For the Tennessee Titans to contend for the playoffs this season, here are the five players who can help make that happen:
Marcus Mariota, quarterback: It all revolves around No. 8. The Titans replaced their entire coaching staff after a playoff victory in hopes of maximizing their franchise quarterback. Mariota is healthy and feeling free so far this offseason. He's undergoing a significant footwork change with the aim of becoming a more consistent and powerful passer. The Titans believe Mariota can lift them to a Super Bowl, but he will have to play much better than he did during his rocky 2017 season (13 TD passes, 15 interceptions) to make them championship contenders. Mariota's comfort and success within new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur's scheme will be the factor that determines whether the Titans continue their ascension or hit a roadblock in 2018.
Corey Davis, receiver: Outside of Mariota, Davis is the most important player on the roster for the 2018 season. Tennessee is putting a lot of faith in Davis, expecting him to become its feared No. 1 receiver after an injury-plagued rookie season. But hey, that comes with the territory when you were the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. Davis has all of the physical tools -- height, strength, speed, hands -- to be the next premier young receiver, but health remains the big question mark. Looking at the Tennessee wide receivers, there's Rishard Matthews, Davis and a lot of unknowns. The Titans need Davis to step up, or they're going to be in trouble.
Taylor Lewan, left tackle: Lewan is the heart, voice and personality of the Titans. Oh, and he happens to be one of the best left tackles in football, too. Lewan, who wants a new contract, missed portions of offseason workouts -- a situation that's lingering as the Titans head into training camp. He's worthy of a big-money extension and Tennessee can't afford to leave its most important player -- Mariota -- without his bodyguard and blindside protector. Lewan has to continue to bring the energy, be the tone-setter and provide strong blocking in the passing and running game for the Titans to be contenders.
Kevin Byard, safety: Very few NFL players had as big of a second-year jump as Byard, who went from a part-time starter as a rookie to the NFL's interception leader in 2017. Byard has quickly emerged as a leader and one of the faces of the franchise -- even if Deion Sanders doesn't know who he is. Byard is the voice and energy of what could end up being a surprise as one of the NFL's top secondaries. It's extremely important for the Titans to have Byard play to his 2017 All-Pro standards. He is on his way to stardom, and another strong season will secure it.
Malcolm Butler, cornerback: Titans general manager Jon Robinson was aggressive in free agency, landing a No. 1 cornerback with a five-year contract for $61 million. Butler is a two-time Super Bowl champion who comes from humble beginnings and provides the sort of physicality, work ethic and talent Tennessee's secondary needs to reach its potential. How will Butler bounce back from his Super Bowl LII benching? What will his addition do for Tennessee's defensive backs? The Titans need Butler to be worth what they paid him, and he will likely validate the signing in the postseason.