Ranking AFC South Units: Defensive Lines
By Josh McSwain
2. Titans
Jurrell Casey is one of the most underrated players in the league. The third round pick out of USC in the 2011 draft has been one of the best at his position since he entered the league. Over the past three seasons he has 22.5 sacks as a 3-4 defensive end, which is still very good for anyone not named J.J. Watt.
Al Woods is the starter at nose in the 3-4, following Dick LeBeau over from Pittsburgh. He led a defense that while it was 18th against the run in 2015, they tied for seventh in yards per carry allowed. In the second round this year the Titans took Austin Johnson, whom I wanted the Texans to draft, as depth and I think he’ll plenty of snaps as a rookie.
At the other end spot DaQuan Jones will start; the third year pro out of Penn State started all 16 games last season and racked up 45 tackles. For depth at end they have Ropati Pitoitua and Karl Klug, a couple of big guys who help in the run game—Pitoitua is a solid run defender and pass rusher, but he has missed 15 games over the last two seasons. Meanwhile Klug has 18.5 sacks in five seasons, not missing a single game over that time.
Overall, this unit is solid. They are led by an excellent player in Casey and have solid players around him. However, they are not really in competition for the top spot on this list.