NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Robert Saleh and Aaron Whitecotton reunite with an old favorite in John Franklin-Myers, giving the Titans a boost on the defensive line, where everything will start for their revamped defense.
Behind him, another trouble spot where the Titans had some major blanks – cornerback – got replenished when the Titans reached agreements with both Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott.
The Titans still need a speedier, bendier edge to play opposite trade-acquisition Jermaine Johnson and depth along the line and probably an upgrade to nickel Marcus Harris as well as depth behind their new starting corners. But the defense is in far better shape than it was before the time for free-agency agreements opened.
Here's how they fit in an updated depth chart.
The Titans want to have waves of linemen to stop the run and chase the quarterback, but the first wave will set the tone and play the most. The Titans have now added end Jeremiah Johnson and tackle Franklin-Myers to All-Pro Jeffery Simmons in the early stages of the rebuild.
Franklin-Myers is expected to really shine on third down and in two-minute, as Simmons will always draw a double team and JFR has a high win rate against one-on-ones in those circumstances.
In Taylor and Flott, the Titans see high-energy, physical corners with versatility and high football IQs.
Taylor has desirable length and can blitz, but the Titans will need him to be more consistent than he was for the Saints. Per PFF, he surrendered eight touchdown passes last year, tied for the second-most in NFL among corners, and has given up 20 TD passes over the past three years.
Flott has three career interceptions and 25 passes defenses in four years. He’s 6-foot-2 but just 185 pounds. Outside the height, he didn’t have great measurables compared to the corners in his draft class.
Flott ranked 35th (68.1) and Taylor 38th (67.7) among corners in coverage.
