A closer look at the positions the Tennessee Titans could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:
Positions of need: The Titans have a number of holes to fill for a playoff team, but none bigger than edge rusher, which needs a serious infusion of starter competition, youth and overall depth. Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are entering the final years of their contracts. Both are solid players, but neither is an intimidating pass-rusher anymore, and they are both on the back end of their careers. The Titans' pass-rush pipeline is barren as 2016 second-round pick Kevin Dodd is looking like a bust and 32-year-old Erik Walden is a pending free agent. Depending on what happens with pending free agent Avery Williamson, inside linebacker could be a big need, too.
The Titans' needs on offense revolve around offensive guard and getting more overall speed. A running back who could provide explosion in the passing game and strong pass blocking would be a perfect complement to Derrick Henry, especially if the Titans part ways with DeMarco Murray, who is due $6.5 million next season. Corey Davis has plenty of potential, and Rishard Matthews is an underrated receiver, but the Titans could use a reliable speed receiver to open up lanes for the offense. Backup QB is a need, too.
Three players the Titans should focus on at the combine:
Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College: Landry had an All-American 2016 season, accumulating 16.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 22 tackles for loss. Our ESPN.com scouting report calls him an "explosive edge-rusher who shows excellent initial quickness, bend, balance and closing speed." He likely would have been a high first-round pick had he entered the draft a year ago, and an injury-plagued senior year may have been enough to land him in the Titans' late-first-round range. He would fit well in the Titans' 3-4 scheme and could be a mentee under Orakpo and Morgan.
Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia: Wynn has solid pass-blocking and run-blocking skills that could make him a plug-and-play starter at guard. NFL.com's scouting report says "his athleticism allows for quick advantages as a run-blocker while his hand strength and footwork helps him sustain those advantages into open running lanes." He sounds like an ideal fit for the Titans' zone-blocking scheme, if they're willing to spend a first- or second-round pick on him. Typically guards don't go high in the draft, but their value has increased in recent years given supply and demand.
Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama: Evans plays his best ball when the bright lights are on, which has helped him flash in Alabama's three consecutive national championship appearances. NFL.com's scouting report says he is a "premium athlete with plus agility, range and explosiveness." Vrabel wants intelligence, toughness and playmaking ability in his linebackers. Evans appears to have all three plus enough coverage ability to hang with tight ends and running backs, which is essential in the NFL. He's also a good blitzer.