AFC South: Austen Lane
Houston -- The Texans keep calling Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen both starters in their cornerback group. If you really think that way, then how does Allen disappear in Baltimore and how do you end up saying afterward you had hoped he’d play more? Are you unable to monitor who’s playing how much in the course of a game? Jackson is still not good. I’d like to see more of the alternative.
Indianapolis -- Running back Donald Brown came into the season close to being labeled a bust. While the 2009 first-round draft pick can still be overly hesitant, overall he has done a good job this season. He’s averaging 5.6 yards a carry, but has only taken 13 handoffs. I understand it’s a small sample size. Why not see what a bigger sample size looks like? I like Delone Carter a lot, but he’s more a short-yardage guy.
Jacksonville -- Defensive end John Chick has pass-rush skills. It was apparent last year when the Colts brought him in from the CFL. He spent time on their practice squad but didn’t make the final cut this season. The Jaguars picked him up and he’s showed an ability to get in the backfield when he gets on the field. With Austen Lane now out for the year, the door is open for Chick, and I expect to see production from the pass-rusher.
Tennessee -- I am not a proponent of taking carries away from Chris Johnson. The Titans need to keep giving it to him while figuring out what’s wrong with the run game. But I do believe offensive coordinator Chris Palmer ought to find a way to get rookie running back Jamie Harper some touches somewhere along the way. How? I’m not quite sure. But there has to be a way where they don’t disrupt what they are trying to get going with Johnson.
NFL Twindex: Cleveland WR takes crown
Tom Cammett/Getty ImagesMohamed Massaquoi tops this week's Twindex.It was a good week for pictures from NFLers on Twitter.
We had tourist shots of Larry Fitzgerald at the Lincoln Memorial and at The White House, a picture of Antonio Garay driving a Hello Kitty car, a shot of a receipt showing off just how much Michael Huff’s dad spent for groceries on his son’s credit card and a freeze frame of Josh Scobee’s locker on TV.
We at the NFL Twindex are in favor of all sharing. We seek insight into football lives, and do our best to weed through a lot of junk to find it.
If you see good humor, good explanations or yes, good pictures from an NFL player or coach or mascot or anyone on Twitter, please make sure we see it by calling our attention to it. Twindex headquarters can be found at @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky.
To our new edition.
1. MOHAMED MASSAQUOI
Receiver | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: NR 
@MoMass11 -- "Random fact: aside from watching current weeks opponent, I always study G.Jennings, Fitzgerald & A.Johnson last game for tips & technique." I love the behind the scenes homework info. Also life info on a guy from Charlotte living in Cleveland."Asked cashier how her day was goin, she responds 'u must be from the south, ppl here normally dont speak unless they have a ?'."
2. CHRIS KLUWE
Punter | Minnesota Vikings ... Last Poll: 5 
@ChrisWarcraft -- Leader of the quality pictures. Gave us this whiteboard shot of one "translation" of the league's memo on faking injuries. And this gem came out of passing out tickets: "I just ticketed a police car at Mall of America. Hope he has a sense of humor. #itsfunnywhenimtheonedoingit" Also offered intelligent commentary in the midst of lots of talk about Troy Davis.
3. RAHEEM BROCK
Defensive end | Seattle Seahawks ... Last Poll: NR 
@RaheemBrock -- Made his plead regarding a potential fine for a hit on Ben Roethlisberger:"Dear commissioner goodell, please don't fine me for hitting Ben!It was not intentional!I was tripped by his O'line! Sorry!!! [elaborate smiley face that does not reproduce in ESPN.com's system]" Then tweeted a link to a story with a photo he intends to be part of his defense of a $15,000 fine.
4. FABIAN WASHINGTON
Cornerback | Free Agent ... Last Poll: NR 
@FABEWASH31 -- "Back shoulder fade is the hardest route in football to cover" I suspected as much, but it's nice to hear from someone who's done it."If you notice there's no mentions of Troy Davis on my timeline because I don't speak on things I know nothing about" Wish we could say the same of all football player tweets."Play Lotto don't play me you might win lmao" Can you suggest any numbers?
5. DESMOND BISHOP
Linebacker | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: NR 
@DesBishop55 -- Plenty of NFL players read plenty of stuff. Still this is a surprise: "My official book club is starting soon.. 1st book on list is... James Patterson: kill me if u can" Who else is in the club? Know one elements of a pro athlete's life we don't consider often? Shopping limitations: "Random tweet: I hate shopping!! Mainly because stores discriminate, they never carry size 14 shoes.. Ha"
NFL Twindex: Chicago's Harris leaps to top
AP Photo/Nam Y. HuhBears safety Chris Harris had an interesting take on the penalties in the Broncos-Raiders game.When Randall Cobb gets his charitable foundation up and running, he’s likely to be using a logo he acquired thanks to a simple tweet.
Perhaps a young graphic artist out there will be able to add a line to his or her résumé after designing a mark for an NFL up-and-comer.
Cobb had a big debut in Green Bay’s season-opening win. Days later he decided to take advantage of the eyes on him. I’m guessing he’ll land a good logo out of it.
The smart marketing ploy gets him the No. 2 spot in this week’s NFL Twindex.
You can influence the poll by calling my attention to quality Tweers from NFLers. I’m @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky.
1. CHRIS HARRIS
Safety | Chicago Bears ... Last Poll: NR 
@ChrisHarrisNFL -- "Why does it come as a total surprise to my son that he has to put on pajamas n go to bed EVERY night?" Reminded people the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror. Nice interjections while watching games. From a college Saturday: "Can't take college angles in Professional football" and off the Raiders-Broncos game: "BREAKING NEWS: The head official needs a new battery pack for his mic from all the usage because of penalties"
2. RANDALL COBB
Receiver | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: NR 
@rcobb18 -- Took advantage of his big debut to seek assistance for his future foundation. "Help, need a logo! Send best design to rlcobb18@gmail.com b4 9/19! I'll pick & winner gets my signed GB gear." And then updated us: "Some good entries for the logo contest. Keep em coming the end date is 9/19. The logo is for me and my future foundation. Rlcobb18@gmail.com" Did you get that email address, all you graphic designers?
