Would the Titans draft a Defensive Tackle? I Think So

There is much speculation (imagine that!) about what position the Titans would look at in the first round of the NFL draft. Much attention has been placed on the offensive line and for good reason as that position ended the year as a hot mess. The interior line has needed improvement really since the Titans let Kevin Mawae walk in 2009. The Titans signing of Andy Levitre doesn't end the discussion either as the right side still needs work.

The Titans have spent the offseason adding players at a variety of positions beyond offensive line. The addition of Sammie Lee Hill initially led me to move the defensive tackle position down the list, but after some thought I'm not sure it is out of the question. Where I Take A Look at Sammie Lee Hill.  Why might you ask? Let's take a look.

To say that the Titans defense struggled in 2012 would be an understatement. While defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks is still a free agent, the Titans did sign Sammie Lee Hill. They seem to have a full stable with Jurrell Casey, Hill, second year man Mike Martin, Karl Klug and DaJohn Harris. Zach Clayton is also still a member of the practice squad. Given the roster, why would the Titans draft a defensive tackle? I think it all depends on their plans for Karl Klug.

The Titans seem intent on getting bigger along the defensive line and I wonder if Klug fits within their plans. At 6' 3" and 275 he doesn't appear to fit the profile the Titans are looking at for the position. So far the Titans have not made a move to switch Klug to defensive end and whether they might consider that option remains to be seen. I am traditionally not a fan of moves such as this but Klug only played 22% of all defensive snaps last season and that was primarily on pass rushing downs. The decision to sign DE Ropati Pitoitua who is 6' 8" and 315 pounds however may mean they want even more bulk at that position.

It certainly seems Klug may be the "odd man out" on the Titans defensive line and therefore drafting a defensive tackle might not be out of the question.

The Safety Dance - A look at the Titans Safety Position

Yesterday the Titans signed former Ravens safety Bernard Pollard to a one year deal, adding the hard hitter to a group that includes newly signed former Bills safety George Wilson, Michael Griffin, Robert Johnson, Al Afalava and Markelle Martin (did not play his rookie year due to injury). I previously took a look at the George Wilson signing here A Look At New Titans Safety George Wilson. What does the Pollard signing mean for the Titans? Let's take a look.

In 2012, the primary safeties for the Titans were Jordan Babineaux, Michael Griffin, Robert Johnson and Al Afalava. Suffice it to say that as a group the Titans safeties struggled that season. The Titans signed Wilson on February 22, 2013 and released Babineaux on March 13. Respectively, Babs and Griffin ranked 76 and 86 out of 88 safeties ranked per ProFootballFocus for safeties that played at least 25% of the time. PFF Safety Rankings 2012

Johnson and Afalava don't make the list because of their limited snap counts but if you look at all safeties Johnson was 124 out of 163 and Afalava was 57. The charts above are safeties who played at least 25 % of all defensive snaps. Wilson was ranked 8th and Pollard was ranked 29th. Without a doubt the Titans got better at the safety position with the addition of Wilson and Pollard.

In 2012, Wilson played 82.6% of the defensive snaps and was split fairly evenly between pass coverage and run defense. He really had a solid season with 79 solo tackles and 104 total tackles, 1 QB hit, 2 hurries, and 5 passes defended (per NFL.com. He was targeted 24 times with 13 receptions for a catch rate of 54.2%. It should be noted he led the team in tackles.

Like Wilson, Pollard led his former team in tackles at 98 with 71 solo. He added 2 sacks, 1 QB hit, 3 QB hurries, 2 batted passes, 1 interception and 6 passes defended (per NFL.com). He played 81.3% of the defensive snaps, was targeted 49 times with 33 receptions for a catch rate of 67.3%.

By contrast, the numbers for the Titans safeties speak for themselves. 2012 was not kind to the position by any stretch of the imagination. While statistics don't tell the entire story, I firmly believe they are useful to help formulate a picture. Numbers don't lie and by the numbers the Titans clearly got better at the safety position.

