Were Jon Robinsons moves a reaction of moves in the afc south? Is there a strategy to scouting the division? If so, how did we do? #pkmail
— caddy (@Caddy519) May 8, 2016
Paul Kuharsky: Jon Robinson's moves were with the intent of building a better football team, with big tough guys who have the team-first mindset he covets. Once the Titans are stocked with that kind of guy, they should compete well against teams from any division. Certainly Robinson is conscious of what the Colts, Texans and Jaguars have and are doing, because those are the teams the Titans need to beat to win the AFC South. But much like with a game plan and play-calling, you don’t want an opponent to dictate to you, you want to dictate to them. The keys to success against those teams are the same as against anyone -- starting with protecting the passer and hitting the passer, find big plays, prevent big plays, run it effectively at key times. When a divisional opponent has a super weapon, you want to be equipped to better handle him. The big ones heading into this season are J.J. Watt, of course, a healthy Andrew Luck, DeAndre Hopkins and Allen Robinson. So Jack Conklin and perhaps Sebastian Tretola can help against Watt. Kevin Dodd can help rush Luck. The pool of new defensive backs paired with a better rush can, the team hopes, help slow the two excellent receivers.
@PaulKuharskyNFL Assuming the Titans break camp with more than 4 receivers this year (please God), who do you think makes the cut? #pkmail
— Chris Rivers (@mavtn7) May 8, 2016
Paul Kuharsky: I still don’t love the pool, but it’s better than it was last year. Dorial Green-Beckham and Rishard Matthews are, ideally, the No. 1 and No. 2 guys. If that pans out I’d see Kendall Wright as more of the slot guy, which is a valuable role but would mean fewer snaps for him in the base offense. But even he could be challenged depending on how competition plays out. Rookie Tajae Sharpe is the other new guy and with his precise route-running and dependable hands he should put pressure on some others. Veterans Harry Douglas and Justin Hunter will have to fight for roles. Douglas has a good relationship with Mike Mularkey and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie from their time together in Atlanta. Hunter could be a different guy in the new offense, but we’ve been expecting a breakout for a long time and I’m skeptical. The Titans could keep all six, depending on how they fare in camp. It could be difficult for Tre McBride or Damaris Johnson (more of a returner) to break through.
@PaulKuharskyNFL How many rookies start this year at first/eventually for the Titans? #PKmail
— - (@YadiMoIina) May 8, 2016
Paul Kuharsky: First-round offensive lineman Jack Conklin starts from the very beginning at right tackle. He's the only lock. Third-round safety Kevin Byard could win the starting free-safety spot if he proves ready from the start. He’ll have to get in front of veteran addition Rashad Johnson. The guy who doesn’t start there could see a good bit of work as a third safety. Sixth-round guard Sebastian Tretola will be in the competition for the left guard job. The next best chance is second-rounder Austin Johnson. He should be part of the rotation, but he could beat out nose tackle Al Woods or end DaQuan Jones. So there could be four rookie starters on a healthy opening-day roster against Minnesota. I’d set the over-under at 2.5 and I’d take the over as I am buying into Byard and Tretola in the spring, a time of hope in the NFL.