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The Tennessee Titans have gone 15-33 in the past three seasons, and second-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt has his work cut out for him if he wants to challenge the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South. The Titans currently own the second pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and must find an impact performer who can become a building block on Tennessee’s roster for the next decade.
The Titans have needs at nearly every position, including a question mark at quarterback. They currently have Zach Mettenberger and Charlie Whitehurst atop the depth chart. Mettenberger has potential to be a productive quarterback, but was injured in college, and had a major injury to his throwing shoulder during his rookie season in Tennessee. If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston as expected at No. 1, the Titans will have three options with their pick.
1. Take the best player available.
2. Trade down and gather picks.
3. Reach for a quarterback.
If the Titans stay put at No. 2, they should take USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams. I don’t think the Titans should gamble on Oregon’s Marcus Mariota. I view Mariota as a high-risk, high-reward prospect, who will likely need time to learn how to become a pro-style quarterback. He’s just not worth that risk because, if you’re going to take a quarterback at No. 2, he better be NFL-ready.
The Titans need plenty of help up front, ranking 27th in total defense and 31st against the rush. They currently have Ropati Pitoitua at left defensive end and Jurrell Casey on the other side. Backups, Mike Martin and Karl Klug are rotational options, but bringing in Williams would provide the Titans with options, flexibility and an elite talent who can require double-teams.
Williams has immense natural ability and still room for improvement. By all accounts, Williams is a very hard worker and has the instincts and intelligence that coaches covet. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Williams also has position versatility and is a perfect fit as a 5-technique defensive end in the Titans’ 3-4 scheme. He also has the strength to line up inside as a tackle during passing situations. Another plus is, Williams was a dominant force at times, but has yet to reach his full potential as a player. Fine-tuning his technique and working on mastering his craft could turn Williams into an elite lineman in the NFL.
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick on Twitter@nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
