Tennessee Titans

• Pick 20th in the 2012 NFL Draft
• Ranked 24^th in the defense against the run (128.3 yds game)
• Headed into the 2012 offseason with as many as 20 potential free agents

Offense

Key Notes:

• The team converted on 36.6% of its 3^rd Down opportunities, but 71% of its 4^th Down conversion attempts
• The offensive line allowed 28 sacks, but the team averaged just 3.8 yds/carry
• PK Rob Bironas missed just three field goals (29-of-32) and connected on all but one of his field goals over 50 yards (6-of-7)

Potential Key Free Agents:  RB Ahmard Hall, WR Lavelle Hawkins, OT Mike Otto, C Fernando Velasco, OG Jake Scott

• Resigned TE Craig Stevens to four-year extension

Potential Team Needs:  OG, WR

14-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck proved to have gas left in the tank.  Although there were times when he struggled to stay upright, he became just the second Tennessee Titan/Houston Oiler (see other notes-Warren Moon) to throw for more than 3,500 yards (3,571).  Rookie QB Jake Locker (99.4 passer rating, 0 INTs) looked ready for primetime in nearly every instance (5 games of action) in which he appeared, but his accuracy (51.5%) is still an area of improvement. 

Perhaps the biggest sign of Hasselbeck’s influence came in the play of 3^rd-year TE Jared Cook, who developed into one of the league’s best vertical threats down the seams.  Along with veteran Nate Washington (1,023 yards/7 rec TDs), the pair helped open one-on-one opportunities for possession receivers LaVell Hawkins (47 catches) and Damien Williams (52 rec, 592 yds, 5 TDs).  Hawkins may not return.  If budding star Kenny Britt has been convicted in his rehab (ACL), and if he returns at full strength, the team could be set outside.   The Titans couldn’t afford to lose the blocking ability of #2 TE Craig Stevens, and he was given a $14 million dollar extension with a $4 million dollar signing bonus.  He was also productive in limited opportunities as a receiver. 

Although RB Chris Johnson was satisfied with his long-awaited contract, he suffered through a season where his conditioning never caught up with his world-class speed.  Still, he was able to earn his incentive bonus for going over the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive season. 

The offensive guard position could be one that the Titans look at strongly in the middle portion of this year’s draft.  They have hopes that Fernando Velasco will develop, but even he is a restricted free agent.   They may lose veteran LG Jake Scott.  Depth could become a factor.  Was the lack of productivity of Johnson strictly a sign of his conditioning or are major upgrades needed in the interior of the offensive line?  it's a question that has to be answered in either free agency or the draft.

Defense

Key Notes:

• 8^th  in the NFL in points allowed
• LB Akeem Ayers started every game
• Rookie DT Karl Klug started just one game, but led the Titans with seven QB sacks
• 2011 4^th RD pick LB Colin McCarthy started seven games
• Rookie DT Jurrell Casey started 15 games

Potential Key Free Agents:  SS Jordan Babineaux, FS Chris Hope,  CB Courtland Finnegan, FS-SS Michael Griffin, DL Tony Brown, DE Dave Ball, DL William Hayes, DT Jason Jones

Potential Team Needs-CB, S, DT, LB, DE

Secondary

The Titans’ defense will be hurt by the potential loss of Finnegan, who seems to be content with shopping his services elsewhere.   CB Jason McCourty led the team in tackles and proved competitive on the opposite side.  The Titans lack a true cover corner who can take away the team’s top opposing wideout, due to the fact that Alterraun Verner may never be more than a solid #3 corner. 

The safety situation is more up in the air, and even Anthony Smith –who ended the year on IR- may not return.  Babineaux had his moments in finishing second on the team in tackles (87), but he also would need to be replaced if he left in free agency.  

Defensive Line

Up front, the team seemed to have struck at least a portion of gold with the drafting of Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug.  Klug was active in leading the team with 7 QB sacks.  What happens if they are unable to re-sign Jones, Ball or Hayes?   Their defensive line consistently rotates, so able bodies are needed.  Incumblent 3^rd-year DE Derrick Morgan is ready for a breakout season after coming on strong late, but the team still needs another edge rusher to compliment his skill set. 

Linebackers

At LB, Will Witherspoon may return, but the team may look to upgrade at the position.  The team has to be happy with 2011 rookies Colin McCarthy and last year’s  2^nd Rd pick Akeem Ayers (74 tackles).  Both should get better, but they will always have to be able to key and diagnose quickly with the scheme the Titans employ. Viable, speedy LBs who can cover and play on special teams will get looks from the Titans this spring.