I think we can all agree that linebacker was the weakest position on the defense last season, and only maybe second to the interior offensive line on the whole team. The Tennessee Titans addressed their need for an outside linebacker early in the 2011 draft when they selected Akeem Ayers in the second round. I think the staff would tell you that they never in thought they would have the chance to get Ayers with that pick. He was a playmaker in college, and he fits the bill of the big linebacker that Jerry Gray wants.
Ayers has the best chance of any of the guys drafted in April to come in and make an impact right away. In fact, if the Titans defense is going to be much better than it was last year, they need him to come in and be good right away.
I like the fact that he has been at UCLA all this time with Alterraun Verner. I know that ATV hasn't worked under the current staff, but there is no doubt in my mind that the coaches have communicated some of the things they are going to want to do. We know that Verner is a student of the game, and I think Ayers will be in good shape physically and mentally when he gets here in part due to his work with ATV.