Forget The Rumors. Let's Talk About What We Know

Rumors, rumors, and more rumors have been flying around as always this time of year in NFL circles. Forget that; let's talk about what we know.

Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - The rumors are usually everywhere this time of year during the silly season leading up to the NFL Draft. But this time, the Tennessee Titans have been at the center of more than their fair share of the lies and craziness that embody this part of the league's yearly calendar. 

Like most of you, I'm sick of the rumors and ridiculousness associated with many of the recent mock drafts that have been produced, where it seems as if the people writing them have little to no clue about the needs of the Titans overall.  

Let's talk about what we know, skip all rumors, and project players and rounds for this team. 

What We Know: Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis are the only two on this roster. One or both could be moved, or one or both could remain. 

It's widely accepted that the Titans need a quarterback of the future, as Tannehill is 35 and in the last season of his expensive deal, while Willis didn't look like the future last season.

It doesn't look like the Titans can draft one of the top two quarterbacks in the coming draft, and the other two, no matter how athletically gifted, are developmental guys as opposed to their more polished fellow rookies-to-be that are likely to be taken No.1 and No.2 in this draft.    

What We Know: Left Tackle

Entering free agency, the Titans desperately needed help at left tackle. They signed a former first-round pick in Andre Dillard, who clearly stated he intended to fill that role this season. 

Ran Carthon and Mike Vrabel could decide to add another player to this position to compete with Dillard. Remember, coaches like competition, as it tends to improve teams. And, as was the case last season when Taylor Lewan went down, you're just one injury away from having Dennis Daley (or someone similar) as your starting left tackle. 

Extra Point: The Titans could also add other offensive line players to compete or add depth, which couldn't be considered wrong.   

What We Know: Receiver

This group as a whole is pretty bad. Only Treylon Burks and Chris Conely seem to have any business on this roster, and Conley will hopefully be WR5 if he makes the regular season roster come August. 

Now, before you jump to the conclusion, I've lost my mind; Kyle Phillips should return from injury, and from what we saw last season before his injury, he too belongs, but he's got to prove it by staying healthy and contributing. Otherwise, his days could be numbered if the Titans find an upgrade in the draft.  

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine resigned and returns, but an upgrade could be found for him. In his three seasons, NWI has managed 906 career receiving yards. He is a solid blocker but should only be considered a WR5 at best.   

For all the "potential" of Racy McMath, he's not done much outside of perhaps special teams to feel secure in his future on this roster. 

Going further down this list, a couple of guys might deserve a place in the practice squad with some potential developmental upside; otherwise, trash it. 

What We Know: Corner

The Titans secondary wasn't good last season, partly because of the rash of injuries they endured and the fact that Caleb Farley is a walking injury.  

Kristian Fulton and Roger McCreary could be solid if Fulton can stay healthy and McCreary makes the natural progression from year one to year two. 

Add the return of Elijah Molden to the mix, and the potential is there for instant improvement from last season's disasters.

However, like tackle, the Titans could add another player who might come in round one. Yes, I know; I said this was about what we know, not rumors or speculation. At the same time, adding a player here is not out of the realm of possibility, especially considering the depth at this position in round one and the case of other, more coveted prospects being selected.    

A corner is an option if the Titans are 'forced' to go with the best player available approach at No.11. Like other positions, competition is a good thing, and so is depth as a cover to another season of devastating injuries. 

What We Know: Edge

Bud Dupree is gone, and Harold Landry returns from injury along with the addition of Arden Key and with Rashad Weaver set for his third tour with the team; this has the makings of a very solid unit.  

Behind that threesome, Sam Okuayunou and Zach McCloud await. With all due respect to both of these guys, neither would strike fear in the hearts of opposing coaches and quarterbacks. Therefore, the Titans might also want to address another pass rusher here to add to the depth for rotational and injury purposes. 

What We Know: Kicker

Caleb Shudak is the man (currently), and there's a chance Randy Bullock could return on a cheaper deal. Carthon could also look for a late-round pick here as well, though that seems a longshot, personally.  

Wow, I feel better already, having written something without rumors or speculation (at least not much) instead of covering another mock draft. 

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