Now that the NFL’s spring OTAs and minicamps are finished, coaches will pretend to take time off until July training camps. But most will toss in their sleep knowing there is unfinished business; that some part of their team is still a bothersome work in progress.
Carolina's Kony Ealy (94) and Buffalo's Cyrus Kouandjio (71) are hoping to make a significant leap in their second seasons in the NFL. (Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)
After the final workouts Thursday, correspondents covering each team for The Sports Xchange analyzed what position or unit in particular will be a key work in progress when July training camps begin.
Results were big. As big as an offensive line. Twelve of them, in fact, were still a main cause for concern among the league’s 32 teams as spring workouts ended.
This should not be a surprise considering that these non-contact spring workouts are not a great way to test positions that demand hands-on blocking and brutal trench warfare.
Still, some of these teams with issues up front are of particular interest.
Like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans, who hope to show off the top two picks in the draft, quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, respectively.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off consecutive trips to the Super Bowl, are still assembling blockers for quarterback Russell Wilson and Beast Mode back Marshawn Lynch. And the Denver Broncos, entrusted with protecting the legacy of 39-year-old quarterback Peyton Manning, are rearranging their offensive line.
Other teams still unsettled on the front line include Buffalo, Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and the New York Giants.
For those who still count tight ends as part of the offensive line, add five more teams to the list, for a total of 17 seeking more comfort up front.
It might be no surprise that after weeks of no-contact workouts, including seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills, not one team lists wide receiver as a worry. But their jobs will become a bit more difficult in July.
Here is a closer look at the position or unit that remains a primary work in progress for all 32 NFL teams as they take a break before July training camps (teams listed in alphabetical order):
ARIZONA CARDINALS
–Work in progress: Tight end.
John Carlson’s unexpected retirement this spring left the team with little experience at tight end. Darren Fells, a converted basketball player, started five games a year ago. Troy Niklas, a second-round pick in 2014, played in seven before going on injured reserve. Those two are the most experienced tight ends on the roster.
This is a position general manager Steve Keim is likely to address this summer and into training camp.
ATLANTA FALCONS
–Work in progress: Tight end.
While Jacob Tamme has taken early control of the tight-end competition, Tony Moeaki and Levine Toilolo are putting up an early fight, but with no pads yet.
“The guys are totally going for it,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “You see Tony Moeaki and Jacob Tamme had a great catch today. (Levine) Toilolo, the size and length. They all have these unique qualities down in the red zone, who can be featured on third down. I think all of them have a little uniqueness.”
Toilolo appears headed for a blocking role if he can hold off Mickey Shuler.
“I would say Jacob and Tony more, in the third down and the route running and finding ways to match them on a linebacker to see if they can run the options and do the stuff on third downs required to get open,” Quinn said.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
–Work in progress: Tight end.
The Ravens remain in flux at tight end where second-year pro Crockett Gillmore hasn’t established himself yet as a receiver and rookie Maxx Williams is unproven in terms of durability and blocking.
The Ravens are hoping these young players develop into proven pros this fall.
BUFFALO BILLS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The Bills’ offense underperformed for a variety of reasons in 2014, not the least of which was inconsistent quarterback play, and that may not change in 2015. However, the quarterbacks competing to become the starter may have a better chance to succeed if the Bills can get their offensive line solidified.
Last year, Buffalo’s offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL. Right guard Erik Pears and the left guard merry-go-round of Chris Williams, Cyril Richardson, and Kraig Urbik was simply woeful, and that brought down center Eric Wood as well. At left tackle, Cordy Glenn regressed in his third year, and rookie Seantrel Henderson was barely average at right tackle.
Wisely, the Bills addressed the situation. They signed Richie Incognito to play left guard, drafted John Miller in the third round and immediately plugged him in at right guard, and 2014 second-round pick Cyrus Kouandjio put together a solid offseason and will go to training camp ahead of Henderson on the depth chart.
If this group comes through and can excel in head coach Rex Ryan’s well-advertised power running game, the quarterbacks should find a new level of comfort in the passing game.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
–Work in progress: Defensive end.
The Panthers would prefer to find a full-time starter across from Charles Johnson, but they’re still having trouble getting a guy to step forward. Wes Horton, Kony Ealy and Mario Addison all had plenty of chances during Greg Hardy’s absence last year, yet none stood out. The trio is again working in a rotation, and again, no one is separating themselves.
