Tennessee Titans 2014 Draft Preview

(SportsNetwork.com) - Most observers in Nashville believe new head coach Ken Whisenhunt was brought in to help quarterback Jake Locker, not give up on him.

That said its's also conceivable that Whisenhunt digested the film on Locker and came to the conclusion he just isn't the answer, meaning the Titans could be a sleeper team in the first round when it comes to selecting a quarterback at No. 11 overall.

The most likely scenarios, however, remain running back where the team must replace former 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson, as well as defense, specifically the back seven.

The running back position as a whole has been devalued to such a degree that you simply can't justify taking one in the first round so a lot of people have Tennessee looking at UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr because Whisenhunt's defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, will be shifting toward a 3-4 attacking defense.

Physical corners, though, are also needed to pull off what Horton wants to accomplish and that position is a need in Music City after the Titans lost Pro Bowl cornerback Alterraun Verner in free agency. Conversely, Tennessee already picked up veteran Shaun Phillips to help on the edge.

All of that makes Michigan State corner Darqueze Dennard or Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert the most logical fits.

2013 Record: 7-9

Top Needs: RB, CB, QB

First Three Picks: No. 11, No. 42, No. 112

Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)

CALLING THE SHOTS: After another disappointing season in Nashville general manager Ruston Webster survived while head coach Mike Munchak didn't. In those types of scenarios, the safety net is almost always gone for the GM and there are no more scapegoats to sacrifice.

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2013 - Chance Warmack (OG, Alabama); 2012 - Kendall Wright (WR, Baylor); 2011 - Jake Locker (QB, Washington); 2010 - Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech); 2009 - Kenny Britt (WR - Rutgers); 2008 - Chris Johnson (RB, East Carolina); 2007 - Michael Griffin (S, Texas); 2006 - Vince Young (QB, Texas); 2005 - Adam "Pacman" Jones (CB, West Virginia); 2004 - none; 2003 - Andre Woolfolk (CB, Oklahoma); 2002 - Albert Haynesworth (DT, Tennessee).