Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Tennessee Titans.
2015 in a nutshell: They increase their win total from 2014 by 50 percent…from two to three. But rookie No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota shows flashes.
Why 2016 could be different: Mariota is one year older and is healthy entering the season. They also made major upgrades to the offense.
Major additions: Rookies Jack Conklin, Derrick Henry and Tajae Sharpe all will play major roles in 2016, as will offseason acquisition DeMarco Murray, who was the league’s offensive player of the year in 2014. And they added veteran center Ben Jones, receivers Rishard Matthews and Andre Johnson and safety Rashad Johnson.
Major losses: Out of nowhere this summer, they traded young receiver Dorial Green-Beckham to the Eagles.
Breakout watch: They really need recent first-round picks Taylor Lewan and Chance Warmack to emerge as reliable regulars within the offensive line.
Position to watch: With Green-Beckham gone and Sharpe kicking ass in camp and the preseason as a rookie fifth-round pick, the receiver position is complicated. They’ve also got Matthews (making big money), Johnson (if he’s got anything left in the tank) and recent high-end picks Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter. Oh and veteran Harry Douglas. A lot going on there.
Prediction: They’re still at least a year away, but with Mariota and that hard-nosed offense they should win six or seven games in an improving division.
