10 Most Vital Titans for 2017

This is a list of my top 10 most important Titans to the team upcoming season. Not necessarily the 10 best Titans, like my previous post, but the ten guys I view as most indispensable.

#1. Marcus Mariota - QB

Marcus is the most indispensable member of the team, as is usually the case for any NFL team. Even more so for the Titans, because of the playmaking ability Mariota possesses, versus what you get in the Cassel as the backup. As Marcus goes this year, so goes the team, especially with the added weapons around him.

#2. Taylor Lewan - LT

Since Marcus is the most vital, the guy who protects his blindside becomes the second most important. Lewan sets the tone for not just the offensive line, but the entire offense. Keeping Mariota healthy is a big part of Lewan's job.

#3. Corey Davis - WR

I went with Davis at 3 here because I think his development and playmaking abilities are key for the Titans making the playoffs this season. Matthews will be a more consistent player, but the Titans need Davis to show some flashes of brilliance to help the team, and justify the 5th overall draft pick.

#4. Brian Orakpo - OLB/DE

Falling in at number 4 just like his ranking on the Titans best players, cements the fact that not only is Orakpo one of the Titans best players, but also most vital. Pressuring the QB starts with Orakpo, and he sets the tone on defense for the front 7.

#5. Delanie Walker - TE

Don't know many TEs who would be as important to their team as Delanie, maybe only Gronk. Not only is he Marcus's safety valve, he is his best receiver. He blocks as well as any TE in the league, and just doesn't drop balls.

#6. Jurrell Casey - DT

Orakpo is the most important cog in pass rushing, but Casey adds more dimensions. Not only does he rush the QB extremely well for a bigger guy, but he plays the run with great efficiency as well. There's a big step down in defensive line play when Casey is out, so having him on the field is essential.

#7. Ben Jones - C

Jones is almost as important a player on the offensive line as Lewan. His veteran leadership and communication we a big huge improvement at the center position last season, and the Titans should see dividends this season as well.

#8. Kevin Byard - S

Byard flashed a ton of potential in his rookie season, and with the weakness of the secondary, the Titans need Byard to continue to improve. Adding Cyprien will give the Titans a thumping at safety, but Byard will be the key over the top in coverage.

#9. Adoree' Jackson - CB

Another Titans rookie making an appearance on this list, as in my mind, the Titans need their first round picks to contribute right away. We know Logan Ryan will be a solid corner, but the Titans will need Jackson to stick as a cover corner, as well as electrify the return game that has been rather stagnant for the Titans since Pacman.

#10. Jack Conklin - RT

Round out this list with the other tackle opposite Lewan in Conklin. The Titans have two great young tackles, and they need both to continue to perform at a high level for the run game and protecting Mariota.