AFC South Summer Reset: Training camp primer

By Frank Cooney, Founder/publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com

For those who actually thought there was an offseason in the National Football League, here is a close look at the many changes on AFC South teams since they last lined up for a game:

(Teams listed in alphabetical order)

Summer Reset: Texans reload after first-place finish

Although the Houston Texans begin full training camp July 30 as the AFC South defending champions with 17 returning starters, third-year head coach Bill O’Brien knows there is a lot to accomplish before the season begins.

At the top of the to-do list is getting their tall and expensive young quarterback, Brock Osweiler, familiar with his new teammates, including three first-round draftees at wide receiver.

They are DeAndre Hopkins (2013 first rounder), who caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns late year; Jaelen Strong (2015 first rounder) and this year’s No. 21 overall selection Will Fuller, a speed burner from Notre Dame. In the third round, the Texans added Braxton Miller, a converted quarterback from Ohio State whose athleticism was obvious this spring.

Osweiler, who stands 6-foot-7, took his Super Bowl ring and abandoned the Denver Broncos, where he had a chance to take over for retired legend Peyton Manning. But when the Broncos didn’t impress Osweiler with their contract offers, the Texans made the most dramatic free-agent move of the year, signing him to a deal worth $72 million over four years with a $12 million signing bonus and $37 million guaranteed.

What isn’t guaranteed is Osweiler’s pedigree as an NFL starter. Still, along with the money, he already seized the opportunity to function as a leader by organizing extra passing sessions in Arizona with Texans receivers. So he will arrive at training camp with a lot of completions under his belt. He and Hopkins already have mutual admiration for their respective skills.

“I just throw it anywhere near Hop and he goes and gets it,” Osweiler said during minicamp last month.

“It’s just the timing and him knowing how we run our routes,” Hopkins said. “Him knowing our strengths and weaknesses from each player, not just the top receivers out there, but everybody out there who threw with us in Arizona. We do extra stuff, stay and watch a little extra film. Do things when we’re not supposed to be up here, to help.”

At running back, the Texans signed free agent Lamar Miller (Miami Dolphins, $26 million, four years) to replace four-time 1,000 yards plus runner Arian Foster, who was all but stopped by injury last year and was released when he failed his physical. Ironically, Foster signed Monday (July 18) with Miami as the Dolphins are seeking a replacement for Miller.

Another significant free-agent acquisition was guard Jeff Allen (Chiefs, $28 million, four years), who will start on the right side, probably next to rookie center Nick Martin (Round 2, No. 50 overall out of Notre Dame).

No tale about the Texans would be complete without mentioning dominant defensive end J.J. Watt, so here is that.

And here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Texans’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Houston Methodist Training Center, Houston, TX, 7/25, 7/30

2015 RECORD: 9-8
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 5-1

COACH: Bill O’Brien
3rd season as Texans/NFL head coach
18-15 overall; 0-1 postseason

STARTERS RETURNING:
17; 7 offense, 10 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney.

McKinney has made major strides this offseason at refining his pass coverage and pass-rushing skills. The true litmus test will be in the fall, but McKinney could take a big step forward this season in his second year as a starter. The Texans drafted him in the second round last year and McKinney got better and better as the season went on. The 6-foot-4, 246-pounder has 4.65 speed in the 40-yard dash and a 40 1/2-inch vertical leap.

NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Texans’ picks (6):

–Round 1/21 — Will Fuller, WR, 6-0, 186, Notre Dame

The Texans needed speed to upgrade their wide receiver corps. Fuller has plenty of athleticism, running the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds. He can high-point the football. He was extremely productive for Notre Dame. Fuller is a tad undersized, but can go up and get the football and runs nice routes. Fuller was drafted to upgrade the team’s speed and provide a deep threat. He should take pressure off Texans Pro-Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He does have a tendency to be a body catcher and drop too many passes. Fuller isn’t currently projected as a starter, but is competing with Jaelen Strong for a starting role.

–Round 2/50 — Nick Martin, C, 6-4, 299, Notre Dame.

