Upgrading the wide receiver position is the proverbial elephant in the room as the Titans prepare for free agency and the draft. Due to a lack of playmakers, the 2007 Titans struggled mightily offensively, especially in the passing game.
In addition to bringing into the fold some talented performers at the wide receiver position, the team may also be inclined to address other areas where injuries, free agency and possible retirement could all have negative ramifications.
Lets take a look at some areas other than wide receiver where upgrades may be in store.
Defensive End
Antwan Odom finally began to live up to his potential last season. After a few ordinary seasons, the former second round draft selection burst onto the scene last year, accumulating eight sacks and combining with Pro Bowler Kyle Vanden Bosch to form one of the leagues better defensive end tandems.
Odoms breakout season occurred during his contract year, so expect a lot of suitors for Odoms services once free agency begins. Blessed with a plethora of cap room, the Titans have the salary cap resources to bring Odom back into the fold next season.
Fellow defensive end Travis LaBoy is also a free agent. LaBoy had a solid contract year, attaining six sacks while also forcing four fumbles. Re-signing LaBoy would be a great insurance policy in case Odom isnt re-inked and in an ideal world, both players would remain Titans for the foreseeable future.
Whether its re-signing their own or replacing them, the defensive end position will be one to watch this offseason.
Guard
Addressing the guard position may be of the utmost importance this offseason. A back injury is the cause of veteran Benji Olsons contemplation of retirement. Losing the 10- year veteran to retirement would be a tough blow to a Titans offensive line that performed adequately last season.
At the other starting guard position is Jacob Bell, who enters this offseason as a free agent. Re-signing Bell is one of the teams top free agent priorities. If Olson decides to call it quits and Bell isnt retained, the Titans are looking at the prospect of replacing two of its starting lineman next year. That’s a scary thought.
Safety
The Titans are hopeful that Chris Hope will be available next season. Losing Hope was a tough break for the Titans defense, and his playmaking skills and veteran presence in the secondary was missed during last seasons stretch run.
Despite the expectation that Hope should be ready for next season, the safety position may also be an area of need this offseason. Whether it is through free agency or the draft, Jeff Fisher and the Titans front office may look to secure some insurance in case Hope is lost for any significant amount of time next year.
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