NFL 2006: Tennessee Titans

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Tennessee Titans.)

The Tennessee Titans struggled offensively and defensively last year, thanks in most part to injuries and an inconsistent offense. Head coach Jeff Fisher suffered through a 4-12 season. His worst in 12 seasons with the franchise. In 2006, Fisher looks to rebuild the Titans with fresh faces and grizzled vets.

Offense: The biggest movement over the summer for Tennessee was the trading away of franchise face and leader, Steve McNair, and the drafting of his future replacement, Vince Young. The Titans are hoping Young has a short learning curve.

McNair captained the Titans for 11 years, leading them to a Super Bowl in 1999 - his departure didn't set over well with the Tennessee faithful. Until Young learns the ropes the reigns will be given to Billy Volek, who apprenticed under McNair for four years. Make no mistake though, Volek is only keeping the seat warm for Young.

Young, who led Texas to a national championship last season, has tons of athleticism, but how his game translates to the NFL remains to be seen. He doesn't have a very strong arm and he has a strange, sidearm delivery that didn't go over with many NFL scouts.

Chris Brown (851-5) returns at tailback and Travis Henry (355) is a capable backup, but all eyes will be focused on second round pick, LenDale White of USC. White injured his hamstring and had no individual workouts before the draft, which is why he fell into the second round. This could be a potential steal for the Titans if White gets and stays in shape. He is the prototypical power runner, the kind Fisher loves, and the Trojans all-time touchdown leader. He could be a force. Troy Fleming returns at fullback.

Free agent David Givens was brought in from New England to improve the passing game. He caught 59 passes for 738 yards last season in New England. Drew Bennett (58-738-4) returns as a starter, while Tyrone Calico moves to the slot. Courtney Roby and Roydell Williams provide depth.

Tennessee is solid at tight end with Erron Kinney (55-543-2), Ben Troupe (55-530-4) and Bo Scaife (37-273-2).

The offensive line was bolstered in the middle when former All-Pro Kevin Mawae was signed away from the New York Jets. Mawae played in only six games last season due to injury. Zach Piller and Benji Olson return at guard, while Michael Roos is back at left tackle. Titan standout right tackle Brad Hopkins retired after a stellar 13-year career. His spot will be taken by either Dave Stewart, Daniel Loper or Jacob Bell.

Defense: Kyle Vanden Bosch emerged as the free agent steal of 2005 by putting up career numbers in tackles (65) and sacks (12.5). He's joined at defensive end by Travis LaBoy (41-6.5). Bo Schobel and Antwan Odom are backups. Albert Haynesworth (52-3) and Randy Starks (47-3) return to anchor the middle of the Titan defense. Rien Long will see action in the rotation as well.

Free agent linebacker David Thornton (81 tackles) will pair up with Keith Bulluck (138 tackles, five interceptions, two sacks) on the outside and Peter Sirmon (69 tackles) in the middle. Robert Reynolds, Cody Spencer and rookie Stephen Tulloch provide depth.

The secondary got stronger with the addition of free safety Chris Hope (97-3) from Pittsburgh. Lamont Thompson (80) returns at strong safety with Donnie Nickey and rookie Calvin Lowery in the fold. Pacman Jones and Reynoldo Hill (three interceptions) return at the corners. Andre Woolfolk is the nickel back.

Special Teams: Rob Bironas returns after a fairly consistent 2005 season where he scored 99 points on 23-29 field goals and 30-32 extra points. Veteran Craig Hentrich (43.2) is back at punter. Jones will handle punt (9.4) and kick (26.2) return duties. Roby (22.5) also returns kicks for the Titans.

Outlook: This is a team that is starting to put a nice young nucleus together, but they'll need time to learn and gel as a team. Losing McNair will hurt in the short term because neither Volek nor Young are up to McNair's level. The defense has some decent young players and Fisher picked up solid free agents in Thornton and Hope. The problem is there isn't much depth, especially at linebacker and the secondary. If Young has a fast learning curve and LenDale White is capable of what many believe he is, Tennessee will win some games.

Prediction: The lack of depth and unknown quarterback play will cause some serious heartburn for Tennessee fans. The Titans are starting to put some solid pieces into its rebuilding plan, but it may take some more lean years before the fruit starts to ripen. The Titans will finish 5-11.

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