The brother of Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Zack Martin, Nick Martin is a polished technician. He should immediately provide a boost to the interior blocking. Martin is tough and strong and more of a zone blocker than anything else. He’s not the heftiest lineman, but is mobile with good feet. Martin is slated to compete with free-agent center Tony Bergstrom, but it would be somewhat surprising if Martin isn’t starting quickly.

–Round 3/85 – Braxton Miller, WR, 6-1, 201, Ohio State

A converted quarterback and former Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, Miller is fast and big. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. Miller has good moves, but still needs polish at his new position. He has a good understanding of the game as a former quarterback. Miller has overcome a bad shoulder injury that required two surgeries. He should play in the slot for the Texans, but can also compete outside. He could help the team on returns, too.

–Round 4/119 — Tyler Ervin, RB, 5-10, 197, San Jose State

Ervin had two fumbles in 371 touches last season. He’s shifty, smart and versatile. Ervin has return skills. He’s durable and elusive. Ervin should be an ideal third-down presence and return man. The Texans don’t have to overuse Ervin given that they have veteran running back Lamar Miller as their primary ball-carrier. Ervin injured his quadriceps and was sidelined for the majority of spring practices, so his development has been halted at least until training camp.

–Round 5/159 – K.J. Dillon, S, 6-0, 210, West Virginia

Tough, hard-nosed center fielder with speed. Overcame dehydration episode that hospitalized him. Has type 1 diabetes, but it’s under control. Dillon has good size, range and tackling skills. Dillon was overshadowed by teammate Karl Joseph, the Oakland Raiders’ first-round draft pick, throughout his career. Dillon has his own skill set, though. Dillon is projected as a backup at this point.

–Round 5/166 – D.J. Reader, NT, 6-3, 333, Clemson

Big, space-eating two-technique nose tackle will be groomed behind veteran Vince Wilfork. Left team for personal reasons as he dealt with his father’s death from kidney failure, taking a leave of absence. Reader says he’s completed grieving process and is committed to football. Reader is a big, stout run-stopper. He has some pass-rushing ability, but is mostly there to stack blockers and keep the linebackers clean. Reader should be able to help the Texans down the road, but has some things to learn. He could gain a lot of knowledge behind Wilfork, a five-time Pro-Bowl selection. Reader is part of the defensive line rotation and should be active on game days.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–CB Antonio Allen: Former Jets starter was sidelined last season with torn Achilles tendon, but is healthy now and could play a lot.

–G Jeff Allen: Gritty replacement for Brandon Brooks; known for strength and playing through pain.

–C/G Tony Bergstrom: Former Raiders starter was initially projected to start at center, but may have trouble holding off rookie Nick Martin.

–RB Lamar Miller: Speed back has some power to lower the boom on tacklers; should be capable replacement for Arian Foster.

–QB Brock Osweiler: Texans’ $72 million man has classic size, big arm as he takes over for Brian Hoyer as new starting quarterback.

–DE Devon Still: Former Bengals draft pick has the size and strength Texans are looking for from a 3-4 defensive end.

KEY LOSS: G Brandon Brooks (14/14)*

–The Texans will probably miss having the bulk and power of Brooks in the lineup. The athletic 6-4, 330-pounder signed a five-year, $40 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

OTHER LOSSES:

–DE Jared Crick (16/16), RB Arian Foster (0/0), TE Garrett Graham (8/2), QB Brian Hoyer (11/9), C Ben Jones (16/16), S Rahim Moore (7/6), CB Darryl Morris (12/0), RB Chris Polk (15/2), ILB Justin Tuggle (11/2), WR Nate Washington (14/14), QB T.J. Yates (4/2)*
Total games played/started lost: 128/83
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

Summer Reset: Colts bank on healthy, wealthy Luck

After Houston finished first ahead of the second place Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South last year, the Texans upped the ante by signing free-agent quarterback Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract.

Intent to retake the AFC South title, at least, the Colts signed their quarterback, Andrew Luck, to a six-year extension worth up to $140 million, including enough guaranteed money to help balance the national debt of some third-world countries.

And that resets the tone for expectations with the Colts and fifth-year head coach Chuck Pagano as they open training camp July 26 with 17 returning starters, including Luck, whose physical health is a must if the team is to succeed.