Frank Alexander may be the best and most versatile option, but he can’t stay on the field. A pair of suspensions cost him 15 games last year, and he missed minicamp after tweaking his groin in the final week of OTAs.
CHICAGO BEARS
–Work in progress: Defensive line.
The defensive line needs plenty of attention, still, and possibly by more than coaches. The talent may be insufficient because of the loss that Ray McDonald represented. General manager Ryan Pace will keep looking for five-technique end types.
When Phil Emery was the Bears general manager he lamented not getting head coach Marc Trestman more defensive linemen for his first season (2013). It looks like Pace has done the same for this year. The linebacker crew looks unsettled, as well, but the numbers are much greater there than on the line, where 4-3, one-gap linemen have suddenly become two-gap plugs and in some cases seem unsuited for those roles.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
–Work in progress: Tight end.
Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson wants to run the ball and he loves two-tight end sets. But after third-year pro Tyler Eifert, the Bengals are looking for that second tight end from a field of five rookies or first-year players who have never taken an NFL snap. Tyler Kroft, a third-round pick from Rutgers, is the leader in the clubhouse.
Also in the mix could be second-rounder Jake Fisher, a tackle from Oregon. Not as a long-range option, but Fisher is a nimble athlete and a high-school tight end that may be able to work at the spot in a pinch and he did catch some balls during the spring.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
–Work in progress: Cornerback.
The Browns still are not sure who their starting right cornerback is. The job belonged to Buster Skrine the last two seasons, but he fled on the first day of free agency and signed a four-year, $25 million contract with the New York Jets.
Tramon Williams, in his first year with the Browns after eight seasons with Green Bay, is battling second-year player Justin Gilbert for the job. Gilbert has improved after a disappointing rookie season and has showed an ability to break up passes, but head coach Mike Pettine wants to see more consistency from him.
This is a position battle that probably will not be decided until preseason games are played. Either player could be the nickel back, but currently that job belongs to K’Waun Williams.
DALLAS COWBOYS
–Work in progress: Running back.
The Cowboys have yet to find a replacement for the departed DeMarco Murray. Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden are the mostly like starters at this point.
But the team doesn’t trust the speedy Randle, who has yet to carry a full load for a full season. McFadden has been injured almost every year and averaged less than four yards per carry the past three seasons with Oakland.
The Cowboys also have no one to get the tough yards in short-yardage situations. They will be looking for options throughout training camp.
DENVER BRONCOS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The Broncos’ offensive line was already in transition before left tackle Ryan Clady tore his anterior cruciate ligament. Now it faces the guarantee of at least three new starters, a number that could become four if Ryan Harris or Michael Schofield beat out Chris Clark at right tackle.
Clark had a solid season in 2013 after Clady suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 2, but the Broncos opted to insert rookie Ty Sambrailo at left tackle, betting that his upside would provide a long-term benefit. His daily work against DeMarcus Ware represents a trial by fire, and he needs all the work he can get, with pass rushers like Elvis Dumervil and Justin Houston looming in the first two weeks of the regular season alone.
If the Broncos’ roll of the dice pays off, they could have a young, mostly cost-controlled line for the foreseeable future. But if not, quarterback Peyton Manning could be under more pressure than ever before, and at 39 years old, that could sink the offense.
DETROIT LIONS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The Lions added some pieces to their offensive line this offseason, but entering training camp that will remain the team’s biggest question mark.
Cornelius Lucas will likely be the starting right tackle until LaAdrian Waddle recovers from his knee injury, which might not be until almost the season opener. And even though Lucas played adequately at times as a rookie, he’s no sure thing.
The depth behind that duo is completely unproven, too, with Michael Williams and Xavier Proctor only recently moving to the position and Corey Robinson, this year’s seventh-round pick. The interior seems stronger, but center Travis Swanson is mostly unproven and first-round pick Laken Tomlinson will likely be the left guard, though Manny Ramirez provides a decent backup option to both.
With left tackle Riley Reiff and right guard Larry Warford the only returning starters, the unit will have to gel quickly to help the offense improve after last year’s disappointing performance.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
–Work in progress: Cornerback.
A position of depth in recent years took a big hit when longtime starter Tramon Williams and heir apparent Davon House left Green Bay early in free agency, signing with the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively.