3. TOM CRABTREE
Tight End | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: 2 
@TCrabtree83 -- "Female apathy toward whether to watch HD or standard definition TV bothers me." Would bother me too, though I have not run into any at my house. "010010000110010101111001001000000111010001110111011001010110010101 1100000111001100100001 #binarytweet" That's not normal, but I did find it amusing. Was critical of Sebastian Janikowski "barely" making his big field goal for Oakland. Acknowledged last week's second place with they can outtweet me, but "they can't outsweet me."
4. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars ... Last Poll: NR 
@A_Train_92 -- "#TheAwkardMoment at Cheesecake Factory when a guy stares at me for 5 mins., then comes up & tells me that Im an ethnic conundrum." First time I've heard that expression. Said his Wisconsin friends won't wish him good luck this week against the Jets, they'll ask for Jim Leonhard's autograph. Questioned Facebook: "#TheLastTimeIChecked its not socially acceptable to randomly poke somebody in public so why would u do it on my facebook?"
5. CHRIS KLUWE
Punter | Minnesota Vikings ... Last Poll: NR @ChrisWarcraft -- "Deep Thought Thursday - The true measure of a society is how those in power apply the law to personal friends and acquaintances." That is deep. He's also concerned about curriculum: "That we're even thinking of cutting science programs when it's such a small drop in the budget yet provides a huge benefit makes me ill." Said early reports on his correspondent piece for Jim Rome was that it's like "The Ring." But I missed it.
Jaguars: What they play before they play
Before the iPods are turned off and put away, what’s the last song the Jaguars listen to in order to get in the right frame of mind?
Build a playlist based on this if you dare:
Linebacker Paul Posluszny: Korn, “Freak on a Leash”
“It gives you that pre-game chill that makes you feel invincible.”
Safety Dawan Landry: Phil Collins, “In the Air Tonight.”
“That’s universal.”
Defensive end Austen Lane: Korn, “Got the Life” and Linkin Park, “Bleed it Out”
“They are just really loud, fast-paced songs. It just gets me jacked up, puts me in the zone. After I listen to those two songs, I’m good to go.”
Receiver Jason Hill: DMX, “Dogs for Life”
“I play a lot of slow music to begin with, but when Jack [Del Rio] says ‘Hey, we’ve got a couple minutes,’ that’s when I turn on DMX. That song lets me know the guys around me have my back, I’ve got their back and we’re ready to roll.”
Tight end Zach Miller: 2Pac, “Ambitionz az a Ridah”
“It’s game time, it’s time to go. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel nice and cool.”
Linebacker Clint Session: Geopale, “Closer to my Dream”
Quarterback Blaine Gabbert: Eminem, “Lose Yourself”
“I just like to listen to it. Calms you down, gets you in your own little zone.”
Cornerback Rashean Mathis: Chris Tomlin, “Our God”
“Just an awesome song letting you know how great our God is. Also, it says if our God is with us, then who can be against us.”
Receiver Mike Thomas: Meek Millz featuring Rick Ross, “I’m a Boss”
“That one plays pretty consistently in the locker room.”
Right tackle Eben Britton: 2Pac, "All Eyez on Me"
"Always gets me fired up to step on the field and go to work."
Fullback Greg Jones: Phil Collins, In the Air Tonight”
“It just sets the tone and gets you in the right state of mind.”
Punter Matt Turk: “All my Christian music puts things into perspective, takes the pressure off. It calms you but it does get you pumped up at the same time.”
Linebacker Daryl Smith: “Maybe Young Jeezy or some Rick Ross. No steady song. I hit shuffle and just ride. And then if somebody puts something on in the locker room, I’m good with that.”
Cornerback Derek Cox: "I actually don't listen to music before games. My head is clearer that way."
Still, they are teams putting players and slots on the record.
The Jaguars' release for their preseason debut is out, and a depth chart is a required part of it.
No major surprises, but here’s stuff of note:
- Jason Spitz is the starting left guard ahead of rookie third-rounder Will Rackley.
- Aaron Kampman is at right end with Austen Lane at left end.
- Dawan Landry is at free safety, with Courtney Greene at strong safety. Rookie fourth-rounder Chris Prosinski is Landry’s backup, and Mike Hamlin is behind Greene, ahead of Don Carey.
- D’Anthony Smith is a third-string defensive tackle behind Leger Douzable and C.J. Mosley.
- Fifth-round draft pick Rod Issac ranks as a fourth-string cornerback.
- Mike Thomas is the top punt returner with Deji Karim the top kick returner. Scotty McGee is behind both.
Camp Confidential: Jacksonville Jaguars
After another draft and an active free-agency period, they now feel the rebuild is complete.
“There is an expectation level in this league to win, and I think having some horses makes us all smile in this building,” Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. “I think we went out and acquired some guys for the second and third level of our defense where we talked about needing some help. ... It’s going to help us be a whole lot better.
“The pressure, the demands, that’s part of what we do, and I love that part of it. It becomes a little more enjoyable when you know you’re getting closer to being on equal footing."
Del Rio’s not buying that the Colts are slipping, and he’s not waiting for them to. The in-house expectation is that this team is capable of competing for the AFC South crown no matter what any other team in the division has going for it.
Bolstered by four upgrades among the top 12 players on defense, Jacksonville is a team that should be much improved. The Jaguars won’t be a popular pick, but they could be a surprise, emergent team.
THREE HOT ISSUES
Phil Sears/US PresswireThe Jaguars say they will develop Blaine Gabbert (left) slowly and have David Garrard take the snaps as the team's starter.“If we ever get to the point where we think Blaine is better than Dave, that’s good for the Jaguars,” offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. “Because I think Dave is good enough to win with; I think we can win our division with Dave Garrard at quarterback. If Blaine is better than Dave, shoot, that’s good for us.”
Del Rio and Koetter could have a complicated job managing how and when to play Gabbert if they feel he’s forcing his way into the lineup.
“I’ve got a healthy appreciation for the desire out there to make it a story,” Del Rio said. “For us, we’re about maximizing our opportunities as a football team, playing the guys who give us the best chance to win games and working on the preparation. ...
“Through the course of competition and exposure and based on health, those factors kind of take care of themselves. I don’t think we have to get ahead of the story. I think we can just let it play out, and at least we are doing so from a position of strength. There is no reason to make it dysfunctional, make it unhealthy. What purpose does that serve? It’s not going to help us win more games.”
