NFL Future Power Rankings: Where do the Titans Check In?

ESPN (Insider) released their future power rankings yesterday. They had a formula that they ran through to get that ranking, which included quarterback, coaching, front office, draft and overall roster.

The Titans checked in at 9th.

They would have checked in much higher on this list, but ESPN ranked them tied for 20th in the coaching department, keeping up with that tired narrative. Here’s a snippet of what they had to say.

The question I keep asking myself: Do they have the right coaching staff in place to take this team to the top? There are some very bright, innovative, well-respected coaches who would be interested in this job if it came open. That's something for GM Jon Robinson to keep in mind if this team does not achieve its tremendous potential. -- Louis Riddick

So an offseason after Mike Mularkey goes 9-7 in his first year at the helm, Riddick is talking about him losing his job? I don’t understand that. It’s also a slap to the face of Mularkey and the staff to insinuate that they aren’t “bright, innovative or well-respected.”

I think the league took notice of “exotic smashmouth” last year as they boasted one of the top rushing attacks in the league. We saw flashes of an explosive passing attack as well, which is only going to get better with the added pieces around Marcus Mariota.

Other than Riddick’s comments, everything else was positive. Field Yates said that the offense has “steam-rolling” potential.

I think 9th is a little low for the Titans in a futures rankings column, honestly. You’re talking about a team that appears to have a young, stud general manager who already has his offensive line and quarterback in place for the future. The roster needs some help defensively, but I have no doubts that will be focus next offseason. You can only do so much, considering where Robinson started.