Then, April rolled around for the start of the Packers’ spring workouts and Casey Hayward promptly suffered a foot injury. Hayward’s absence from the field most of the next two months didn’t help fill the starting void opposite first-time Pro Bowl selection Sam Shields. Hayward, who when healthy has been a playmaker out of the slot his first three pro seasons, is penciled in to shift outside and replace Williams.
Still, there’s no telling the readiness for Hayward in a full-time role until he is back contributing on the field, which is expected to happen at the outset of training camp in late July. As insurance, general manager Ted Thompson invested his first two draft picks this year in cornerbacks. First-round choice Damarious Randall, a converted safety out of Arizona State, projects to contribute right away in the slot, at the least.
Former basketball star Quinten Rollins, who set records stealing the ball on the hardcourt, is an intriguing second-round selection from Miami (Ohio). He stepped in for Hayward on the perimeter during the spring work.
HOUSTON TEXANS
–Work in progress: Safety.
D.J. Swearinger was removed from the Texans. Kendrick Lewis left during free agency. And while the Texans signed Rahim Moore from Denver, the team doesn’t have a strong safety locked in place for training camp.
Eddie Pleasant, Lonnie Ballentine and Andre Hal are among those receiving consideration. But the Texans will likely use the preseason to continue to evaluate the position and could add another experienced body before Week 1 begins.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
–Work in progress: Defense.
The Colts’ defense continues to be a question mark.
Over the course of the 2014 season, Indianapolis played well enough to win 11 games. But the defense was up-and-down, mostly down when facing power-running teams like Pittsburgh and New England.
There are some new faces on defense, including former St. Louis defensive tackle Kendall Langford, who will be an end in the Colts’ 3-4, ex-Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole, former Denver Broncos inside linebacker Nate Irving and ex-Atlanta Falcons safety Dwight Lowery.
Outside linebacker Robert Mathis, who led the NFL in sacks in 2013, missed all of last season with a torn Achilles. Mathis hopes to be ready to go in time for the season opener at Buffalo, but an exact date for his return remains fluid.
According to head coach Chuck Pagano, consistency in play will be crucial to any success in 2015.
“Guys doing their job down after down and playing consistent football. Obviously, (as) I talked about since day one, we’ve got to stop the run on a consistent basis. We’ve got to keep people out of the end zone. We’ve got to play better in the red area,” Pagano said.
“Those are areas of focus. We spent a lot of time in the offseason studying that stuff. We went to work on it during the OTAs and minicamp. It’s consistency, and it’s playing together and guys doing their job down after down after down.”
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
–Work in progress: Linebacker.
The linebacker unit remains the group that still needs the most work, not so much the starting unit as the depth behind it.
Starters Paul Posluszny and Dan Skuta will make this a much more effective group this season. Telvin Smith, the starter at outside linebacker for 10 games in his rookie season in 2014, looks to be bigger and stronger than the 218 pounds he played at a year ago.
So while the three starters form a solid unit, there are too many questions about who would be the backup and how effective would they be. LaRoy Reynolds has played in 28 games for the Jaguars in his first two years in the NFL, but shows only 22 total tackles. After that, there are few players with NFL experience. Khairi Fortt and Jeremiah George would probably be the next two as backups, but both are coming off rookie seasons in which they saw action in a combined 10 games with no starts. The starting unit must stay healthy. The loss of any of the three linebackers will weaken an already questionable defense.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The Chiefs’ success on offense will depend on the performance of their offensive line. Matters seem settled on the left side with Eric Fisher at tackle and Ben Grubbs handling the guard spot. The other three spots are a work in progress.
Right now, Eric Kush has held on to his spot with the No. 1 unit at center, although draft choice Mitch Morse is breathing down his neck. At the end of minicamp, it appeared Morse had a good chance of being the opening-day right guard. At right tackle, it appeared the coaches were working to decide between Jeff Allen, Donald Stephenson and former Green Bay first-round choice Derek Sherrod.
Head coach Andy Reid says he will start the five best blockers and build the offensive line continuity from there. The offseason sessions featured players changing positions and moving from left to right as the coaches sought versatility.
“I think we’re getting to where we need to be,” said Grubbs. “Of course, it’s a journey when you’re evolving the camaraderie of the offensive line. We’re definitely working together and getting that experience.”
MIAMI DOLPHINS
–Work in progress: Both guards.
Miami still doesn’t have an answer at the guard position.
For now, Dallas Thomas starts at left guard and Billy Turner starts at right guard. But veteran Jeff Linkenbach is pushing Turner, and rookie Jamil Douglas is pushing Thomas. Unfortunately for Miami, the AFC East is filled with tough defensive tackles.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
–Work in progress: Right guard.
