Team Needs:

OG, EDGE, DL, WR, C

Available Draft Picks:

1(19), 2(51), 3(82), 4(115), 5(148), 7(214)

Starting Cap Space:

$40,470,557

Trades:

None

Restructures:

None

Cuts:

RB Dion Lewis to save $3,175,000

The sole cut this offseason for the Titans is Dion Lewis, who had the worst year of his career by far when running the ball. Yes, Lewis adds a fold to the passing game that a lot of other running backs can’t, but this year’s draft has some running backs capable of taking over that role while presenting a bigger threat in the ground game.

Re-signings:

S Kenny Vaccaro for 1 year, $2,500,000

G Quinton Spain for 3 years, $7,200,000

TE Luke Stocker for 2 years, $3,000,000

RB David Fluellen for 1 year, $550,000 (ERFA)

CB Tye Smith for 1 year, $550,000 (ERFA)

Only one of these players is going to be starting for the Titans in 2019-20 and that’s G Quinton Spain. Spain has played increasingly more snaps every season, with him playing just under 94% of the teams total offensive snaps this season. His consistency made this an easy re-sign. S Kenny Vaccaro has struggled to consistently make an impact over the past few years but re-signing him here as a backup should be an easy decision. Luke Stocker is capable of being a TE2 on a lot of teams and with Delanie Walker being 34 and coming off of injury, having the insurance of a reliable backup could pay off huge here. Neither David Fluellen nor Tye Smith were really impact player or saw much playing time last year, but they’re both exclusive-rights free agents so bringing them back here on the cheap can’t hurt.

Free Agent Signings:

G Ben Garland for 3 years, $15,600,000

OLB Za’Darius Smith for 4 years, $38,000,000

DT Johnathan Hankins for 2 years, $11,000,000

EDGE Kony Ealy for 1 year, $950,000

Za’Darius Smith had a successful year this past season when rushing the passer. The Titans reward him by bringing him in early so that they don’t have to worry so much about his price being driven up after the bigger name edge rushers sign. Ben Garland very quietly played like one of the best guards in the NFL this season so bringing him in to replace the underwhelming Josh Kline really improves this offense all-around. Johnathan Hankins has had success everywhere he goes but for some reason the demand and big money seem to elude him, the Titans can bring him in for two years and some decent money, he’ll get another chance at getting a new contract when this one is up since he’ll still be relatively young. Kony Ealy has never really been able to put it all together but perhaps working with Mike Vrabel can help him maximize his potential.

Draft Results:

1.19 – Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

Brian Burns has great length, an incredibly quick twitch, and potential through the roof which makes him the perfect choice Tennessee here at pick 19. With Burns, Smith, and Landry III, this Titans pass rush is set for the next few years at least.

2.51 – Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State

Kelvin Harmon probably won’t ever become a superstar receiver but that’s what Corey Davis is for. Kelvin Harmon is a high-floor player that probably won’t get much better but that’s because he’s already pretty damn good as he is. His presence alone should really help open up this offense in a time where Mariota really needs as much help as he can get to earn that next contract. Hopefully the offensive play-calling is less predictable this season.

3.82 – Michael Jordan, IOL, Ohio State

Michael Jordan is an interior offensive lineman that should be ready to step in and contribute as a rotational lineman almost immediately. Tennessee just re-signed Quinton Spain and signed Ben Garland, Garland is already 30 and although he just played a great season, it’s possible he was just a one-year wonder, in which case, Michael Jordan could step in to replace him. Ben Jones is also entering the last season of his contract so it’s possible that Jordan just replaces him at the end, since Jordan has started games at both guard and center in college.

4.115 – Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State

Miles Sanders may not offer the presence in the passing game that Dion Lewis did but he definitely is a better receiving option than Derrick Henry. Sanders is an elusive runner that isn’t afraid of contact and should be able to contribute from the moment he steps into the training facility.

5.148 – Anthony Nelson, DL/EDGE, Iowa

Anthony Nelson is an absolute mountain of a man standing in at 6’7” tall. He’s played primarily with a hand in the dirt but he’s been able to occasionally stand up as an edge rusher. In the fifth round, this is a solid pick to take a risk with and hope that he can contribute.

7.214 – Richard Olekanma, LB, Toledo

Who? Most people have never heard this name unless they’ve heard me shouting it from the rooftops since before the season began. Richard Olekanma is an aggressive, high energy, scheme-versatile linebacker with a high football IQ that was a team captain. At the very worst, Olekanma could be a contributor on special teams and positive influence in the Titans locker room.

Cap Space Spent on Re-signings:

$7,250,000

Cap Space Spent on Free Agents:

$23,750,000

Cap Space Spent on Draft Picks:

$5,797,714

Total Cap Remaining:

$1,522,842

Backfield Starters

QB: Marcus Mariota

RB: Derrick Henry

Receiver Starters

WR1: Corey Davis

WR2: Kelvin Harmon

Slot: Tajae Sharpe

TE1: Delanie Walker

TE2: Jonnu Smith

Offensive Line Starters

LT: Taylor Lewan

LG: Quinton Spain

C: Ben Jones

RG: Ben Garland

RT: Jack Conklin

Defensive Line Starters

WDE: DaQuan Jones

NT: Johnathan Hankins

SDE: Jurrell Casey

Linebacker Starters

WLB: Za’Darius Smith

WILB: Jayon Brown

SILB: Rashaan Evans/Wesley Woodyard

SLB: Harold Landry III

Secondary Starters

CB1: Malcolm Butler

CB2: Adoree’ Jackson

Slot: Logan Ryan

FS: Kevin Byard

SS: Johnathan Cyprien

Special Teamers

K: Ryan Succop

P: Brett Kern

KOS: Ryan Succop

LS: Beau Brinkley

KR: Darius Jennings

PR: Adoree’ Jackson