FanPost

Positional Group Rankings (Offense)

The Titans have made it through free agency and the draft, and have undoubtedly become a much better team. I want to address each offensive position group as they stood at the end of the 2016 season, and how I view them now. I would love to hear your thoughts on each group, and I'm open for debate. If this article is a success, I'll do one for defense. If you all hate it, I'll act like I'm cool about it, but secretly cry myself to sleep for months. This is my first swing at writing an article, so try not to rake me over the coals too bad.

Offense

Quarterback

2016: Mariota, Cassel, Tanney

Ranking: A-

2017: Mariota, Cassel, Tanney

Ranking: A-

I've already made some people upset by not giving Marcus an "A". Allow me to redeem myself. Mariota was brilliant at times last season. He struggled a bit early on, but came out and had a very efficient second year. I hold this group at an A-, because Mariota is not 100% yet. I fully expect him to be, but this is as of current, not what I expect by the start of the season.

Wide Receiver

2016: Matthews, Sharpe, Wright, Douglas, Mariani, McBride,

Ranking: C+

2017: Davis, Matthews, Sharpe, Taylor, McBride, Weems

Ranking: B+

Matthews really came into his own by mid-season, finishing up with 945 yards (43% higher than his previous career high) and 9 TDs (125% from previous career high). Sharpe played well for a 5th round rookie, but did not live up to his preseason hype. This group greatly improved by adding Corey Davis and Taywann Taylor. I bump them up a full letter grade.

Tight End

2016: Walker, Fasano, Supernaw, Amaro

Ranking: A

2017: Walker, Supernaw, Smith, Amaro

Ranking B+

I remember several disappointed fans when Craig Stevens retired last off-season. Anthony Fasano handed us a box of Kleenexes to wipe our tears while grading the road for our backs and passing game (I did not need my Kleenex's, I gave them to a Browns fan who cut out eye holes and made a mask). He will be sorely missed this year. Delanie Walker is an absolute monster. Contrary to what Taylor Lewan says, he does not need a cane to walk around with and adds an extra element in our offense as a top 5 TE in the league. I believe Jonnu Smith can be dangerous in 2 TE sets, but will likely see some degree of drop off from Fasano's blocking. Jace Amaro might not make the 53 if he does not improve as a blocker, though he showed flashes in relief of Walker.

Running Back

2016: Murray, Henry, Andrews, Fowler

Ranking A+

2017: Murray, Henry, Khalfani, Fowler

Ranking A+

I gave out my first perfect grade. Demarco Murray was a huge addition to this team last season, and lead the AFC in rushing. Henry came in like a wrecking ball (No Miley link, I promise). Andrews ran in the same style as the other guys, but only not quite on the same level. I think of Murray and Henry as Pepsi and Coke, and Andrews was sort of the Sam's Choice cola. I like what I've seen from Khalfani, I believe he could offer a change of pace and add value on Special Teams. This group improved by swapping Andrews out for Khalfani. We took all of the Sam's Choice Cola out of the cooler and traded it for Mountain Dew.

Offensive Line

2016: Lewan, Conklin, Kline, Jones, Spain, Tretola, Kelly, Warmack

Ranking: A

2017: Lewan, Conklin, Kline, Jones, Spain, Tretola, Kelly, Lelito, Levin, Seaton

Ranking: A+

I really wanted to give this group an A+, I just can't help but feel that we can do better than Kline. This group really turned around from 2015, and props to my man Russ Grimm (disclaimer, I have no actual connection to Russ Grimm) for helping to field a not only serviceable, but a top 5 offensive line. Conklin stepped in on day one and solidified our o-line. Gone are the horrible memories of Poutassi, Bell, and Oher (sorry I Blindsided you with all of those scrubs). Spain has held his own, and looks to be a long term answer at LG. Renowned urine connoisseur Ben Jones also adds a level of cohesion and stability to the center of the line, and Lewan looked like a top 5 LT last season. This brings us back to Kline. Kline was an upgrade over Chance Warm-snack (You KNOW that guy has to be snacking 24/7), but did appear to be a somewhat weak link in a very strong offensive line. Some people really like Levin to take that job, I give the slight edge to Tretola if there is an edge at all. Lelito will be in the mix as well. With 3 possible contenders for the RG spot, I think competition brings the best out of this group, hence the increase from A to A+.

Okay MCM, I want to hear from you. Where was I wrong?