Tennessee started the 2010 NFL season as a talented team with a difficult schedule. As the season progressed distractions began to take their toll on the team and the franchise slipped to a disappointing 6-10 record. A feud between starting quarterback Vince Young and head coach Jeff Fisher resulted in both parting ways with the franchise and a new era of rebuilding beginning.

Team Needs

Going into the 2011 NFL Draft the Tennessee Titans had several needs. The most important of those are:

1. Quarterback: With Vince Young no longer the starter in Tennessee a new franchise quarterback is needed if the franchise wants to compete with its division rivals.
2. Inside Linebacker: Star middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch is a free agent, so the Titans need to re-sign him or draft  a replacement.
3. Defensive End: Jason Babin is also a free agent whom the Titans must re-sign or replace.
4. Offensive Guard: Chris Johnson struggled to find running lanes inside in 2010 due to the subpar play from the offensive guards.

2011 Draft Picks

Round 1 (8) Jake Locker (QB) Washington – The Titans see Locker as having a similar dual threat skillset to Vince Young. This means that they can continue to use the majority of the current playbook, worrying teams with the running talents of Locker and Chris Johnson. Some consider Locker as a reach here, however the Titans needed a quarterback and could not risk trading back and losing their man.

Round 2 (39) Akeem Ayers (LB) UCLA – Akeem Ayers is fantastic value in the second round. He was expected to be a first round pick, but fell due to concerns about his ability to play against the run. Ayers is a versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside for the Titans in their 4-3 defensive scheme.

Round 3 (77) Jurrell Casey (DT) USC – Tennessee continue to miss the run stuffing skills of Albert Haynesworth, however with this move they may have finally replaced him. Casey is an extremely talented defensive tackle who has experience playing in a 4-3 defense. Casey should see significant game time in his first season and should begin to produce straight away.

Round 4 (109) Colin McCarthy (ILB) Miami (Fl) – The selection of Colin McCarthy means that it is unlikely that the Titans bring Stephen Tulloch back. The move also signals the Titans intent to use Akeem Ayers as an outside linebacker, most likely as a future replacement for Will Weatherspoon. McCarthy is solid value in the fourth round and will hope to produce like 2009 4^th rounder Alterraun Verner.

Round 4 (130) Jamie Harper (RB) Clemson – This is a questionable pick by the Titans. They have several needs which they have not filled and have instead addressed an area that is not an issue. Chris Johnson is the unquestioned starter for the Titans and is 2 years off of a 2000 yard season and Javon Ringer is a solid backup. However, Harper is a more physical running back than either of these two so he may begin to take goal line carries.

Round 5 (142) Karl Klug (DE) Iowa – Klug was projected to be selected around this position, so value is solid. Jason Babin is a free agent and may not be back depending on his contract demands. Klug has the talent to become a solid starter at defensive end, although it may take a year or two for him to adjust to the NFL.

Round 6 (175) Byron Stingily (OT/G) Louisville – Byron Stingily is a big versatile offensive lineman. He will most likely play at left guard for the Titans, however if an injury crisis occurs then he can also play right tackle.

Round 7 (212) Zach Clayton (DT) Auburn – The Titans double dip at the defensive tackle position in the hope that Clayton can become a starter if Jurrell Casey doesn’t.

Round 7 (251) Tommie Campbell (CB/S) California P-A – Tommie Campbell is a very talented player, however he has red flags over his character. If the Titans can help Campbell to mature and learn the NFL game then he could become a starter in two years time.

Fantasy Football Impact

Jake Locker will have a bumpy season in 2011 so should not be considered as a QB1. Due to Locker’s expected troubles teams will focus more on stopping the run against Tennessee. This will mean a difficult year for Chris Johnson. Although he will still put up solid fantasy stats and will remain a top 5 running back, barring injury. Kenny Britt will take a hit in production due to having a rookie quarterback and likely missing games through a suspension due to recent off the field issues. The Titans defense will go into rebuild mode if Babin and Tulloch are not re-signed, so this situation must be closely watched.