NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans made some moves to maintain continuity on offense by re-signing quarterback Ryan Tannehill and placing the franchise tag on running back Derrick Henry. But their roster still has needs to be filled, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
With some interesting names remaining on the market, the Titans can still add key pieces to the team. They can also turn to the draft to add impact players. Here's a look at some of the positions left for Tennessee to address and some options who could help out:
Pass-rusher
The Titans could cash in on their one-year investment in free agent Vic Beasley Jr. if the coaching staff can inspire him to regain his 2015 form, when he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks. However, the team still needs another pass-rusher, and trading defensive lineman Jurrell Casey only amplified the need for a dynamic game-changer.
FREE AGENTS
Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney is the best free agent remaining on the market. Signing him would reunite the defensive end with coach Mike Vrabel, who was the Texans' defensive coordinator when Clowney had 9.5 sacks, 18 QB hits and 21 tackles for loss in 2017. All of those were career highs. Clowney is exactly the type of dominant defender the Titans need.
Markus Golden. Golden has shown the ability to have an impact on opposing quarterbacks after posting 9.5 sacks and 27 QB hits last season. The linebacker is a high-effort player who is equally impactful against the pass and the run. He is also the kind of veteran leader who can help establish the culture the Titans's pass-rushers need.
DRAFT OPTIONS
Marlon Davidson, Auburn. Davidson would help fill the need for a disruptive player on the defensive line. He is able to impact plays both on the interior and as an edge rusher, if called upon. Putting Davidson next to DaQuan Jones and Jeffery Simmons would give the Titans an impressive front three.
Jonathan Greenard, Florida. Having played as a stand-up rusher and down lineman makes Greenard a viable fit for the Titans. His quick first step allows him to get offensive linemen off balance, helping open up a path to the quarterback.
Other draft options: Terrell Lewis, Alabama; Bradlee Anae, Utah
Cornerback
The possible loss of Logan Ryan in free agency would leave a huge void in the Titans' secondary. Ryan was their top cornerback and the primary option to bump inside in sub-packages. He played a key role in run support and was used in blitz packages to impact quarterbacks. Adoree' Jackson and Malcolm Butler will likely remain as starters on the outside. But neither of them are suitable options to play nickel. Veteran defensive backs LeShaun Sims, Tye Smith and Tramaine Brock are all free agents.
FREE AGENTS
Nickell Robey-Coleman: Bringing Ryan back makes the most sense. But if the Titans decide to have a veteran player fill their nickel position, Robey-Coleman is a less expensive option. The Los Angeles Rams declined to pick up Robey-Coleman's option, making him a free agent. While he is small in stature, he is a willing contributor on run support and is a solid option to match up against quick slot receivers.
DRAFT OPTIONS
Jeff Gladney, TCU. Gladney is an option for the Titans at pick No. 29. He is a sticky coverage corner who likes to press receivers at the line of scrimmage. His alpha mindset and willingness to compete would mesh with the aggressive approach that Vrabel wants on defense.
Darnay Holmes, UCLA. Holmes is an intense competitor who would immediately take over as the nickel cornerback. Adding Holmes would give the Titans another player besides Jackson who can turn and run with faster receivers. Holmes' 2018 matchup with Baltimore Ravens wideout Marquise Brown when he was at Oklahoma is a good example of how the speedy corner would help in deep coverage. Holmes also provides help in the return game.
Other draft options: Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech; Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
Running back
It's pretty clear Henry will get the bulk of the carries, but the Titans still need a complementary back who could spell Henry in select situations such as third-and-long. Dion Lewis once filled the role, but he was released before free agency. The Titans would be best served by addressing this void via the draft.
DRAFT OPTIONS
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU. Edwards-Helaire would be able to play immediately in third-down situations thanks to being coached by former NFL back Kevin Faulk, who thrived in that role. Edwards-Helaire would be a viable option catching the ball out of the backfield and helping out in pass protection. He is also capable of carrying the load over the course of a game.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt. Vaughn would be a solid complementary back to Henry because he can have an impact without needing extensive touches. He's a home-run hitter who can generate chunk plays in the screen game as well as running the ball. Vaughn is well-suited for the Titans' zone scheme, having executed similar concepts at Vanderbilt.
Other draft options: Eno Benjamin, Arizona State; Cam Akers, Florida State.