NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It's a NFL draft class with well-regarded edge rush prospects.
And that has ranked as a big Tennessee Titans' need for some time.
But the Titans invested big money to re-sign Derrick Morgan ($27 million for four years with $10.5 guaranteed) and bring in Washington's Brian Orakpo ($32 million for four years with $13.5 guaranteed.)
The next tier of edge rusher on the roster isn't great. Jonathan Massaquoi was claimed off waivers from Atlanta and has some promise. Kamerion Wimbley's been a big disappointment in his time in Tennessee.
A year ago, the Titans faced the wrath of their fans when they drafted offensive tackle Taylor Lewan 11th overall, despite having Michael Roos and Michael Oher on the team as starters.
It wasn't long into the season, however, before Roos was hurt and Oher was horrible (and then hurt) and the Titans needed Lewan. In fact, three tackles didn't prove to be enough.
Lewan is now locked in as the starting left tackle.
Given their investments in Orakpo and Morgan and given their other needs -- at receiver, right tackle, running back, quarterback, maybe at end, maybe at corner -- can they look to an outside linebacker early in this draft?
They can if they are thinking long term and feel they can't have too many edge rushers, a very important commodity.
But if the first addition to the Titans in this draft is Randy Gregory, Dante Fowler Jr., Shane Ray, Vic Beasley or Bud Dupree, it's hard to see when he'd get on the field without an injury to Orakpo or Morgan.
The top guys there could prove worth No. 2 or the Titans' first pick after a trade down. But can general manager Ruston Webster and coach Ken Whisenhunt, who need impact now, use the team's top pick on a guy who isn't a Day 1 starter?
