Titans 10 Best Players for 2017
With the NFL Network doing their top 100 players countdown, thought I would make a similar list just for the Titans. Later this week I will put out a list of the 10 most vital Titans for 2017, but this list comprises the 10 (actually 11 with a tie for 10th) players I believe are the best for the Titans ranked 1 to 10.
#1. Delanie Walker - TE
Could be a debate on a few guys here, but most people would agree that Walker makes the team better than almost anyone else. When he is on the field, he makes plays. He does not drop passes, and the way he can break tackles and get yards after the catch is almost uncanny.
#2. Jurrell Casey - DT
Casey is the most disruptive Titans defensive lineman in recent memory. Motor doesn't stop, and when he doesn't make the play, he requires enough attention that allows other defensive players to make a play.
#3. DeMarco Murray - RB
Murray exploded back into form last year for the Titans, and the teams believes he can have at least one more explosive season in 2017. Murray's effectiveness sets the stage for Henry to come in and pound the defensive, so make no mistake, Murray's versatility make him the number one back for the Titans.
#4. Brian Orakpo - DE/OLB
Orakpo has provided the Titans with the QB disrupter they had been lacking several season ago. It's been said the 3 most important positions in todays NFL are QB, LT to protect the QB, and edge rusher to get after the QB. Orakpo is the Titans most effective edge rusher, and when he is off the field, the opposing QB usually has more time to hurt the Titan's defense.
#5. Taylor Lewan - LT
Speaking of the LT above to protect the QB, Lewan is that guy and more for the Titans. If is wasn't for some of his on the field antics, Lewan might be a spot or two higher on this list. Nevertheless, Lewan is a beast that has Marcus's back on and off the field. He is strong enough to battle the bull rush, but quick enough to combat the speediest of the edge rushers.
#6. Marcus Mariotta - QB
Marcus made big strides in year 2, I expect year 3 to see even more improvement. He has more weapons around him in 2017, that will only make his abilities shine even more. The more comfortable he gets in the pocket, the more it will allow him to scramble for yardage when necessary, making him that much more dangerous.
#7. Brett Kern - P
Specialists like kicker and punters get overlooked a lot of lists like these, so I wanted to give Kern his due. As reliable as they come, Kern has a special knack for downing kicks inside the 20, as well as booming a punt when needed. Not having to replace a punter for some time now is a luxury not all teams have.
#8. Logan Ryan - CB
The biggest free agent acquisition of the offseason, Ryan will no doubt make the defense better immediately. While he might not be a number one corner for every team in the NFL, because of the Titans woeful and young secondary, Ryan will be the guy in the secondary from day one.
#9. Ben Jones - C
Center is a position that most people don't notice until something goes wrong. Not much went wrong as far as snaps and communication on the line last year, and that is thanks in most part to Jones. A very good pickup last year in free agency, Jones will once again be the leader in front of Marcus in 2017.
# 10. (tie) Avery Williamson - ILB
Williamson is not the fastest, strongest, or biggest linebacker even on the team, but he is always around the ball. He is a tackle machine that is always in the right place at the right time. He has steadily gotten better each season and that should continue in 2017.
# 10. (tie) Rishard Matthews - WR
Had to include both Williamson and Matthews in the top 10 here, hence the tie. Matthews as a nice surprise as the Titans number 1 receiver last season. Corey Davis I believe will be our number one option heading into 2018, but right now Matthews is still our best and most reliable option on the outside.