It sounds good, but it can get complicated. Garrard’s the guy right now, and the team and the quarterback need to do a better job of making sure he gets hit far less so he can make consistently good decisions with the ball.
Factor tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller and running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings into the mix with the receivers, and the Jaguars have sufficient weapons to complement a run-based offense. Mike Thomas, Jason Hill and Cecil Shorts could be a better three-pack of receivers than many people think.
2. How much better can the revamped defense be? If this defense doesn’t improve from 32nd against the pass, 28th overall and 27th in points allowed, Del Rio will lose his job.
The team shelled out $37 million guaranteed to three prime free agents: linebackers Paul Posluszny and Clint Session and safety Dawan Landry. The Jags also added nickelback Drew Coleman.
That group, plus rookie defensive backs Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac, should vastly improve the defensive production and depth.
Smith wanted to build foundations early and spent his first two drafts working on the lines. Defensive tackles Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton should take up all kinds of blockers and create space for the two new linebackers and the underrated Daryl Smith to make a lot of impact plays.
“Jacksonville’s interior D-line really stood out,” Posluszny said about his research as a free agent. “They’ve got two studs in the middle that are very active, get to the ball a lot and certainly are going to take up a lot of blockers.”
Safety play last season was horrific, and Landry will be a significant upgrade even though he didn’t bring Ed Reed with him from Baltimore.
“I’m not looking for any grace period to assemble this defense,” Del Rio said. "Guys we’re assembling and counting on for the most part are veterans. ... We’re going to expect to play coming out of the gate as a winning football team, and defensively we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
3. Can they play well late in the season? December is a debacle for this team.
In the past three seasons in games played in December and beyond, the Jaguars are 4-11. They need to learn to finish games and seasons better. What can change it?
“I think in Week 13 or something, we had a better record than the Packers did last year,” Daryl Smith said. “They got hot, and who would have thought they would go on to win? That could be us. Why not? We have to try to stay off of that roller coaster, try to be consistent, just get better each week. Steady, steady, steady, then come late November or December, get hot.”
“I’ve been in the playoffs twice since I’ve been here and that’s been the formula. … We can’t feel like we arrived when we have a good game or played well and won a couple games.”
Del Rio says that with a more talented roster, he has to guide it to better work in the last quarter of the season.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Scott A. Miller/US PresswireJacksonville could look to Austen Lane to help solidify their defensive line.BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Right tackle Eben Britton came in with a reputation as a nasty player, and the team missed him last season when he was lost with a shoulder injury. I’ve picked him as a breakout-caliber guy this season. But word is he has not been great so far. Perhaps he’s still being cautious and easing his way back, but he needs to take things up a big notch soon.
OBSERVATION DECK
- Two years ago, people were writing off center Brad Meester. But defenses were taking advantage of weak guard play to get to him. He rebounded well last season and is a guy whom coaches love as a reliable offensive line leader.
- Knighton’s weight always will be an issue. The defensive tackle is a great player and superlikable guy. The team cannot hold his fork for him. The more he can control it, the more impact and money he will make.
- Prosinski could well be in the opening day lineup as the free safety. He worked with the first team early in camp and might be up to a pairing with Landry in the middle of the secondary. Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox need to play better at corner, but the Jaguars will improve from the safety upgrades and from the presence of veteran nickelback Drew Coleman.
- Looking for an underdog to root for? How about undrafted free agent Marc Schiechl? He set a Football Championship Subdivision record for sacks at the Colorado School of Mines.
- Scotty McGee isn’t working with defensive backs regularly anymore. Can he stick as strictly a punt-return specialist? He caught 185 punts on one day of camp. And the team should move away from using Thomas in the role, although McGee is hardly the only alternative.
- I like Miller, and the team raves about his potential. But he’s been inconsistent early in camp with too many drops. He’s got great hands, so it seems to be a focus issue.
- Larry Hart may be in the doghouse for coming back from the lockout overweight. At defensive end, he currently ranks behind Aaron Kampman, Lane, Jeremy Mincey and Aaron Morgan.
- Fourth-round receiver Cecil Shorts was great in camp early, and I bet the undrafted crop of wideouts has at least one NFL-caliber guy. Keep your eyes on Armon Binns, Jamar Newsome and Dontrelle Inman.
- Third-year receiver Jarett Dillard is running well after a couple of injuries cost him the bulk of his first two seasons.
- Watch how much better punter Matt Turk gets now that he will be a beneficiary of the Jaguars’ topflight cover guys, Montell Owens and Kassim Osgood.
- The Jaguars may be content to use Jones-Drew, coming off a knee operation, very minimally in camp and preseason games.
- Veteran Jason Spitz has not been on the field yet, but I think the team would like for third-round pick Will Rackley to win the open left guard spot.
That’s just the scenario the team is looking for when pairing players in the annual Oklahoma drill, which will unfold at the EverBank Field practice fields this evening.
The drill is basically a one-on-one battle in a tight alley, as the offensive lineman looks to hold off the defensive lineman and create room for a running back to get by.
The media are involved in helping select match-ups.
My request wasn’t for a specific match-up, but for an impartial coach to serve as judge, declaring a winner or a tie, as it’s not always as easy to judge as you might think. Whether we get such verdicts remains to be seen.
“Here’s the thing, sometimes it’s a tie when you’re seeing it from the stands,” Lane said. “But if you’re in it, you’re going to know if you won or not. Definitely, you are going to know.”
The remainder of the match-ups:
- G Will Rackley vs. DT Tyson Alualu
- TE Zach Miller vs. LB Scott Lutrus
- OL Kevin Haslam vs. DE Marc Schiechl
- OT Daniel Baldridge vs. DE Larry Hart
- C John Estes vs. DL C.J. Mosley
- DT D’Anthony Smith vs. G Uche Nwaneri
NFL Twindex: Flip flop at the very top
AP Photo/Stephen MortonAusten Lane has now been in the top-10 rankings of all four of the NFL Twindexes so far.“I usually hate when athletes tweet about how good their workout was,” Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) tweeted Thursday in a good start, “but we had a great one today!”
Bad finish.
Plenty of NFL fans starved for morsels and insight into football and beyond would love to know what made it good.
J.J. Watt (@JJWatt) did very well with show-don’t-tell when he tweeted this picture. Yowza.
