With the 2013 NFL Draft approaching, Around The League will examine one big question facing all 32 teams. Next up: The Tennessee Titans
Are the Titans stuck on offense?
This might sound insane, considering the Titans were 31st in first downs and sub-mediocre in most offensive categories, but the Titans' offense looks relatively set heading into the draft. Guard was a huge need going into free agency, but they added a big-ticket item in offensive lineman Andy Levitre and two other free agents at the position. The team still could invest long-term in a top guard with the No. 10 pick, but they don't have to.
Quarterback is set with Jake Locker and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Tight end has two starters in Delanie Walker and Craig Stevens. No one overpays their running backs more than the Titans with Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene. (Ex-Panthers general manager Marty Hurney takes offense.) Even the wide receiver position, which has long-term questions, looks pretty deep with Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, Damian Williams and Kevin Walter. (Washington could be traded.)
This is a weird Titans roster. This is an offense that could be very explosive, or implode. It feels like nothing in between will happen. They have three key foundation pieces in Locker, Britt and Johnson who face very uncertain futures. But you can't exactly approach a draft planning for your former first-round picks to fail. The Titans can't start looking to replace their young players while they are young and starting.
This draft figures to be about the team's lackluster defense and the offensive line. There are plenty of needs to go around on defense, and the Titans essentially are committed to playing the guys they have on offense.
This group either will get a lot better together in 2013, or there will be a massive overhaul next offseason.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