Luck took the Colts to the playoffs each of his first three seasons with a regular-season record of 11-5 each time, but wound up on the sideline most of the 2015 season with injuries that included a lacerated kidney and bothersome shoulder. Indy finished out of the hunt at 8-8.

The Colts prefer to recall the ability they showed in a Week-9 game when they beat the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, 27-24. They point out that was the game in which they lost Luck for the season. along with highly regarded rookie defensive tackle Henry Anderson (knee).

After minicamp last month, owner Jim Irsay pointed to that game as an example of the Colts’ ability before Luck was lost for the season. That overlooks the fact that the Colts were 3-5 going into that game and coming off consecutive losses to New England, New Orleans and Carolina and two of the three wins were with Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback because Luck was already injured.

But now he is both healthy and wealthy and the Colts are literally banking on him.

Helping maintain Luck’s health will be an offensive line that features left tackle Anthony Castonzo, although he struggled at times last year, left guard Jack Mewhort and rookie center Ryan Kelly (Round 1, No. 18 overall, Notre Dame), who has the ability to start and star for a long time.

But heading into camp, the offensive line’s right side is not set in stone with Jonotthan Harrison starting at guard and Joe Reitz at tackle.

Luck will be without tight end Toby Fleener, a favorite target dating to their days together at Stanford. Fleener went to New Orleans in free agency ($36 million, five years). The Colts kept tight end Dwayne Allen from testing free agency by signing him to a $29.9 million deal over four years, with $16 million guaranteed.

Inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman, the team’s leading tackler since putting on a Colts uniform in 2012, went to the Chicago Bears in free agency ($12 million, three years, $6 million guaranteed). Sio Moore is expected to fill the void inside next to D’Qwell Jackson, who played well in 2015 but his age (32) is becoming a concern.

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Colts’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Anderson University, Anderson, IN, 7/26, 7/26

2015 RECORD: 8-8
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 4-2

COACH: Chuck Pagano
5th season as Colts/NFL head coach
44-26 overall; 3-3 postseason

STARTERS RETURNING:
17; 9 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Center Ryan Kelly.

–The Colts’ 2016 first-round draft choice from Alabama has proven to be as good as advertised. Expected to be a starter on the Indianapolis offensive line from the moment that he arrived at the team’s practice facility, Kelly has not disappointed. Stepping into a starting job and learning an NFL offensive system in a few short weeks, he quickly developed a good working relationship and rapport with franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. The pair plan to work out together often prior to the start of training camp on July 26.

NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Colts’ picks (8):

–Round 1/18 – Ryan Kelly, C, 6-4, 311, Alabama.

Has proven to be as good as advertised. Solid offensive line addition who has already earned starting job as a rookie. Was the Colts’ primary target with their first pick and officials were pleased that he was there for the 18th selection.

–Round 2/57 – T.J. Green, S, 6-3, 205, Clemson.

Colts coaches have come to love his combination of size, speed and athletic skills. Still a bit raw as a defensive back, but has a high upside. Green is expected to push for playing time on defense as a rookie. Will start out on special teams.

–Round 3/82 – Le’Raven Clark, T, 6-5, 316, Texas Tech

Big, mobile offensive line prospect who is slated to make a push for a starting job at right tackle. Can play both right or left tackle. Is also versatile enough to move inside.

–Round 4/116 – Hassan Ridgeway, DT, 6-3, 314, Texas

The Colts wanted to get bigger and more physical along the interior defensive line. With the addition of Ridgeway, they may have done just that. The former Texas Longhorn has outstanding ability, but needs to become more consistent.

–Round 4/125 – Antonio Morrison, ILB, 6-1, 219, Florida

General manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano love the potential of the former Gator inside linebacker. Good athletic skills and is a hitter. Grigson and Pagano like his physicality at the point of attack.

–Round 5/155 – Joe Haeg, G/T, 6-6, 293, North Dakota State.

Former FCS standout who impressed general manager Ryan Grigson the last two seasons with his overall play and leadership. Big, moves well and can be physical as a run blocker. Saw plenty of work at guard during OTAs and minicamp.

–Round 7/239 – Trevor Bates, OLB, 6-2, 245, Maine.

