NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans are sticking to their gameplan in the NFL draft.
The Titans took UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers with their second-round pick Friday, adding size and versatility to a team that desperately needs to improve its run defense.
The pick comes after the Titans addressed their biggest need, taking former Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Locker with the No. 8 overall pick in Thursday's first round to replace Vince Young.
Ayers was a Butkus Award finalist as a junior for the Bruins last season and immediately gives the Titans a little more presence in their front seven. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, he should help Tennessee, which was small at the inside linebacker position last season.
The Titans also have need of a defensive lineman and pick 77th in Friday's third round.
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