This article is part of our Team Previews series.
Tennessee Titans
THE SKINNY
Second-year signal-caller Marcus Mariota should be better with a full NFL season under his belt, but he's still throwing to a very ordinary group of receivers. If the Titans are to elevate their 30th-ranked offense from a year ago, look for the team's fortified running game to lead the way.
THREE KEY STORY LINES
MARIOTA, YEAR 2
Marcus Mariota was immediately thrust into the Titans' starting QB job after being drafted No. 2 overall out of Oregon last year and responded with a campaign that didn't feature much winning, but did include franchise rookie records for passing yards (2,818), touchdowns (19) and completions (230) in just 12 starts. Any question about the speedy signal-caller's ability to transition from the Ducks' spread offense to a pro-level scheme have been answered, and all signs point to a potentially impressive encore with a year of experience in his rear view mirror. In his second NFL campaign, the 22-year-old will have to work on his outside throws, after failing to consistently connect with pass-catchers other than TE Delanie Walker as a rookie. On the other hand, Mariota's scrambling ability is already top-notch. While he's stuck with roughly the same cast of unimpressive wideouts, a concerted offseason effort to strengthen the team's O-line and running game should pay dividends in buying Mariota more time to push the ball downfield in 2016.
WILL A GO-TO OUTSIDE OPTION EMERGE?
2013 draftee Justin Hunter was once pegged as a physical freak of nature with the ability to develop into a game-changer in an otherwise lackluster Tennessee receiving corps. That distinction was passed on to Dorial Green-Beckham after the 2015 second-rounder led all Titans wide receivers with 548 yards and 17.2 yards per reception as a rookie, but 2016 fifth-rounder Tajae Sharpe and Dolphins import Rishard Matthews will do their best to keep the 6-5 wideout out of the starting lineup. Hunter, along with returnees Kendall Wright and Harry Douglas will also be around, but will likely be limited to the slot or reserve roles. With TE Delanie Walker still on hand to draw attention, an improved ground game that should force added defenders into the box, and a more experienced Marcus Mariota throwing him the ball, Green-Beckham's familiarity with the playbook and quarterback could make him the Titans' most capable option of making defenses pay dearly on the outside.
NEW TITANS READY TO MAKE IMPACT
The Titans made as many personnel changes as any NFL team this offseason, shaking up things everywhere from the offensive front to the front office. Notably, they dealt the first overall pick in the 2016 draft to the Rams for a boatload of selections. As a result, five of the first 64 players chosen in the draft are vying for playing time, while the team also welcomes new veteran starters at running back and safety in DeMarco Murray and Rashad Johnson, respectively. While the rookies will require some seasoning, the 2016 edition of the Titans possesses a talent level far superior to last year's 3-13 outfit, with a reshuffled offensive line and increased defensive depth highlighting the overhaul. Don't be surprised to see draftees such as OT Jack Conklin, LB Kevin Dodd, DT Austin Johnson and RB Derrick Henry all play significant roles this season on a much more competitive Tennessee squad. New GM Jon Robinson has brought tremendous football savvy to the franchise's front office, prompting NFL Network analyst Charles Davis to note in advance of the draft that "(Robinson) has been the MVP of the offseason."
KEY JOB BATTLE
Last season's underwhelming cast of veterans has returned in full, but they're being challenged by fifth-round rookie Tajae Sharpe and Dolphins transplant Rishard Matthews. The two newcomers will make a case to emerge as starters on the outside with Kendall Wright in the slot, but 2015 second-rounder Dorial Green-Beckham is also on hand to make a run at a key role, as are Justin Hunter and veteran Harry Douglas. The glut of alternatives suggests nobody is locked into their current role and things will need to play out in camp and the preseason before the team's wideout pecking order is cemented. Still, this group will almost certainly outperform last year's total of 1,665 receiving yards by wideouts, so whoever ends up on top once the games start counting could pleasantly surprise fantasy owners.
PIVOTAL PLAYER
After leading the NFL in rushing in 2014, Murray came crashing down to earth in his lone season as an Eagle, running for just 702 yards. Still, that modest mark would have been tops among the Titans' RBs last season. Now motivated to bounce back after an offseason trade, Murray is a key to turning what was a glaring team weakness into a strength.
BAROMETER
RISING: Delanie Walker
Walker set a franchise tight end record with 94 receptions last season and is ready to reprise his role as the team's go-to target. He's the sole constant in a passing game riddled with question marks.
FALLING: Justin Hunter
It's been three years, and Titans fans are still waiting for Hunter's breakout campaign. He took a step back in 2015, has yet to top 500 yards in a season and finds himself fifth on the depth chart heading into camp.
SLEEPER: Derrick Henry
The Titans didn't trade for DeMarco Murray to have him see spot duty, but the bruising Henry is coming off a 28-touchdown season at Alabama and will be ready to step in should the veteran get hurt or slip up.
THE INJURY FRONT
Marcus Mariota, QB - The shifty quarterback missed the final two weeks of 2015 with a sprained MCL, but the injury is unlikely to have any long-term ramifications and appears to be fully healed. There is little cause for concern since health wasn't an issue for the former Oregon star in college, and neither his throwing nor scrambling ability should be impeded as he looks to build on a promising rookie campaign.
Rishard Matthews, WR - The fifth-year receiver was enjoying his most successful season in Miami before having it cut short by a rib injury suffered in Week 12. He'll have to adjust to a new playbook and personnel in Tennessee, but Matthews' full practice participation prior to the 2015 finale suggests the offseason was more than enough time to get back to 100 percent heading into training camp.
Dexter McCluster, RB - The undersized running back finished last season on IR, but appears healthy and should have a role as a pass-catcher and gimmicky asset despite Tennessee's upgrades at the position.
IDP FOCUS
Jurrell Casey, DE - The 26-year-old managed to tie for the team lead with 7.0 sacks despite once again facing constant double teams in 2015, giving him 22.5 over the last three seasons to go along with over 50 tackles in each of those campaigns.
Avery Williamson, LB - Williamson has been a tackling machine since entering the NFL, improving on his 79 tackles as a rookie with 102 last year. Throw in at least three sacks in each of those seasons, and you have a rock-solid fantasy option manning the middle in Tennessee.
Rashad Johnson, S - The veteran defensive back averaged 77 tackles and 4.5 interceptions over his last two seasons in Arizona, and could even surpass those numbers in Tennessee considering the man he's replacing (Michael Griffin) was just one off the team lead with 101 tackles in 2015.
OFFSEASON MOVES
KEY ACQUISITIONS:
DeMarco Murray – RB (from Eagles)
Part of Mike Mularkey's plan to play "exotic smashmouth" football.
Rishard Matthews – WR (from Dolphins)
His 43 catches and 662 yards (in 11 games) would have led Titans' WRs.
Derrick Henry – RB (Rd. 2, No. 45 –Alabama)
2015 Heisman Trophy winner ready to spell Murray from the get-go.
MATT CASSEL – QB (from Cowboys)
Veteran provides trusted QB depth behind Marcus Mariota.
Jack Conklin – OT (Rd. 1, No. 8 – Michigan State)
Pairs with Taylor Lewan to give team young, bookend offensive tackles.
Rashad Johnson – S (from Cardinals)
Will replace Michael Griffin while bringing superior ball skills.
KEY LOSSES:
Michael Griffin – S (to Vikings)
Aging veteran released despite leading team in total tackles.
ZACH METTENBERGER – QB (to Chargers)
Started 10 games over two seasons, but Titans didn't win any of them.