Alas, Hasselbeck and Watt are snapshot examples for us here at Twindex HQ, where we’d like to host Cleveland receiver Carlton Mitchell and Green Bay tight end Tom Crabtree. They hold the top two spots in our new poll, flip-flopping their standing from two weeks ago.
We could have a 10-event competition for the two including feats of strength and intellect and concluding with a tweet-off or a tweet-up or a tweet-meet.
They were neck and neck, and it came down to my gut feeling -- Mitchell was more consistently amusing.
Scroll through my favorites to see what was considered as we made the final cuts -- we are now trying to track 493 guys.
And hit me at @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky with tweets I need to see and people I need to follow.
1. CARLTON MITCHELL
Wide Receiver | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: 2 
@C_Mitch18 -- Back at the top of his game after getting edged out by Crabtree on June 24th. I enjoyed him as the Fourth of July approached -- "Just to be different, I cry about being single on the 4th of July, and celebrate Valentines Day with explosives" and "Freedom of speech is wonderful,right up there with the freedom not to listen." Also quality material on how his insomnia is connected to the Internet, lowercase vs. capital letters, finding a missing item, confused alarm clocks, mumbling and tinted windows.
2. TOM CRABTREE
Tight End | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: 1 
@TCrabtree83 -- "Opening up a moldy yogurt cup in the daylight really makes me wonder about all those nights i ate a cup with the lights off and just TV on." Made himself available on Skype and considered ideal shoes for stepping in it, how all his breakfasts are breakfasts of champions, Casey Anthony and the conspiracy behind NFL Network's Top 100 players list. One more: "If you Google search "Tom Cr", my name is suggested right below Tom Cruise."
3. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars ... Last Poll: 7 
@A_Train_92 -- Mitchell and Crabtree were later discoveries, which means that Lane is the lone NFL player who's been in the top 10 of all four of our polls. He drew inspiration from Crabtree's Super Bowl ring tour: "My Little League Trophy rollin shotgun in my grandma's #Buickscoping for chicks! (Always wear ur seatbelts kids)." Also marveled at the power his grandparents have over a dinner check and considered his skills as a salesman.
4. PAT MCAFEE
Punter | Indianapolis Colts ... Last Poll: HM 
@PatMcAfeeShow -- "Pass the facility I think to myself 'Self, how much easier would it be if I could just go kick, workout, and shower with dudes' #Wait #What" Wondered about Hope Solo's dating availability while watching the US in the Women's World Cup. Also stood up to the man, advising teammate Eric Foster: "crop your photo, don't give Colts.com any love they're locking us out, trying to take food off your wife's plate."
5. HEATH EVANS
Fullback | New Orleans Saints ... Last Poll: NR 
@HeathEvans -- Twitter is a confessional for him. "I'm an idiot! I just had: 4 Raw Egg whites 50 Grams of Casein Protein 16 ounces cold filter water 3 gummy worms .......couldn't resist!" "It's sad but a bunch of Americans are going to celebrate the 4th of July by watching the #CaseyAnthony Trial. Not me! Well, maybe a few min?"
6. DARYN COLLEDGE
Guard | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: NR 
@DarynColledge73 -- An example of how one great point can score you a spot on the list, at least during the lockout: "I can not stand how people keep using the word 'organic' to describe their life style, furniture, decor, or general outlook on life." Me neither, chief. Me neither.
7. JAY FEELY
Kicker | Arizona Cardinals ... Last Poll: NR 
@JayFeely -- He's been here before and he's the first of back-to-back rewards for actual football talk. While he said Darrelle Revis needs to do it consistently for longer, Feely tweeted that "Revis is just as shut down as Deon, his hands are excellent, he's a much better tackler and he can blitz. Better all around corner." Also riffed on the self-satisfaction that comes from Twitter verification.
8. SHAUN PHILLIPS
Linebacker | San Diego Chargers ... Last Poll: NR 
@ShaunPhillips95 -- More actual football. "Wow it was hot today out on the field. Mark my words Gerald McCoy will go to the pro bowl this year he's a stud." I presume Phillips is working out with the second-year Tampa Bay defensive tackle and giving us an informed review of what he sees.
9. STEVE BREASTON
Receiver | Arizona Cardinals ... Last Poll: NR 
@SBreaston15 -- Another largely one-shot deal: "Don't get 2 comfortable playing the devil's advocate in every situation...comes a time when you are who you speak for."
10. GERALD ALEXANDER
Safety | Carolina Panthers ... Last Poll: NR 
@GAlexander21 -- Said Casey Anthony will be forgotten because it's not like she's a famous running back or anything. And instructed fans on NBA lockout: "I sure hope y'all hittin them NBA players twitter pages wit the disrespect some of y'all hit us NFL players wit when the lockout started"
Derrick Morgan, Kareem Jackson and Jerry Hughes appear on Bucky Brooks’ list of guys who are being looked to for sophomore year breakouts.
Stephen Tulloch, Jason Babin and Clint Session make Pete Prisco’s list of the top 50 likely free agents to be.
Houston Texans
Combine the numbers of Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones and you have the best No. 2 receiver in the league, Gary Kubiak told Nick Scurfield. Sure, but if you use that formula what does it leave you production-wise at No. 3?
Indianapolis Colts
Ravens receiver Derrick Mason thinks Peyton Manning is the best player in football by a wide margin.
Philip B. Wilson examines the current plight of undrafted free agents like DeMarcus Ganaway.
Agents are being cautious as the lockout plays out, says Wilson.
Considering free-agent defensive tackles possibilities like Brandon Mebane and Barry Cofield for the Colts with Brett Mock.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Austen Lane makes Tania Ganguli’s list of the 11 best athletes to follow on Twitter. And a companion piece that’s just NFL guys.
Rashean Mathis helps out his brother’s AAU team, says Chad Cushnir.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans linebackers are getting a makeover, says David Climer.
The lockout is hurting those who sell Titans merchandise, says Bryan Mullen.
Chris Johnson deserves his big pay day, says Bucky Brooks.
