Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Tennessee Titans.
2014 in a nutshell: Still missing a decent quarterback and playmakers on both sides of the ball, they post a losing record for the third straight season, winning only two games to “earn” the No. 2 overall pick.
Why 2015 could be different: They used that pick on Oregon quarterback and new starter Marcus Mariota.
Major additions: Mariota as well as free-agent starters Brian Orakpo, Da’Norris Searcy, Byron Bell, Perrish Cox and Harry Douglas.
Major losses: Left tackle Michael Roos, who retired.
Breakout watch: Taylor Lewan was supposed to take over for Roos anyway, but the 2014 first-round pick struggled with injuries and productivity as a rookie. He’ll be counted on from the get-go in 2015. On the other side of the ball, watch for Avery Williamson, who flashed at linebacker as a rookie.
Position to watch: Aside from quarterback, the receiving corps is extremely interesting with veterans Douglas, Hakeem Nicks and Kendall Wright, as well as youngsters Justin Hunter and Dorial Green-Beckham. Who will step up for Mariota?
Prediction: This team isn’t ready to compete, but Mariota should make some progress and they’ve got more playmakers on both sides of the ball. This is a five- or six-win team.
