With the first OTAs right around the corner for the Tennessee Titans, it is time to look at narrowing the roster rather than expanding it. The Tennessee Titans are actually a lot deeper with young talent than they have been in the past few years, so this should be a pretty competitive offseason.
With a thin group of linebackers, we could see a lot of shuffling between now and Week 1.
Derrick Morgan- In
Morgan may honestly be the face of this franchise, especially if this year works out. Michael Griffin has been too inconsistent in his career, and other than that no defensive player has really been as good as Morgan for as long.
Brian Orakpo- In
The Titans EDGE rushers look so much better this year than last year with Kamerion Wimbley not starting. Orakpo gives the Titans a much better physical presence on the outside and this scheme sets edge rushers up for success.
Avery Williamson- In
A bright spot in a bad year, Williamson was in the inside force against the run that the Titans have not had since Colin McCarthy's one-year wonder. With a physical, young defender in the middle of the field that has an knack for knowing how to time blitzes, year two should show fans why he is the clear starter top inside linebacker for the Titans.
Zach Brown- In
If Zach Brown and Brian Orakpo stay healthy, this team has a great chance to take a huge leap forward on defense. Not only can Brown stick with receivers and tight ends in coverage, but this timing blitz scheme that LeBeau runs should make him look like a freak.
Wesley Woodyard- Out
This may just be the bitterness from last year talking, but can anyone name one really good play that Woodyard made? He just made very little impact and really didn't look like the leader/thumper that fans were promised. Why pay a veteran that kind of money to waste a roster spot? Woodyard really needs to show up more this year if he wants to play again in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately NFL.
Deiontrez Mount- In
I think Mount has a chance to really sit back and learn this year. Hopefully by week 10 he will be getting some good snaps to relieve Orakpo and Morgan.
Zaviar Gooden- In
I think Gooden is a physical fit in this defense, and he should be a solid replacement for Zach Brown. Also, he should help the team on special teams again.
Jonathan Massaquoi/Nate Askew/Yawin Smallwood- In
I think these three could help on special teams or have shown up enough on college film or with their last NFL team to warrant a look.
Everyone else- Out
I think that most of these other guys are just names, but with these guys going out I could definitely see the Titans adding some LB help over the next few months.