It is darn near impossible to get any kind of read on the offensive line when there are no pads or live contact taking place. So the Vikings head into training camp still unsure what to expect and whom to expect it from at right guard.
Brandon Fusco was moved from right guard to left guard to accommodate the limitations of younger players who are better suited to compete on the right side. Rookie draft picks T.J. Clemmings and Tyrus Thompson are in the mix, but they haven’t played guard before. Second-year pro David Yankey also is a possibility, but he has yet to play a regular-season snap despite being healthy as a rookie.
There is some comfort, however. The Vikings know that 33-year-old jack-of-all-interior-trades Joe Berger can bail them out if necessary. The team prefers to keep Berger as a backup to all three interior positions, but he also was a priority re-signing this year because the team knows he’s a satisfactory option as a starter.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
–Work in progress: Secondary.
Devin McCourty will start at safety. The other safety spot and two or three starting cornerback jobs are total unknowns. The turnover in the back end could easily be forecast as the fatal flaw in the 2015 Patriots. A lot may be expected of surprise Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler and many other unknown, unproven defensive backs.
McCourty is fresh off a new contract for nearly $50 million. That will bring huge expectations and, with cornerback Darrelle Revis gone, those expectations will be more difficult to fulfill.
The Patriots return the core of a high-powered passing attack. They may need it, as scoring a lot of points may be required given the unknowns and low expectations for the defensive backfield. Maybe Butler, Logan Ryan and free-agent addition Bradley Fletcher will work their way into a solid unit and be a pleasant surprise in the back end. Maybe.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
–Work in progress: Cornerback.
While the Saints have done a lot of remodeling here since the end of the 2014 season, they still have a lot of work to do once training camp starts.
Last season, they ranked 31st in total defense and were 25th against the pass in allowing 251.2 yards per game with 26 touchdown passes. Those numbers must go down and they must come up with more interceptions after having only 12 last season.
Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, who were brought in as unrestricted free agents, should be the starters. The question mark going into training camp are the backups and the nickel spot after the Saints allowed Patrick Robinson to leave in free agency and waived Corey White — the two players who were in the nickel most of last season.
The top candidates to take over at nickel are rookies: third-round draft pick P.J. Williams, who many believed would have been a first-rounder if not for some off-field issues, and Damian Swann, a fifth-round pick. Veteran Kyle Wilson, another newcomer, could be in the mix although he struggled a bit in the offseason workouts.
NEW YORK GIANTS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The pectoral injury suffered by left tackle Will Beatty once again made the offensive line a worry for the Giants coaches.
At the start of OTAs, head coach Tom Coughlin made it clear that they were planning to look at some different offensive line combinations in training camp where they will have a chance to see the players with the pads on.
So far, however, Coughlin and the Giants have stuck with a combination that, from left tackle to right tackle, features Ereck Flowers (first-round draftee), Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, Geoff Schwartz and Marshall Newhouse.
The Giants did have a visit with Jake Long earlier in the month just to gauge the veteran’s interest and to see where he was in his rehab from his second torn ACL injury.
Ideally, the Giants would like to stick with what they have, but the problem is their depth at offensive tackle is so paper-thin that should disaster befall Flowers or Newhouse, it’s going to rock the unit’s foundation.
Also worth noting is offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s response to a question concerning Flowers.
“We like him as a future left tackle, and I’m very confident in him right now,” said McAdoo.
He might not have much of a choice.
NEW YORK JETS
–Work in progress: Quarterback.
What else? The Jets embody the cliche that if you have more than one quarterback, you have none. Geno Smith showed flashes of improvement this spring, especially during the minicamp, but he always looks better in shorts than in uniform.
Ryan Fitzpatrick provides Smith his first legitimate competition for the starting job since Mark Sanchez was injured in August 2013, but Fitzpatrick’s track record of providing a quick spark before fading fast doesn’t suggest he is the season-long answer. Boom-or-bust cannon-armed fourth-round pick Bryce Petty is at least a year away from vying for the starting job.
The best-case scenario for the Jets is that Smith matures, on and off the field, this summer and establishes himself as the starter for a team with playoff aspirations. More likely, the Jets will have to hope to get half a season’s worth of competence out of Smith before hoping that Fitzpatrick has enough gas to get them over the finish line.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
–Work in progress: Cornerback.
