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#9 Tennessee Titans
Offense: LT Taylor Lewan, LG Quinton Spain, C Ben Jones, RG Josh Kline, RT Jack Conklin; Bench – Dennis Kelly, Xavier Sua’Filo & Brian Schwenke
Defense: LE DaQuan Jones, NT Bennie Logan, RE Jurrell Casey; Bench – Austin Johnson & Karl Klug
I know Marcus Mariota and Kevin Byard might by the Titans’ stars on their respective sides of the ball, but there is no question to me – Tennessee is built around their offensive and defensive lines. I said last week that their roster is as complete as any team’s in the NFL, but if they want to become contenders, it’s all about the big boys.
I thought the Titans offensive line might emerge as one of the top units in the league last season, but second-year man Tyler Conklin took a step back and overall their offense just was a little static at times. Still, together with what the Packers have, this is one of the premier tackle duos with Conklin and the gritty Taylor Lewan.
Quinton Spain and Josh Kline might not be names the average fan knows about, but they have been playing very well, making former first-round pick Chance Warmack expendable. Center Ben Jones has been the glue piece for them since he came over from Houston and since he has taken over in the middle of their front, they have been kicking ass.
On defense, Jurrell Casey is such a unique and dominating player. I love watching him move on that interior and slipping through the traffic to take down ball-carrier and get around offensive linemen in the passing game.
DaQuan Jones received a three-year contract extension worth 21 million in March. He might never put up any big numbers, but he is a space-eater in the run game and can help you push the pocket. Bennie Logan is another big body, who plucks up the middle as a two-down player.
What makes this unit special is the depth behind the three guys mentioned. Austin Johnson was drafted two years ago and he can line up anywhere from nose to 5-technique, especially on passing downs. Karl Klug was secured before the 2017 free agency period with a two-year deal as a high-effort player, who sees a lot of action in sub-packages. Tennessee can rotate these five guys and keep them fresh over the course of games.