As part of Best of the NFL Week on ESPN.com, here are five bests for the AFC South:
Best nickname, “Pot Roast.” Jacksonville defensive tackle Terrance Knighton ordered it his rookie year in range of teammate Clint Ingram, and Ingram turned it into a nickname that stuck. Knighton’s gigantic to the point his weight has been an issue. But he’s a warm and funny guy who’s embraced the moniker rather than letting it bother him. It will become more widely known if and when he moves from lists of underrated players to lists of guys who are tops at their positions. He may also have the division’s best sack dance: he rubs his belly.
AP Photo/David J. PhillipAndre Johnson (80) and Cortland Finnegan went toe-to-toe last season.Best individual rivalry, Texans receiver Andre Johnson vs. Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan: They had some history before last season’s game in Houston when they had a big, well-documented and publicized fight. Finnegan got under the mild-mannered Johnson’s skin, provoking him. Johnson won the fight even as the Titans tried to play up and praise Finnegan’s restraint. Moving forward, every time the division rivals play, the matchup between one of the league’s best receivers and a cornerback who’s been a Pro Bowler and All Pro will be a story.
Best teammate, Titans fullback Ahmard Hall: Hall has a sense of the moment. He knows when to be funny and when to be serious. He’s a Marine who served in Kosovo, who made it into the league as a free agent after he wasn’t selected in the supplemental draft. The Titans lack leadership, and even though Hall is not on the field for all of the offensive snaps, he provides a follow-me work ethic and seems to get along with everyone in every situation.
Best tweeter, Jacksonville’s Austen Lane: Lane is the lone player in the NFL to appear on the first three versions of ESPN.com’s NFL Twindex, which rates the quality of recent Twitter activity of players. He’s consistently entertaining. “This is not an account...but a lifestyle,” reads his Twitter bio. “If you are not into hitting QB's or dropping Twitter Bombs from the skies then this lifestyle is not for you!” As of Monday afternoon, he had only 1,975 followers, which is too few for him to have a chance to get Taylor Swift’s attention, something he’s joked about wanting. Badly.
Michael Heiman/Getty ImagesCreative tweeting earns Packers tight end Tom Crabtree the top spot on the latest Twindex.Me neither.
That’s not what I am looking for on Twitter. But I am curious what NFL players are saying and I have made a commitment to sort through it all to give you the highlights from NFL players since the last edition of the NFL Twindex.
Comedy is key during the lockout, but once things are settled we expect far more football talk to be involved here.
It’s not all about laughs on Twitter, and Amy Nelson illustrated so well in this piece about Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds.
Check out tweets I made favorites. That's the list I then worked with to craft our new poll.
1. TOM CRABTREE
Tight End | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: HM @TCrabtree83 -- Made himself available for photos with fans and his new Super Bowl ring with an announcement of his location. "Time for the ring tour! Lunch first! And then i'll be roaming Bay Park Mall! Come say hi and get a pic of the bling!" And, "I think i'll watch Lord of the Rings with my ring on. No big deal." Also offered a critique on the direction comic book heroes are heading and shared a classic Michael Scott quotation.
2. CARLTON MITCHELL
Wide Receiver | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: 1 @C_Mitch18 -- Not the quantity of the last poll's No. 1 effort, but still very amusing. "I'm really a very persuasive person. I can convince myself of anything." "The easiest way to get me to stop correcting you is for you to just stop being wrong. #ProblemSolved" "I need to either get a new air conditioner or move into my refrigerator." "Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, 9 out of 10 people couldn't start a conversation."
3. CHRIS HARRIS
Safety | Chicago Bears ... Last Poll: NR 
@Chris HarrisNFL -- A voluminous, wide-ranging couple of weeks after complaining about missing the Twindex all together. He touched on NFL Network's top 100 players, child rearing, Dhani Jones versus Brian Urlacher, independent black films and plays, Father's Day and the Miami Heat's bandwagon. Also hit a home run here: "I think the use of the word #grind is getting out of hand by #NFL players on twitter. I'm gonna try to refrain from using it as much" Bravo. "This #Lockout has really allowed me to step my twitter game up and perfect my craft I'm shooting for #1stTeamAllTwitter" Third is First Team, right?
4. SHAWN ANDREWS
Guard | New York Giants ... Last Poll: NR 
@IMShawnAndrews -- For all the bad travel stories, he provided a funny account of getting to and spending time in Turks & Caicos. "Well there is a Big dude & I mean Big dude seated next to me!! For this trip FC doesn't mean First Class! Try F.at C.lass" "Im always nervous about my luggage when Traveling abroad!!! I know they dont have a Big & Tall Casual male Store where I'm headed!!" He also said he tells everyone his passport photo is so bad because of a dare.
5. BLAINE GABBERT, CHRISTIAN PONDER
Quarterbacks | Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings ... Last Poll: NR 
@BlaineGabbert and @cponder7 -- The two engaged in a highly entertaining back-and-forth over Gabbert heading on vacation. Gabbert followed up with some quality pictures of his view, his fishing trip and a Key West sunset. But major strike against Gabbert for his summation tweet: "The best part is @cponder7 and I did that to see how seriously people take twitter"
6. STEVE WEATHERFORD
Punter | New York Jets ... Last Poll: NR 
@Weatherford9 -- "I wish Jolly Ranchers had nutritional value." Detailed his swap of a Hummer for a Mini Cooper. Joked, I think, about his qualifications while job hunting. Took advanced orders for "Real Men Love Bieber" bumper stickers.
7. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars ... Last Poll: 7 @A_Train_92 -- "It is one of my all time dreams to see the day Cool Ranch #Doritoflavoring is packaged and sold separately!" " Rome wasn't built in a day, but it was built faster then it takes for a #lockout resolution!" "4 days since I've got my Twitter verified and #TaylorSwift still hasn't talked to me. Ecoma is the only excuse im accepting from her!"
8. CHRIS KLUWE
Punter | Minnesota Vikings ... Last Poll: HM @ChrisWarcraft -- "Scrolling through the TV listings. Come across a 30 minute infomercial titled 'Ninja Kitchen System'. Why do I not have a Ninja Cook?" Now I want one too. Do the gaming stuff if that's your thing, but give us more of the rest, too, please.
9. NICK BARNETT
Linebacker | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: NR 
@NickBarnett -- "You know NFL lockout has been too long when you get super excited at the smell of grass... Reminds me of training camp" Also chronicled a long road trip that included a stop in tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo.