The Raiders’ most inexperienced position is cornerback, with the primary competitors DJ Hayden, T.J. Carrie and Keith McGill. McGill actually got work as a starter with each player during the last camp.
Head coach Jack Del Rio wants to give the young players a chance to seize the moment, but wouldn’t rule out looking at veterans if need be if the trio doesn’t hold its own during training camp.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
Head coach Chip Kelly took a major gamble by getting rid of both of his starting guards – two-time Pro Bowler Evan Mathis and Todd Herremans. Both were 33, but were still were playing at a high level. Center Jason Kelce and tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson all are Pro-Bowl caliber players. But the two likely replacements for Mathis and Herremans — Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin — have only 15 combined career starts.
Behind those five, there isn’t a lot of depth. The Eagles didn’t select an offensive lineman in either of the last two drafts. If they get another rash of injuries like last season, their offense is going to be crippled.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
–Work in progress: Secondary.
The secondary lost three starters and the search to replace them and a return to competency will hit high speed in training camp.
Cornerback Ike Taylor and safety Troy Polamalu, who each joined the team in 2003, retired. Brice McCain, who became a starter because of Cortez Allen’s failures at midseason, left as a free agent.
Safety Mike Mitchell, who said he played all last season with two groin injuries, had surgeries on both and looked good in the spring. The jury remains out on Allen, who dealt with a confidence issue last year. Shamarko Thomas, in his third season, is trying to replace Polamalu and no one has any idea how he will do based on his limited showing so far.
The Steelers probably tipped their hand about a concern in the secondary when they drafted three defensive backs — cornerbacks Senquez Golden in the second round and Doran Grant in the fourth and safety Gerod Holliman in the seventh. They looked good at times in the spring, but then no one has seen them make a tackle yet.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
Concern about the offensive line began in the offseason program and it remains that way now as the Rams wrapped up their OTAs before heading to training camp on July 31.
Complicating matters in the offseason was that the most solid of the positions wasn’t manned by starters because left tackle Greg Robinson (toe) and left guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder) did not participate in any team portions of the practices as they continued to rehab from their offseason surgeries. Taking their spots were Brandon Washington for Robinson and Garrett Reynolds for Saffold.
Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said he wasn’t fazed by the absences of Robinson and Saffold. “I don’t think it’s a setback,” he said. “You know what? First off, you’ve got to be healthy to play the game. So, they’re on schedule. It’s a great plan for them to be successful when they step on the field for training camp and it gives the other guys an opportunity to get better.”
The right side of the line throughout OTAs was manned by rookies: second-round pick Rob Havenstein at right tackle and third-round choice Jamon Brown at right guard. Coaches have raved about both players, but the real test comes when the pads come on. Cignetti said, “Once again, you’re talking about great kids, really good players. Once again, it’s a process. Every day you want to see these young men come out here and continue to get better, which is what we’ve seen.”
At center, three players rotated with the first unit through the three weeks of OTAs: Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney. Jones is believed to be the favorite to win the job, but it is expected to be a strong competition. Only Barnes has started any NFL games and that was four in place of the departed Scott Wells in 2013.
Surely, this unit will be a work in progress
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
–Work in progress: Outside linebacker.
The Chargers were dreadful rushing the passer last season and that was before Dwight Freeney and Jarret Johnson retired. It’s imperative that outside linebackers Melvin Ingram and Jerry Attaochu stay on the field and play on a more consistent basis.
Ingram, a former first-round pick, has coaches talking about his new maturity and he is lighter. Attaochu was a project his rookie year out of Georgia Tech. Coaches say he is ready to make that jump that comes from year one to year two.
But in the 3-4 alignment, defensive tackle Corey Liuget had a team-high 4.5 sacks last year. That’s good for Liuget, but speaks to the lack of pressure coming from the outside linebackers spot.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
–Work in progress: Cornerbacks.
Technically, the 49ers have only one starting spot unclaimed in their secondary. They have a total of six at linebacker and in the offensive and defensive lines.
But in today’s football, even one point of weakness in the defensive backfield can be a killer.
The 49ers lost their second- and third-best cover corners in Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver to free agency, then went out and imported veteran Shareece Wright. He will compete with Dontae Johnson and Chris Cook for the starting right cornerback and nickel corner positions.
