Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Defenses (16-20)

Dec 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) breaks a tackle from Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans 8-8
Last Season’s Rankings: #14 Overall Defense (337.9 total yards per game allowed) #11 Passing Defense (225.8 passing yards per game allowed) #20 Rushing Defense (112.2 rushing yards per game allowed)

The Titans took a big blow in losing their Pro-Bowl corner in Al Verner, but they have a chance to make up for it in 2014. Last season the Titans pass defense was one of the better pass defenses in the NFL. In fact in 2013, the Titans allowed the least amount of passing touchdowns to opposing QBs (15 TDs). Only problem was that their rush defense suffered in 2013, giving up the third most rushing touchdowns (21 TDs). 2013 still saw the Titans develop as a good defense. Hopefully 2014 will show that development.

Typically this defense wouldn’t get my vote in the top-20 because of its’ past running game issues. However, with the additions of former Bronco DE Shaun Phillips (42.5 tackles, 9.75 sacks, two fumbles forced and four passes defended average over past two seasons with Denver/San Diego) and LB Wesley Woodyard (100.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, five passes defended and 4.5 tackles for loss per season over past two seasons), the Titans deserve some serious consideration. Joining them will be DE Ropati Pitoitua (44 tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss and four passes defended in 2013), DT Sammie Lee Hill (25 tackles and five passes defended), DE Jurrell Casey (55 tackles, 10.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and two passes defended), OLB Derrick Morgan (34 tackles, six sacks and three tackles for loss) and ILB Zach Brown (91 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss and five passes defended). I believe these mile-high additions should make this Tennessee Titan run defense that much better. You can take this to the bank Titan fans: the Titans will obliterate 2013’s team.

Of course losing Verner will most certainly affect this pass defense. I think that while Verner was invaluable to this pass defense, I think that the Titans will end up being okay as far as pass defense is concerned. In Verner’s place will be sophomore CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (13 tackles and one pass defended in 2013) or Coty Sensabaugh (31 tackles and six passes defended). As for the other parts of the secondary, SS Bernard Pollard (99 tackles, five tackles for loss, 10 passes defended and three interceptions), FS Michael Griffin (82 tackles and four passes defended) and CB Jason McCourty (65 tackles and 11 passes defended). Last year I think that Verner was the patriach of the secondary and thus took over the majority of the passes. 2014 should be much different in Tennessee as players will have to fight for playing time and will have to share the wealth evenly. Obviously don’t expect the same Titans’ secondary, but do expect a solid product on the field week-after-week.