10. JOE HADEN
Cornerback | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: NR 
@JoeHaden23 -- Basically ran a tab for drinks for fans who met up with him at a Cleveland sushi restaurant. I'm a huge fan of any such share-the-wealth interaction. Also tweeted where he and a friend were sitting at an Indians game, offering another chance to mingle.
Seeing quality tweets you want to make sure are considered? Point me to them. I'm @ESPN_AFCSouth and @Paul Kuharsky.
NFL Twindex: Relative unknown new No. 1
Getty ImagesCarlton Mitchell and Steve Breaston were the cream of the NFL tweeting crop in the latest Twindex.Yawn-inducing, akin to, “What up [insert city here]?”
Over the last two weeks, we heard who came close to missing a flight and who was delayed and what they thought of the airports they were delayed in.
But even in such a desolate landscape, wonderful things popped up.
Little-known Carlton Mitchell, a second-year Browns wide receiver, was consistently hilarious and emerged from nowhere to take the top spot -- not by a nose, but in a landslide.
Laughs are aplenty among the rest of the field in the second edition of the NFL Twindex, one man’s subjective rankings of the best NFL tweeters out there over the last two weeks.
Big names who did well in the feature’s debut disappeared, with only three players retaining a spot in the top 10.
Without further ado, the new list:
1. CARLTON MITCHELL
Wide Receiver | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: NR @C_Mitch18 -- An incredible, standard-setting two weeks and an easy choice. "I'm changing my Facebook name to 'NOBODY' so that.. Anytime i see any boring status.. I will 'LIKE' it.. It'll say 'NOBODY LIKES THIS'" Brilliant! "Don't think of yourself as an ugly person. Think of yourself as a beautiful monkey #ProblemSolved" Very funny. "I think that limiting the nuggeting of animals to only chicken was a mistake." Pork nuggets? Check the timeline, it's gold.
2. STEVE BREASTON
Wide Receiver | Arizona Cardinals ... Last Poll: NR @SBreaston15 -- "Where's the 8th U.S Circuit Court of appeals in St. Louis? RT @AdamSchefter: the NFL's top 10 toughest venues: http://es.pn/kA2LYT" Everyone wished they'd thought of it. Heck, I might have voted for it if I thought of it. His video, a League Deferred, is a great watch.
3. J.J. Watt
Defensive End | Houston Texans ... Last Poll: NR 
@JJWatt -- "Dirk Nowitzki kinda looks like Captain Sig Hansen from Deadliest Catch." I see Sig every game now. Even better: "Guy at the airport saw my Texans shirt & asked how I thought they'd be this year. He said "I hope that big white kid from Wisconsin is good""
4. SHAUN PHILLIPS
Linebacker | San Diego Chargers ... Last Poll: 1 @ShaunPhillips95 -- Volume and quality dipped. "Someone just mentioned that we don't have any black super heroes except hancock and he was a drunk. Someone prove me wrong." I didn't see anyone able to change his thinking.
5. PAT MCAFEE
Punter | Indianapolis Colts ... Last Poll: HM @PatMcAfeeShow -- Suffered a beat down from @jayfeely and will hate ranking behind Phillips. "It's nice to have a backyard I can punt in, slammed my future neighbors freshly built home a couple times. But all in all nice lil workout." Also quesioned the truthfulness of "Locked Up Abroad" and wondered if the "nudetube" airport security guy had missed him when he finally made it back to the airport.
6. ANTONIO GARAY
Defensive Tackle | San Diego Chargers ... Last Poll: NR 
@antoniogaray71 -- Solid callout of teammate Jacques Cesaire: "Why is it that every time @pray74 invites me over to eat he tries to get me to help him do house chores?" Also liked "Miami Vice > Miami Heat" and his interest in the national spelling bee.
7. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars ... Last Poll: 7 @A_Train_92 -- "If anybody in my twitter feed mentions their excitement for the new #Twilight movie they will be deleted and blocked on the spot." Also, "Anyone know a good counselor I can talk to? #Chipolte just abused me with their $2.00 guacamole prices." A fair complaint. Tasty, but pricey.
8. CHAD OCHOCINCO
Wide Receiver | Cincinnati Bengals ... Last Poll: 3 
@ochocinco -- Offered $2,000 as a reward for a pair of size 11 Reebok NFL 4 speed lows, his "route running" cleats, which reside in a locker he's locked out of. Tweeted a farewell to Montreal after a visit in French. But went crazy with conversation with himself about how much he loved himself, losing points.
9. SCOTT FUJITA
Linebacker | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: NR 
@scottfujita99 -- "Oprah said San Luis Obispo is the happiest city in America. Well I can't find a parking space. I'm not happy." Also revealing: "Cruising in Juanita Fujita, the family RV. Just saw an eagle soaring overhead with a 3-foot snake in its grasp. Wow." I liked named vehicles.
10. ERIC SMITH
Safety | New York Jets ... Last Poll: NR 
@Esmitty33 -- One-hit wonder. "Just witnessed a grown man run down an escalator the wrong way. Most embarrassing thing...it was my dad #SMH" Family-friendly family humor.
Have a tweet I need to see? A Tweeter who needs more consideration? Find me at @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky.
Getty ImagesShaun Phillips, left, and Aaron Rodgers hold the top two spots in the debut of our NFL Twindex.This is our periodic look -- I’m thinking twice a month for now, weekly once we’re in a season -- at what players and others who work for NFL teams are saying via Twitter. Because I love being subjective and we all love lists, it’s a subjective list.
I’m following everyone I can find -- 328 people and growing -- and I hope they’ll follow me back. It’s difficult to read every tweet every day, so if you see a great one, forward it to me. I’m @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky. The Twindex will be built from the best sampling I am able to do while still also fulfilling the obligations of a full-time job.
Each guy who makes the list each week will get a tweet notifying him of his status. We’re fluid. If a guy is interesting this week, he may find himself in the top five. Be boring next week and he may disappear, depending on what his competition is doing. Former players, coaches, owners, equipment guys and mascots are eligible, too. Bring it.
What gets you here? Tweets beyond the ordinary.
You’re scored down for morning greetings (sorry @MikeSimsWalker), birthday wishes, constant song lyrics (sorry @JimIrsay), weather updates and dinner reviews (unless, maybe, you are @PotRoast96).