With Brock, who missed most of last season with a toe injury, being coddled at minicamp, head coach Jim Tomsula might have to be creative with how he utilizes safety Eric Reid, especially with the club having exhausted a high pick in a possible replacement safety, Jaquiski Tartt.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The offensive line continues to be the biggest question on what otherwise still is one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.
Interestingly, four of the five spots on the line appear set — left tackle Russell Okung, left guard Alvin Bailey, right guard J.R Sweezy and right tackle Justin Britt.
But the one open spot is a big one — center, where Max Unger played the last four years. Unger was regarded as the steadying force of the line and the glue that kept it together. But he was traded to New Orleans as part of the deal that netted tight end Jimmy Graham.
However, Unger missed 10 games last season with the Seahawks getting some fairly able play in his absence from Lemuel Jeanpierre and Patrick Lewis. Jeanpierre has been the starter throughout the offseason but Lewis and Drew Nowak, a member of the practice squad last season, also remain in contention as does rookie Kristjan Sokoli.
Coaches hope to get that one settled fairly early in training camp so the line can get needed continuity heading into the season.
TAMPA BAY BUCANNEERS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
The Bucs’ offensive line isn’t complete – not by a longshot. The Bucs are hopeful second-round pick Donovan Smith can take over at left tackle and they plan for Hobart College lineman Ali Marpet to start at right guard if he can make the big transition from Division III football to the NFL.
Guard Logan Mankins has evolved as a leader. A year ago, after being traded to the Bucs 10 days before the season opener, he didn’t assert himself in the meeting rooms as much.
Center Evan Smith should benefit from having coordinator Dirk Koetter as the play-caller, but he must help Winston. A training camp holdout is looming for right tackle Demar Dotson. And the unit is very thin.
“I think we’ve got a mindset that we want to be good,” Dotson said. “Hop (offensive line coach George Warhop), from the first day he said that we’re not going to be the same group that we were last year. We’re not going to do the same dumb stuff that we did last year. We’re going to weed out all the bad stuff.”
The performance of an offensive line is always important to a quarterback, but will be especially so for the Bucs with No. 1 draft pick Jameis Winston trying to prove himself as an NFL signal-caller.
TENNESSEE TITANS
–Work in progress: Offensive line.
This could apply to a number of units on either side of the ball, but the one that is at the top of the worry list for the Titans is the offensive line.
Ever since Chris Johnson rushed for 2,000 yards during the 2009 season, and Kevin Mawae retired, the Titans have been busy addressing the offensive line — with only mediocre results. Six years later, the Titans are still trying to find the right combination, even though they do have a couple of first-round building blocks in left tackle Taylor Lewan and right guard Chance Warmack.
Elsewhere, they still have an opening at right tackle, where they would like rookie third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi to claim the job. Andy Levitre, a free-agent disappointment in two years at left guard, gets another shot there, but through much of minicamp, was working at center due to injuries to Brian Schwenke and rookie Andy Gallik.
That left Jamon Meredith and Byron Bell, both tackles by trade, getting a look at left guard. The Titans also brought back Fernando Velasco to add to the center/guard mix. All the jumbled pieces need to come together as quickly as possible in camp, because the Titans need an improved running game and to protect rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota as he learns the rigors of NFL life.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
–Work in progress: Quarterback.
The secondary, with three new starters, and the offensive and defensive lines, with two each, are still meshing. But the position that should be Washington’s biggest concern is quarterback.
Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy each started at least four games last season. None posted a winning record. Cousins produced the most yards per game and yards per catch, but completed the lowest percentage of his passes and was a turnover machine. McCoy was the most consistent but is more a favorite of head coach Jay Gruden than of the front office and owner Dan Snyder.
Griffin, who electrified the NFL in leading the Redskins to the NFC East title as a record-setting rookie in 2012, hasn’t been the same since tearing up his right knee in that season’s playoff opener. However, not only does he remain the face of the franchise, running back Alfred Morris’ production plunges when someone else is under center.
So although he named Griffin the starter in February, Gruden faces a real quandary at the game’s most important position. It’s hard to see the Redskins making significant strides unless Griffin can use his quick mind to get rid of the football quicker to make up for the quickness that he lost with his second right ACL repair.
Cousins and McCoy are unsigned beyond this season. Griffin’s option for 2016 was picked up in April, but that doesn’t ensure his return. If Washington’s performance at this position isn’t much improved in 2015, all three quarterbacks and their coach could be gone before next spring’s workouts.
–Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. TSX correspondents contributed to this story.
