How the Tennessee Titans Will Go from Worst to First in the AFC South
This offseason the Tennessee Titans got off to a fast start firing Head Coach Mike Vrabel as well as most of the coordinators and assistants also on staff. This culture change also will most likely bring an end to many longtime Titans stints with the team. Right now, it is very unlikely that former Titans starter Ryan Tannehill will be back with the team, but this comes with very little surprise as he was already jumped as the starter this past season by rookie Quarterback Will Levis. Yet, one player that's still up in the air on a return is the identity of the Titans, Derrick Henry. Henry is his final game this past season single-handedly eliminated the Jacksonville Jaguars from playoff contention rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown. After the game, Henry gave a speech to all of Nissan Stadium making it seem like it would be his last game as a Titan. However, the Titans did not fire their staff for no reason they came up with a game plan for the future.
The team went out and hired former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their head coach. On top of that, they also brought in Callahan's father to coach the offensive line. For Henry, it has now become very intriguing for a return. With a completely revamped staff and the best offensive line coach in the NFL, they have made a great push but it's not going to be only Henry returning that will make the Titans a contender once again.
Wide Receiver
Since trading star receiver A.J. Brown the Titans have had many issues developing young talent at the position. Right now, the depth chart consists of Deandre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, and Kyle Phillips. At this point in the offseason that is basically it. While Hopkins is still a superstar and will always be dependable; Both Burks and Phillips are very unproven as well as extremely injury-prone. This upcoming season could be their last chance to truly prove themselves otherwise the Titans will be forced to move on. To bolster the position group there are many options through both free agency and the draft. In free agency for the Titans, the dream signing would be Tee Higgins due to his rapport with the new Titans head coach as well as being from the Nashville area. Although it has become very likely that the Bengals will utilize their one franchise tag on Higgins. Meaning fellow Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is most likely to walk. Boyd could be the slot receiver they need to get a head start on their rebuild. Looking at the draft could also be an option. While using the seventh overall pick on a receiver is not ideal, on day two of the draft with the 38th overall pick the Titans should consider players like Keon Coleman and Troy Franklin.
Offensive Line
In the past few seasons, the offensive line that got the Titans to the AFC Championship game has slowly fallen apart mostly due to age. There are definitely some rising stars such as rookies Jaylen Duncan and Peter Skoronski although right now the position group is a mess. In order to solidify the tackle position the Titans have to use their first overall pick on an offensive lineman. Joe Alt the former tight end converted offensive tackle out of Notre Dame has been a name linked to the Titans in the draft. Adding Alt to the young core could be a major boost.
Overall, the Titans come in the season with many holes and many new faces in the organization. However, with some of the changes above implemented, they may not be as far from the playoffs as some may think. They currently hold over 70 million in cap space allowing them to quickly jumpstart their rebuild. Don't be too surprised when the Titans are at the top of the AFC South whether it's this coming season or very soon.