You are rewarded for witty observations, clever lines and exchanges, smart life advice, amusing family stories, a great re-tweet or picture and, certainly, high-quality football information or commentary. A good week of tweeting can get you a spot. One outstanding tweet can, too.
As I am a positive guy, this is a positive list. Generally, we want to be a place players want to be. Like in our MVP Watch or the best restaurant in town or in unrestricted free agency after a great season. It’s an evolving concept, and whether you’re a candidate or a reader, I welcome your input.
Titans cornerback Jason McCourty and his twin brother, Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Devin McCourty, combined Twitter accounts and have made a big push to let fans see them.
When I told him about this during their recent ESPN car wash, Jason wasn’t ashamed to say he wanted @McCourtyTwins to get a spot on the initial Index.
“I think guys are so competitive, anything like that with a list and a top spot, guys will get some enjoyment out of it,” he said. “Somebody may post, ‘Hey, check out so-and-so, he’s No. 1 this week on the Twitter poll.’ I think it’ll probably be a cool idea. I’ll check it out.
“Hopefully that gets us to No. 1.”
Maybe next week, Jason.
Here’s the debut list.
1. SHAUN PHILLIPS
Linebacker | San Diego Chargers @ShaunPhillips95 -- Proposed a flag football league for remainder of lockout and said his first pick after himself, would be @DeseanJackson10 and that no one would take Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Philip Rivers. Also complained when someone handed him a valet ticket as if he was a valet. Shaun, who's insuring the flag football league? I don't like your top pick at all.
2. AARON RODGERS
Quarterback | Green Bay Packers 
@AaronRodgers12 -- Announced his candidacy for "Celebrity Jeopardy." How could they not call him now? Also made a bold prediction: "Somewhere that end of the world predictor is telling himself, '3rd time's the charm'. Be on the lookout for the next set of billboards" Sure enough, dude's come out with an Oct. 21 date.
3. CHAD OCHOCINCO
Wide Receiver | Cincinnati Bengals @ochocinco -- (Pre snake-wrangling.) "This just in:The End Of The World has not been canceled just postponed until the #LOCKOUT is over." Bitter over another Steelers win, but complimented Hines Wards for "Dancing with the Stars" title. Also provided picture of the week: "I was trying to give my #LapGiraffe a bath and look where he ran to." I am fascinated by the lap giraffe and am saving up for one.
4. DARIUS BUTLER
Cornerback | New England Patriots 
@DariusButler28 -- With the Rapture due last Saturday, Butler offered to give his account number to anyone who believed it was going to happen so they could transfer their funds to him. Then he bemoaned it when his balance didn't change. I'm sure people just needed more time or, in great anticipation, had their wills drawn up in advance.
5. PHILIP WHEELER
Linebacker | Indianapolis Colts 
@PhilGood50 -- "Mann I've had xm radio for bout 2years, but I don't know who's payin 4 it tho, not me " Hope we aren't messing that up for you, Mr. Wheeler.
6. TRACY PORTER
Cornerback | New Orleans Saints 
@T_Porter22 -- "Why is everyone askin me and lil bro @Mark_Ingram22 who gon wear 22 like we gon tell u? We don't even have a season right now lol #crazy" I don't get it either, Tracy. People are fascinated by uniform numbers. And maybe they figure jerseys are cheaper during the labor impasse? As a flag football observer, Porter also offered some commentary on footwear and women players.
7. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars @A_Train_92 -- "#EPICTWEET I just discovered the holy grail of breakfest! Order a McGridle and get the steak egg [bagel] sauce on it!!! #UrWelcomeAmerica" Thanks but I already ate. Austen was also funny on the missed Rapture prediction, saying he lived it up in anticipation and then had to apologize to everyone.
8. JAY FEELY
Kicker | Arizona Cardinals @jayfeely -- Solid Joakim Noah commentary, both funny -- his wife said, "I wish my pony tail looked as good as Noah's" -- and serious: "I've said many things after I miss a kick or in the midst of a game that I regret saying or wouldn't say in any other setting."
9. ROBERT MATHIS
Defensive End | Indianapolis Colts 
@RobertMathis98 -- "damn I just told a family member #No and it felt good.....almost #ADDICTIVE" Also expressed NBA-related dismay regarding one guy being blamed for a loss in a team sport and speed trap-related dismay at the number of police on his route from Georgia to Birmingham.
10. PATRICK WILLIS
Linebacker | San Francisco 49ers 
@PatrickWillis52 -- "I'm going biking in the morning. Its crazy how I can be nervous about that but not to go play in front of thousands smh" Also said something I think we all think more often than we'd like: "Sometimes I don't understand myself."
Need to point me to a tweet? Have ideas for the NFL Twindex? Find me @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky.
Could AFC South first round be all D-line?
Icon, Icon, US PresswireDa'Quan Bowers, J.J. Watt and Aldon Smith are likely first-rounders who are under the microscope.Speaking briefly Tuesday night before a charity event, Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt offered nothing substantive on his quarterback-needy team’s feelings about the quarterback prospects.
But the guy running the team’s draft is also in need of a couple of defensive linemen, and joined the chorus raving about the talent available.
“I think it’s going to be very tempting because I think there will be 14 or 15 defensive linemen that go in the first round,” he said. “So that’ll make an interesting choice for a lot of people in the first round.”
NFL Draft Scout rates seven ends and two tackles as clear first-rounders and another two ends and four tackles as possible first-rounders. Some of those ends could wind up as pass-rushing outside linebackers in a 3-4.
At the NFL scouting combine, many of the hot defensive linemen expressed pride in the strength of their position in this draft.
“I look at it like, if you go back in the history of watching football, before the game was started, it started up front,” said Marcell Dareus, the Alabama tackle who's expected to be the first defensive lineman off the board. “Some people were scared and backed up off the ball. But the real bulls stayed up front and played the game.”
The compelling group that could have guys coming to try to hit Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub and slow Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson includes a guy who plays the guitar and the drums (Clemson end Da'Quan Bowers), another who had a brain tumor removed five years ago (North Carolina end Robert Quinn) and a third who started out not in football, but in rugby (Oregon State tackle Stephen Paea).
I asked one college scout from the AFC and Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to pair each AFC South team with a defensive lineman likely to be available at each team's slot. Here’s what they said.
