2nd Biggest Need: R-DT

I've come to a conclusion that our 2nd biggest need (behind OG) is right defensive tackle. Sen'Derrick Marks primarily was our R-DT, and he's unlikely to return next year & needs to be upgraded.

Here's a simple breakdown of DTs:

Left DT (AKA 3-Tech): This defensive tackle is a single gap player, normally the B-Gap, which is between the OG and OT. Normally a 3-tech DT has a quick first step and can disrupt the backfield. This DT should be able to get after the QB and have a few sacks a year. Traditionally, these are your 280-300 pounders. Real simple: faster & pass-rushing DTs.

Right DT (AKA 0-Tech, 1-Tech, NT): This defensive tackle is a multiple gap player. In the 4-3 he normally lines up between the center and LG. He's normally double teamed, and main goal is occupy blockers for both the LBs and DEs. Traditionally, these are your 310+ pounders. Real simple: Big body, strong, run stuffers, double team occupiers.

We currently have 3 L-DTs on our roster: Jurrell Casey, Mike Martin, and Karl Klug.
We currently have 0 R-DTs on our roster.

We really haven't had a true R-DT since Big Al left. This causes our LBs to have to make more 1v1 tackles. Forces our DEs (Wimbley to be exact) to asorb double teams. R-DT is an ugly position, but it makes a huge difference. Titans need to find a run-stuffer, big bodied, double team asorber in this draft, as there isn't really any in free agency.

Here's some options:

Star Lotulelei - 6'3 311 - Utah - Senior
Projected Round: Top 15
5.14 40 - BP ?? - 33 5/8 Arm Length
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1801107/star-lotulelei

Johnathan Hankins - 6'3 320 - Ohio St - Junior
Projected Round: Late 1st - Early 2nd
5.31 40 - BP ? - 33 Arm Length
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1785812/johnathan-hankins

Jesse Williams - 6'3 323 - Alabama - Senior
Project Round: Late 1st - Early 2nd
4.94 40 - BP 30 - 32 Arm Length
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824786/jesse-williams

Johnathan Jenkins - 6'4 346 - Georgia - Senior
Project Round: Early 2nd
5.21 40 - BP 30 - 34 Arm Length
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1888753/john-jenkins

Sylvester Williams - 6'3 313 - UNC - Senior
Project Round: Mid 2nd
5.03 40 - BP 27 - 33 1/2 Arm Length
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824167/sylvester-williams

Brandon Williams - 6'1 335 - Mizzou Southern St - Senior
Projected Round: Late 2nd - Early 3rd
5.37 40 - BP 38 - 32 5.8 Arm Length
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1788852/brandon-williams

Other Prospects: Montori Hughes, TJ Barnes, and Kwame Geathers

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I added a poll for you to vote on how we fix this need. My person dream would be for Hankins to fall to the 2nd.

Good post. I've been saying this for months.

It would be amazing if Star was cleared and he still fell to 10.

There's a good chance - the heart condition + questions about his motor may make him slip.

If we could land WarDaddy or Cooper in the first and Hankins in the second, that would take care of our biggest needs. It starts upfront. We need to start winning the battles at the line of scrimmage.

I don't think Jenkins hears his name called until day three due to a lack of motor and consistency. His teammate Geather is just as good skill set wise but plays a lot harder. Put on the Bama tape, he handles Barrett Jones. Brandon Williams in the third is good value.

Hankins did have a down year if you go by the stats but he does a great job of handling double teams. Hankins is extremely disruptive. He also has an above average push and pass rush up the middle. Drafting him in the second would be three years in a row where we get great value on defense

I want Sammie Lee Hill from the Lions

I'd like for us to not only use a top pick on a DT, but also sign a FA

I'm not too high on Klug at DT anymore, let him play DE or MLB, and we're going to need 4, so after Casey and Martin we still could use 2 new guys.

I'd be more than happy with that.

I voted for Star, cause he's my draft binky.

The more I think about it though I really like Hankins in the 2nd round if he lasts that long. He'd be a great fit on our line.

Apparently DE is out 2nd biggest need, which is bull$hit.

If Hankins or Williams can fall to us in the 2nd round, I would do back flips down the street. I think Williams will be there in the 2nd, but not Hankins. I just would love to be able to decide from the 2 when our 2nd round pick comes.

Any of the pics listed won't be an immediate upgrade, with the exception of Star. This is why I see us getting someone stout in the FA market. We don't need an Albert Haynesworth or Raji right now, but someone who can come in and collapse the pocket and free up Kam and Morgan.