UPDATE: New safety Bernard Pollard talked the new helmet rule with SiruisXM Blitz and you can find it here:  Bernard Pollard talks new helmet rule

Analyzing the Ryan Fitzpatrick Move

On Monday, March 18, 2013 the Titans released backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and signed former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. I was very sad to see Hasselbeck move on to the Colts as he was from all appearances a great teammate and a consumate professional while with the Titans. I for one certainly wish him well in Indy except of course when they play the Titans. Fitzpatrick gets a lot of heat for his body of work in  Buffalo but I have grown to like this move since it was announced. Why do you ask? Let's take a look.

I wrote in my Shonn Greene blog that I believed the Titans could possibly run the read option given the other free agency signings they have made. A Look At Shonn Greene.  Locker showed in 2012 he was still more comfortable operating out of the shotgun and Fitzpatrick is simply better situated to run the offense I expect the Titans to run in 2013. He isn't going to start over Jake Locker and I expect Locker understands the job is his but that he must continue to improve.

Locker is entering the 3rd year of a 4 year rookie deal he entered on 7/29/2011. It is a four-year, $12,586,002 contract. The deal is fully guaranteed, including a $7,653,456 signing bonus and in 2013 he receives $1,519,182. In 2014 he receives $2,091,273, He is a free agent in 2015. www.rotoworld

This next year is a crucial one for Locker who is still recovering from left (non throwing) shoulder surgery. Fitzpatrick is only signed through 2014 and details aren't currently known but this could make Rusty Smith a roster bubble as the Titans could very well draft (or bring in as an unrestricted free agent) a devopmental quarterback as a hedge against their bets on Locker. Fitzgerald I believe will prove to be a capable backup but he isn't going to push Locker for his job. I look to the Titans to bring in a young guy who could push him if not in 2013 then most assuredly in 2014 if Locker struggles again in 2013.

UPDATE: It has now been reported that Fitzpatrick's deal with the Titans is $3.25 million per year for 2 years for a total of $6.5 million per Ian Rapport of NFL.COM.



A Look At Sammie Lee Hill - Titans Bright Shiny New Defensive Tackle

As part of their free agency stockpile, the Titans signed former Detroit Lions DT Sammie Lee Hill. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapport, the defensive tackle agreed to a 3 year, $11.4 million dollar contract that includes $4 million in guarantees. I must say Hill certainly has an interesting back-story. See Tales: The Hunger of Sammie Lee Hill 

At 6' 4" and 330 he has played some pretty athletic positions for his size and girth from basketball to tight end and finally to defensive end his senior year at Stillman. Hill was the first player ever drafted from Stillman and 1 of only 4 Stillman players to ever play in the National Football League. NFL Draft Profile

The Detroit Lions took the defensive tackle in the 2009 NFL draft in the 4th round (#115) and he was expected to take a long term spot in their defensive tackle rotation. Coming out, everyone knew he was a raw player who would need to be developed but he did contribute immediately playing 45 out of 75 snaps in his first game in the NFL against the New Orleans Saints. He would play 13 games, 562 defensive snaps (62.4%) and produce 3 QB hits, 8 QB hurries, 19 tackles and 14 stops his first year. The Lions finished 2 - 14 and  Lions defense was pretty terrible. Hill's 2009 campaign was pretty much what you would expect from a raw player coming from a small school who needed to be coached. He finished 83 out of 87 of all ranked DT/NT's according to PFF. (Side note: Titans DT Jovan Haye finished 85 that  year).

2009

2009

In 2010 the Lions drafted Ndamukong Suh #2 overall and added Corey Williams to the defensive line. Hill lost snaps to the newcomers and also to incumbent Turk McBride. He played in 15 games with 366 snaps (34.6%), and logged 2 QB sacks, 3 QB hits, 12 QB hurries, and 25 tackles. Statistically this was one of his best seasons. The Lions finished 6 and 10 and the defense was much improved. Hill himself finished the season ranked 19 out of 77 (note PFF ranks NT's and DT's together).