Tennessee (No. 8)
Scout: Bowers
"Add him to a young Derrick Morgan and Titans would have bookend defensive ends with pass-rush ability for many years. Look at the Titans' current DEs: Jacob Ford (potential free agent) is a nickel pass-rusher; Dave Ball (free agent and injuries) is a rotational player only; Jason Babin (free agent) is a one-year wonder and honestly just a pass-rusher; William Hayes is a base/run-down end. So the need is there for sure. Players that can play the run and rush the passer usually never hit free agency, they aren’t allowed to because they are so hard to find. If there wasn’t a issue with the knee, Bowers wouldn’t be there at eight."
Williamson: Auburn tackle Nick Fairley or Quinn
“Value and upside. Both players are dripping with upside, but have some questions. The Titans' new line coach, Tracy Rocker, comes from Auburn and already has a relationship with Fairley. He is just too good of a prospect to pass up at that point of the draft. And Tennessee’s line has enough guys already that they could sort of ease either player into his respective role.”
Texans (No. 11)
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"A great choice for a 5-technique player. High motor, excellent size with potential to add to frame, great kid with a huge upside. I am ignoring obvious pass-rushers because they are outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense and you wanted a lineman. The [Texans] are in need of a pass-rusher more than a 5-technique end -- Mario Williams, Shaun Cody and Antonio Smith all fit that position. Amobi Okoye is a quick nose tackle, but not a true nose. They will need to upgrade that spot as well, but there is not a value nose tackle for them with the 11th pick."
Williamson: Watt or Cal end Cameron Jordan
“For Houston, I think they would love to get a 5-technique like JJ Watt or Cameron Jordan. Nose tackle is the bigger need, but taking [Baylor’s] Phil Taylor there is too early.”
Jacksonville (No. 16)
Scout: Missouri end Aldon Smith
“An excellent pass-rusher. Young, inexperienced but has a huge upside. Should grow into his frame and maintain athletic ability. They lack true pass-rushers. Larry Hart is a situational rusher at best. Austen Lane is a run-down player… at best. Derrick Harvey hasn’t worked out. And they are already solid in the middle. [Miami end] Allen Bailey, [Iowa end] Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Jordan are too close to what they have already. The only other option would be [Purdue end] Ryan Kerrigan, but he and Aaron Kampman are similar in skills and limitations. Aldon has true edge pass-rush ability.”
Williamson: Aldon Smith
“I like Smith a lot for Jacksonville. They are set at tackle, so they only would look for an end up front in my opinion. He is loaded with upside. And with all this defensive line talent in this draft, he could be a real value pick where they select.”
Indianapolis (No. 22)
Scout: Illinois tackle Corey Liuget
“He would be a great choice for them. A very athletic defensive tackle with size, effort and upside. He can play the run as well, but helps with pressure on inside. He is a very good combo DT playing run/pass equally well. They are set at defensive end. Jerry Hughes will come around and they will have three solid players at the spot. Liuget adds to depleted interior group.”
Williamson: Taylor or Liuget
“Indy might pounce on Taylor to clog up the middle or if Corey Liuget is still there, he would be ideal. I would say it is unlikely, but Bill Polian doesn't care about what others think and he likes 'his type of players' ... so Drake Nevis from LSU could be someone he really likes.”
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Needs.
Houston Texans
Where to start? The defense needs a major personnel infusion, starting at safety, where this draft is weak. Eugene Wilson (cut) and Bernard Pollard (not tendered in case he would be restricted) are not going to be back. They need candidates for both starting spots.
Outside linebacker in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 is a void, where rehabbing 4-3 end Connor Barwin is slated to be one guy and there is a blank on the other.
The team has talked confidently about Shaun Cody, who got a two-year contract, and second-year man Earl Mitchell being capable of playing the nose for Phillips. They can certainly upgrade.
The best answer for a group of too-young cornerbacks would be a veteran, not a rookie, but who knows how the next guy arrives? And a No. 2 wide receiver better than Kevin Walter who can do what they’d hoped Jacoby Jones would do would be nice.
Indianapolis Colts
We’ve been hearing about the need to get a tough yard in a crucial situation with the run game for some time and haven’t seen the personnel changes necessary. Then Bill Polian said during the season that yes, offensive tackle Rodger Saffold (drafted by the Rams in the second round) could have helped the Colts. The team needs offensive linemen, plural. At least one high-quality guy who can contribute from opening day would be big.
When they're healthy, Indianapolis has a great four-pack of receivers in Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez. But health questions on Collie and Gonzalez will linger; none of those guys looks to be an heir to Wayne’s role, and the Peyton Manning-era Colts have spent premium picks on skill guys.
The corner depth proved pretty good, but even if they are ultimately able to re-sign Melvin Bullitt, the Colts need some depth at safety.
Jacksonville Jaguars
While Courtney Greene may be a serviceable NFL safety, Don Carey probably is not. Odds are the Jaguars draft one and sign one at a position that was a big weakness in 2010.
Linebacker is also a spot of need. Daryl Smith is locked in, but the team probably will allow Kirk Morrison and Justin Durant to walk as free agents, meaning they need a starter on the middle and the outside.
Defensive end wouldn’t seem a need considering the team drafted Larry Hart and Austen Lane last season after adding veteran Aaron Kampman. But the pass rush is not where they want it, and a rush end could well be a position they address.
Inconsistent quarterback David Garrard needs to see the team have a legitimate alternative, and he should come from this draft. And those two quarterbacks plus Luke McCown need a No. 1-caliber receiver to head a group that won’t bring Mike Sims-Walker back.
Tennessee Titans
It starts under center, where the Titans do not have a No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback. They intend to add one veteran and one rookie and could easily spend their first or second pick on a signal-caller.
The team needs to get bigger and more durable on the defensive line. A beefy tackle and a rugged defensive end are on the wish list, and both could help make things easier for the rest of the defense. The interior didn’t collapse the pocket a lot, and the smallish ends wore down. Three of them are heading for free agency -- Jason Babin, Dave Ball and Jacob Ford.
Stephen Tulloch is heading for free agency, and the Titans didn’t get enough plays out of the linebackers last year, so they could upgrade.
Chris Hope’s replacement at strong safety doesn’t appear to be on the roster. While it’s a thin draft at the spot, the Titans need to find a candidate.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
