Thursday, January 17, 2013
The Titans' free agent targets
By Tim Kavanagh
As one of the teams that didn't make the NFL's postseason tourney this season, the Tennessee Titans need to make some alterations prior to the 2013 campaign. They've already begun that process with some changes to the coaching staff, and player personnel decisions will be next. So where will they focus their assets this offseason?
TE Jared Cook is an impending free agent, and some believe that he'll be the recipient of the club's franchise tag. However, the Titans will have quite a bit more room to spend under the cap -- John Glennon of the Tennessean projects that they'll have about $19.4 million with which to play. In general, Tennessee can use help on the defensive side of the ball, and their defensive line, specifically, might be due for another upgrade. Sure, they added one piece last offseason in DE Kamerion Wimbley, but a stouter D-line helps all the folks playing behind them.
There's also the draft, of course, and Mel Kiper Jr. thinks they'll go D-line there with their first pick (No. 10 overall), sending Oregon's Dion Jordan to Nashville in his first mock draft of 2013:
Mel Kiper, Jr.
Mock Draft 1.0"He's a little light for a 4-3 defensive end, but Jordan has a long frame and can add some weight. The Titans saw an improved pass rush in 2012, but Jordan could take that unit to another level as he develops. This is a very good athlete, a player who probably could have developed into a draft-worthy tight end, but Oregon made the right call in putting him on defense. There is development left in his game, but his quick first step, long arms and overall athleticism are all high level and he could become a very good NFL pass-rusher."