2010

2010

In 2011, the Lions once again used a high draft pick on a defensive lineman, drafting defensive tackle Nick Fairley in the 1st round at pick # 13. The 2011 Lions finished 10 and 6 and the defense was middle of the pack. Hill had a good season although not as good as 2010, playing in 16 games, with 437 snaps (38.1%), 2 QB sacks, 2 QB hits, 14 QB hurries, and 18 tackles. He finished the season ranked 30 out of 88 ranked DT/NT's.

2011

2011

In 2012, the Lions finished a disappointing 4 and 12 and were facing serious challenges in coming under the NFL salary cap. Several players were allowed to leave following the conclusion of the season including reserve DT Hill. The Lions were 27th in points allowed at 437 finishing very close to the Titans in that statistical category (finished 32 in points allowed at 471). Hill played 15 games, 419 defensive snaps (41.9%), and logged 0 QB sacks, 2 QB hits, 17 QB hurries, 3 batted passes, and 12 tackles. Hill finished the season ranked 24 out of 85 ranked DT/NT's.

2012

2012

One thing to note is that the Lions switched Hill from LDT to RDT after his rookie season, and it appears he has remained at that spot since. Presumably, he will take Sen'Derrick place on the defensive line. It should be noted that Marks also played LDT at times and I do wonder if Hill will see the same type switch the Titans employed with Marks and Jurrell Casey. Another note: in his rookie year Hill's snaps were split pretty evenly between pass and run plays at 262/292 but that changed in 2010 where the Lions utilized him mostly on plays where they expected a pass play. In 2010 it was split 202/163, in 2011 it was split 281/185 and 2012 it was split 232/187. The 2012 increase in numbers appears likely due to injuries to starter Nick Fairley as Hill's snap count greatly increased the two games where Fairley was out of the lineup.

There you have it your new Tennessee Titans defensive tackle. Initially, I wasn't a big fan of this signing but he seems like a likeable guy who will be easy to root for so I am hoping this turns out well. The issue I see is that the Titans really needed a defensive tackle who could help against the run but perhaps teaming him with Casey will make that issue moot. In any event, he certainly adds bulk and athleticism to the rotation.

A Look at Shonn Greene - Titans Bright Shiny New Running Back

During their spending spree in the first few days of free agency, the Titans signed former Jets running back Shonn Greene to a 3 year $10 million dollar deal that reportedly contains $4.5 million in guaranteed money. The Titans needed another back to compliment Chris Johnson so the signing makes sense in the larger picture. The conventional wisdom is that the Titans needed a power back to pair with "CJ2k" but is that what they are really thinking? Let's take a look.

The 27 year old Greene was drafted by the New Yorks Jets in the 3rd round (#65) of the 2009 NFL Draft. The Jets give up a 3rd (76), a 4th (115) and a 7th (228) round pick to move up and pick the former Iowa Haweye running back. Greene had a somewhat interesting career at Iowa but after doing some research I came to respect him even more than I already did. NFL Draft Profile

Greene entered the league at 24 and I was a bit concerned about mileage but he spent a year at Kirkwell College getting academically eligible to return to play for Iowa and he did not play football. Still, in his college career he ran 387 plays from scrimmage and racked up 2300 yards and 22 TDs (5.9 avg). One interesting note is that his college coaches almost converted him to linebacker and he did play some defensive back. His last year at Iowa, he rushed for 1850 yards on 307 carries (6.0 avg) with 20 TDs. He added 8 receptoins for 49 yards (6.1 avg). He was a consensus All American that year. Hawkeyes College Profile

I had a general sense of Greene due to my research prior to last season's Monday Night Football game, where I noted it was quite impressive he put up such respectable numbers while the Jets offense was pretty terrible (he did run behind a stellar offensive line). However, I went into this analysis without any preconceived notions in order to take a fresh look at Greene. What did I find? Let's take a look.

In 2009, Greene joined a Jets roster that also consisted of Leon Washington, Danny Woodhead and Thomas Jones. Jones would rush for 1402 yards on 331 carries that year. Greene himself would play 583 snaps, carry the ball 162 times for 846 yards and 4 TDs. He lost 3 fumbles. He was targeted 3 times in the passing game and had 1 reception for 4 yards. This averaged out to be about 24% of all offensive snaps.Not bad at all for a rookie year.  