Colts like his high motor and ability to be a potential playmaker. Showed great burst off the edge during offseason work. A bit raw, but is expected to begin the regular season on special teams in 2016.

–Round 7/248 – Austin Blythe, C/G, 6-3, 291, Iowa.

Indy coaching staff loves his versatility. Will be a swing player who practiced at guard during offseason workouts. Was rated as one of the top five centers in the country prior to the draft. Colts were pleased that he was still available with their final pick of the draft.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–WR Josh Boyce: Backup receiver who will be fighting to earn roster spot during training camp.

–CB Patrick Robinson: Former Chargers corner who will be given an opportunity to start in Indy.

–RB Jordan Todman: Former Steelers backup who was added to the Colts roster in the offseason.

–QB Scott Tolzien: Ex-Packers backup should give Colts another solid No. 2 quarterback heading into the 2016 season.

–RB Robert Turbin: Ex-Seattle and Dallas running back who hopes to earn valuable backup role this year.

–WR Brian Tyms: Good-sized young receiver who will be trying to earn roster spot during training camp.

KEY LOSS: ILB Jerrell Freeman (13/13)*

–Freeman got a hefty pay raise after moving to the Bears in the offseason. The former Canadian Football League standout had been Indianapolis’ leading tackler since joining the team as a free agent in 2012.

OTHER LOSSES:

–S Colt Anderson (14/1), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (6/0), S Akeem Davis (6/0), TE Coby Fleener (16/11), QB Josh Freeman (1/1), QB Matt Hasselbeck (8/8), C Khaled Holmes (9/7), WR Andre Johnson (16/14), QB Ryan Lindley (1/0), G Lance Louis (11/3), S Dwight Lowery (16/16), LB Jonathan Newsome (14/2), LB Andy Studebaker (3/0), CB Greg Toler (10/10), LB Bjoern Werner (10/0), QB Charlie Whitehurst (4/0), DE Billy Winn (12/3)*
Total games played/started lost: 170/89
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

Summer Reset: Jags must show why they are confident

Prove it.

That is the challenge for the Jacksonville Jaguars who believe they are ready to step up in 2016 after finishing 5-11, third in the AFC South last year. They will begin to plead their case when 19 returning starters open full training camp on July 27.

The team must overcome a lot of evidence to the contrary in order to prove they can indeed step up.

Owner Shad Khan and general manager Dave Caldwell are allowing head coach Gus Bradley to give further testimony despite a 12-36 record in three seasons.

Quarterback Blake Bortles is expected to show further proof he can be a long-term leader after a 2015 season in which he threw for 4,428 yards with 35 touchdowns as the team increased scoring (14.6 to 23.5 points) and yards (289.6 to 348.8).

But in a sport beset by increased paralysis of analysis, his critics point out that his prolific stats came largely against prevent defenses after Jacksonville was behind on the scoreboard as the Jags scored only 35 first-quarter points. And Bortles threw a league-high 18 interceptions.

If Bortles expects to improve, he will need more help from an offensive line that gave up 51 sacks last year. Of particular concern is the all-important left tackle spot where free-agent acquisition Kelvin Beachum (Pittsburgh Steelers, 44.5 million, five years if team picks up option after first year pay of $4.5 million). He must overcome last year’s ACL surgery so Luke Joeckel can move inside and compete for a starting guard job. Joeckel has started 35 games since the middle of his 2013 rookie season, but last year gave up 10 sacks as a tackle.

The Jags made a conspicuous effort in the draft to upgrade the defense. They grabbed defenders with their first five picks and six of their total seven.

That parade began with Florida State’s versatile cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Round 1, No, 5). Then they gambled on UCLA’s insanely athletic linebacker Myles Jack (Round 2, No. 36), despite a knee injury last year. Following them were Maryland defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (Round 3, No. 69), Notre Dame defensive tackle Sheldon Day (Round 4, No. 103), Montana defensive end Tyrone Holmes (Round 6, No. 181) and Central Arkansas defensive end Jonathan Woodard (Round 7, No. 226).

In free agency, they added veteran defensive help with tackle Malik Jackson (Denver Broncos, $85.5 million, six years, $42 million guaranteed), free safety Tashaun Gipson (Cleveland Browns, five years, details unknown) and cornerback Prince Amukamara (New York Giants, $5.5 million, one year, $3 million guaranteed), all of whom will start.

