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Ranking AFC South Units: Linebackers

By Josh McSwain

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3. Titans

Oct 26, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes against Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes against Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Avery Williamson (54) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

On the outside the Titans have a couple good pass rushers in Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. The problem is both of them have proven to be fairly injury prone throughout their careers. But when healthy they can get after the quarterback—Orakpo tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season and Morgan has 11 over the last two seasons in 26 games played.

In the second round this year they drafted Kevin Dodd, a 4-3 end who is converting to a 3-4 linebacker. He is big at 6-5 and 277, but very raw. He only saw significant playing time during his senior season when he racked up 60 tackles and 12 sacks—he did not have any sacks his first three years.

On the inside Avery Williamson has become a good player after being taken in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. The former Kentucky Wildcat led the team in tackles last season with 102 and he has 6.5 sacks in two seasons. Beside him is Wesley Woodyard, formerly of the Denver Broncos.

In two seasons in Tennessee Woodyard has 181 tackles and 7.5 sacks, including five last season. The two of them make up a solid duo of inside linebackers.

If the duo of Orakpo and Morgan can stay healthy and Dodd adjusts quickly to being a standup linebacker (which I’m not counting on), this group could make a real push to move up these rankings.

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