TENNESSEE TITANS (9-7)
OPEN CAMP: July 25, Nashville, Tennessee
LAST YEAR: Coach Mike Vrabel just missed playoffs in debut season despite enough issues to distract any veteran head coach. They opened with longest game (in overall time) in NFL history, losing top pass catcher TE Delanie Walker to season-ending injury in process. Most experienced receiver Rishard Matthews was released at his demand, and DC Dean Pees was in hospital for loss in Indianapolis. QB Marcus Mariota also missed three starts, including season finale with playoff berth on line.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: LG Rodger Saffold, QB Ryan Tannehill, OLB Cameron Wake, WR Adam Humphries, DT Jeffery Simmons, WR A.J. Brown, G Nate Davis, DB Amani Hooker, LB D’Andre Walker, LB David Long, TE coach Todd Downing.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: OC Matt LaFleur, OLB Brian Orakpo, OLB Derrick Morgan, S Johnathan Cyprien, LG Quinton Spain, LG Josh Kline, QB Blaine Gabbert.
CAMP NEEDS: Both Mariota and his receivers must stay healthy to help first-time coordinator Arthur Smith prepare for season opener. Jack Conklin needs to practice and return to All-Pro status as rookie to keep his RT job or risk being replaced by Dennis Kelly. Keep Wake healthy and see who steps up behind veteran and OLB Harold Landry III to revive outside pass rush.
EXPECTATIONS: Titans have one playoff berth to show for team’s first three-season winning streak since leaving Texas for Tennessee. GM Jon Robinson has surrounded Mariota with most talent he’s had in NFL. Vrabel is pushing Titans to go from good to great and will need RB Derrick Henry to start how he finished 2018, along with Pees’ already stingy defense getting even better.
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