of penetration, stuffed the run, and made alot of plays. He was also always hustling to the ball.
But I do agree with you on Mitch King, I want this kid to do great!!!

by RhiNo6705 on Jun 19, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions

there will probably

be multiple guys @ d-line who we cut that get immediately snatched up by other teams. we simply have too many good players. (you’re welcome in advance colts fans)

The Dual Threat, Official Enforcer/Stat Geek of MCM.

by hal41605 on Jun 19, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions

"King put up some really good numbers in college as a defensive end."

Mitch King was a DT in college, not a DE. He came to Iowa as a LB from high school and was moved to DT where he started for four years. Common misperception that he was a DE, fueled by some errant draft guru sites and his weight.

by the_iowa_hawkeye on Jun 22, 2009 2:48 PM CDT reply actions