:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17120921/125589183.0.jpg)
Akeem Ayers is going to be a crucial part of the Titans defense in 2013. We heard about his versatility when they drafted him, but didn't get to see much of that versatility in his rookie year. We got to see more of it last year, but from the sounds of what Jerry Gray told John Glennon in this article, we will see even more this year:
"We’ve got to find ways to get him rushing because he’s a big-body guy that has the athletic ability that can win one-on-one," Gray said. "Let’s put him in a position to where he can help this team win some football games."
The rotation of the defensive line this season is going to be very interesting. Right now it looks like Kamerion Wimbley could see a decrease in snaps if Ropati Pitoitua is going to play on run downs and Ayers is going to play end on passing downs because Derrick Morgan isn't coming off the field. That leaves Wimbley as the odd man out in some situations.
Of course you could also see some situations where Morgan slides inside on passing downs with Ayers and Wimbley at end. They did that some last season.