Titans Analysis: What areas do the Titans need to focus on?

With the Tennessee Titans about to begin their offseason program next week, there are still a few holes to be filled in on the roster. There are few glaring weaknesses per se, but still areas that can be beefed up either with the remaining free agents available or in the draft.

Here is a look at the Titans’ roster and the chances for any adjustments to be made at particular positions. The rating system is: Four stars means this is a strength of the team. Three stars means the Titans are solid at this position. Two stars means the position needs improvement. One star means this is a weakness for the Titans.

Quarterback

Kerry Collins re-signed and is entrenched as the starter after getting a two-year, $15 million contract. As long as he gets good protection, he should be fine. It’s after Collins where questions abound. The Titans don’t know exactly what they can expect from Vince Young. There has been talk of a greater dedication on Young’s part this offseason, but whether it’s true and translates to improvement won’t known for certain until training camp and preseason. Hence, the visit from Patrick Ramsey earlier this week and closer evaluations of college quarterbacks to hedge their bet.

Current rating: **1/2

Possibility of additions: Likely

Running back

Chris Johnson gave the Titans a much-needed spark on offense as a rookie, rushing for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns. The Titans would like to get him the ball in open space even more, perhaps split out as a receiver on occasion. Behind him, LenDale White was good in short yardage and goal-line situations. However, his attitude, weight issues and minor off-field incidents are beginning to wear thin. Chris Henry’s roster spot could be in jeopardy if Rafael Little has a strong camp. Quinton Ganther’s future is tied to special teams, while fullback Ahmard Hall is an underrated standout.

Current rating: ***

Possibility of additions: Not likely

Wide receiver

The addition of Nate Washington potentially fills one void — the need for a speed receiver who can stretch the field. Justin Gage played well when healthy, while the Titans lost Brandon Jones to the 49ers and have little interest currently in re-signing Justin McCareins. Of their trio of younger receivers, only Lavelle Hawkins is a shoo-in for a roster spot. But that won’t guarantee him playing time, unless he improves. A free agent and/or draft pick is still needed here. A gamble on Torry Holt might be a wise move.

Current rating: *1/2

Possibility of additions: Likely

Tight end

The Titans use the tight end as much as any team in the league, often playing two at a time in their offensive system. They franchised Bo Scaife, who is coming off a 58-catch season a year ago. Alge Crumpler, despite his costly fumble against Baltimore, is still a pro’s pro, and Craig Stevens is a young player the Titans believe will improve.

Current rating: ***

Possibility of additions: Not likely

Offensive line

Probably the best unit on the team, especially with the defensive line having lost Albert Haynesworth. Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart are as good a tandem as there is in the NFL, while guards Eugene Amano and Jake Scott are solid. The group takes its cue from veteran center Kevin Mawae, coming off an All-Pro year at age 37. A little bit of depth might be needed on the outside, but is not an urgent matter.

Current rating: ****

Possibility of additions: Possible

Defensive line

Losing Albert Haynesworth would be a death knell for many teams, but the Titans are confident that line coach Jim Washburn will be able to patch things together and the unit should be fine. It will help if rookie Jason Jones steps up and shows consistency in Haynesworth’s stead and if free-agent pickup Jovan Haye plays like he did in ’07 (six sacks in Tampa Bay) and not in ’08. A return to health from Kyle Vanden Bosch could be the biggest plus the group has going for it.

Current rating: ***

Possibility of additions: Possible

Linebackers

Tennessee’s three starters — Keith Bulluck, David Thornton and Stephen Tulloch — are all solid, consistent performers. The Titans have been fortunate that all three have stayed healthy, because behind them are mostly unknown and unproven players, who have played mainly special teams. A free agent pickup for insurance is certainly possible, but for a team with few true weaknesses, this might be an area of focus in the draft.

Current rating: ***

Possibility of additions: Likely

Secondary

Another area where the Titans were strong last season, as three of their four starters wound up in the Pro Bowl. Emerging stars like Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin should only get better, while Chris Hope is the leader of the group and Nick Harper is a savvy and underappreciated veteran. Getting nickelback Vincent Fuller back was a good move, but the Titans need to improve their depth at both corner and safety behind the starters.

Current rating: ***1/2

Possibility of additions: Likely

Special teams

Few teams put as much emphasis on special teams as the Titans, who oftentimes play the field position game and cherish field goals. The Titans made Rob Bironas the league’s highest-paid kicker to keep him around, and punter Craig Hentrich is back after contemplating retirement. Chris Carr is still testing the free agent market, but the Titans have already been looking at options like Justin Miller should he depart.

Current rating: ****

Possibility of additions: Possible