2011 Tennessee Titans NFL Draft Needs

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock with the eighth overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at their biggest needs and how they might address them on draft day.

1. Quarterback: It’s no secret, the Titans need a quarterback. Vince Young is on his way out and Kerry Collins is 38 years old. We also found out last year that Rusty Smith likely isn’t a long term option. With the top two quarterback prospects in this class, Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton, likely off the board when the Titans pick at No. 8, it would serve them well to wait until round two to go after a passer. Tennessee would do well to come away with a guy like Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet at that stage. At nearly 6-foo-7, Mallet will have no trouble seeing over the massive defensive lines at the next level. He has a big arm and surprising mobility for his size.

2. Defensive Tackle: The Titans have been in need of a defensive tackle since Albert Haynesworth left, which means it may serve them well to spend their top pick on this position. At No. 8, they could potentially land a guy like Auburn’s Nick Fairley. Concerns have come up surrounding his character and him taking plays off, but his performance in the BCS championship game will be enough for someone to take a shot on him in the top 10. That may not be Tennessee considering its history with troubled first-round picks like Vince Young and Adam “Pacman” Jones, but I think the pros outweigh the cons in this case. Alabama’s Marcell Dareus may be a better all-around player, but Fairley is easily the best interior pass rusher in the class. It would be nice to pair Fairley with last year’s first round pick Derrick Morgan on the defensive line.

3. Linebacker: Inside linebacker may be more of a need, but the Titans might not be able to pass up a talented pass rusher like Von Miller if he were to fall into their lap. While some experts now have Miller going in the top five, I won’t rule him out here as this is one of the most unpredictable top 10′s I’ve ever seen. The Titans came up with 40 sacks last season, but three of their better pass rushers are all free agents. Miller was the most dominant pass rusher in college football his junior season and still posted double-digit sacks as a senior despite facing constant double teams.

4. Offensive Line: The Titans need to make sure their offensive line remains a strength to get the most out of stud running back Chris Johnson. They won’t make a move on an offensive lineman too early, but they could come away with a guy like Wisconsin’s John Moffitt in round three. Moffitt can play both guard and center and may end up being the everyday center the Titans are looking for. Eugene Amano made most of the snaps last season despite being better suited to play guard.

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