In 2010, Greene assumed a larger role in the Jets offense this year running behind newly acquired Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson. LT would tote the rock 219 times for 914 yards that year (4.2 avg). Greene himself would add 448 snaps and 230 carries for 968 yards (4.2 avg) and 3 TDs. He lost 2 fumbles.  In the passing game, he was targeted 25 times and had 17 receptions for 129 yards (7.6 avg) and 0 TDs. He played 35.4% of the offensive snaps.

In 2011, Greene assumed his largest role in the Jets offense even though LT was still on the roster and the Jets had added Joe McKnight. Greene played 577 snaps, carried the ball 253 times for 1054 yards (4.2 avg) with 6 TDs. He lost 1 fumble. In the passing game he was targeted 40 times for 30 receptions (an amazing 75% catch rate) for 211 yards (7.0 avg). He played 51.2% of the offensive snaps. 

In 2012, Greene assumed the bulk of the workload in the Jets running game. He played 583 snaps while carrying the ball 276 times for 1063 yards (3.9 avg) and 8 TDs. He lost 3 fumbles. In the passing game, he was targeted 26 times and had 19 receptions for 151 yards and 0 TDs. His catch rate was 73.1 % and he had an average per catch of 7.9. 

While these numbers are interesting, I don't believe they are illustrative of what Greene brings to the Titans offense. If you look a little bit closer, and compare him to Chris Johnson, you see why the Titans chose Greene to "compliment" CJ2K. Chris Johnson is fast but he simply isn't a very well rounded running. There, I said it. His blocking has never been very good.

2009

2010

2011

2012

Since 2009, CJ2K has never played less than 70% of all offensive snaps. In 2009 he played 86.4% of all offensive snaps. That same year he gave up 11 quarterback hurries. 

In 2010, CJ2K played 83.8% of the offensive snaps and gave up 1 quarterback sack, 2 quarterback hits and 7 quarterback hurries. 

In 2011, CJ2K played 70% of the offensive snaps and gave up 6 quarterback hurries. 

In 2012, CJ2K played 81.4% of the offensive snaps and gave up 3 quarterback sacks, 3 quarterback hits and 5 hurries.

By contrast, in 2009 Greene didn't give up anything although in all fairness he wasn't used very much in the passing game. That soon changed as his role gradually expanded in that capacity. 

2009

2010

2011

2012

In 4 full seasons, Greene has only given up 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits, and 8 quarterback hurries. By contrast over that time period, CJ2K has given up 4 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, and 29 quarterback hurries. 

I agree the Titans likely signed Greene to "compliment" CJ2K in the larger scheme of things. I do not believe he will be used strictly in short yardage situations and goal line opportunities. It simply doesn't make sense monetarily to sign him to the contract he got and only give him limited carries. Furthermore, Greene can help in the passing not only by blocking too as he was a pretty good receiver for the Jets. I could see the Titans getting CJ2K more involved in the passing game allowing him to take advantage of his speed. 

Furthermore, and this is pure speculation, but I also wonder if the Titans brought in both Greene and Delanie Walker to incorporate the "pistol read" into their offense. There have been varying reports on the extent to which they might use the currently popular scheme which some indication it is being considered. If so, Greene and Walker would appear to be perfect compliments to run the pistol. 

The San Francisco Forty Niners run this offense well and they do it often using a 2 WR, 1 TE and 2 RB personnel grouping. In its purest form, the Niners formation takes advantage of a power running game and a spread passing game. Walker is certainly familiar with this concept having just operated out of it in the Bay area. Greene adds the power running component the Titans didn't have on the roster. Let's not forget the Titans also just brought the powerful Quinn Johnson back as well. These pieces all add up to at the least the foundation for running the pistol.

In summary, I think the addition of Shonn Greene foreshadows some changes to the 2013 Titans offense that not only will help Jake Locker in a crucial year, but that fans are going to love.