Additional defensive help is expected from the return of pass-rushing perimeter player Dante Fowler Jr., whom the Jags’ picked No, 3 overall in the 2015 draft. He tore his ACL in his first workout and missed his rookie year.

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Jaguars’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Practice Fields at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL, 7/25, 7/27

2015 RECORD: 5-11
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 1-5

COACH: Gus Bradley
4th season as Jaguars/NFL head coach
12-36 overall

STARTERS RETURNING:
19; 9 offense, 10 defense, kicker

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Tight end Julius Thomas.

–Thomas continued to make catch after catch and showed that he and quarterback Blake Bortles are on the same page in minicamp. Thomas missed the first four games of the regular season and most of the preseason a year ago and it took until the second half of the season until he and Bortles began clicking.

Thomas has been injury-free during the offseason and he’s taken advantage of that to strengthen his ties with Bortles.

“He is so good at communicating and talking and we go through and watch practice together every single day,” Bortles said. “We are able to talk through things. It’s really a continuing process of figuring each other out and it’s night and day from when he showed up to now.”

Thomas caught 46 passes a year ago, 31 of which came in the last seven games of the season when he also accounted for four of his five touchdown catches for the season. Based on what Thomas has shown during the OTAs and minicamp, those numbers should take a dramatic hike in 2016 if the 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end stays healthy.

NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Jaguars’ picks (7):

–Round 1/5 – Jalen Ramsey, CB, 6-1, 209, Florida State

The Jaguars wanted Ramsey from the start and were surprised he was available at the No. 5 spot. They feel they may have gotten the most versatile and talented defensive player in the draft. While he’s played a number of positions, the Jaguars will make him a starting cornerback and make good use of his length and athleticism to shut down opposing receivers.

–Round 2/36 – Myles Jack, LB, 6-1, 245, UCLA

Is the risk worth the reward? The Jaguars will find out in time. Jack is extremely talented and was worthy of first-round consideration. While other teams backed away from him because of a knee injury his senior, the Jaguars didn’t. They now feel they may have landed two of the elite defensive players in this year’s draft.

–Round 3/69 – Yannick Ngakoue, DE, 6-2, 255, Maryland

The Jaguars addressed their pass rush with the selection of Ngakoue. They liked his ability to get off the line and get a good jump in his pursuit of the quarterback. He’ll operate at the LEO spot where he will challenge Dan Skuta for a starting spot along with playing time.

–Round 4/103 – Sheldon Day, DT, 6-2, 291, Notre Dame

Day became the fourth straight defensive player taken by the Jaguars. They like his physical talents and ability to pressure the quarterback. Most important, it’s his ability to be disruptive that the Jags really like. He’s got a high motor and plays hard every play.

–Round 6/181 – Tyrone Holmes, DE, 6-2, 253, Montana

Holmes was a four-year starter at Montana who excelled at getting to the quarterback. Jaguars like that he led all FCS schools with 18 sacks last year. His 34.5 career sacks and 49.5 tackles for loss both rank as the second most in school history. Has excellent quickness in coming off the edge, which enables his ability to get to the quarterback.

–Round 6/201 – Brandon Allen, QB, 6-3, 217, Arkansas

The Jaguars coached Allen in the Senior Bowl and liked what they saw there. His intelligence and ability to grasp new schemes stood out. Jaguars have a history of only keeping two quarterbacks, but Allen could change that according to head coach Gus Bradley.

–Round 7/226 – Jonathan Woodard, DE, 6-6, 275, Central Arkansas

The Jaguars felt they got a sleeper in picking up Woodard in the final round, but they’ll now likely have to wait a year to see if that’s true. Woodard tore his Achilles tendon during the second phase of the team’s on-field workouts and underwent surgery to repair the tear. Because of the severity of the injury, Woodard could miss the entire 2016 season.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–CB Prince Amukamara: Expected to battle Jalen Ramsey for starting spot.

–T Kelvin Beachum: Free agent will challenge Luke Joeckel for starting left tackle job.

–G Mackenzy Bernadeau: Former Dallas backup will add depth to the interior of line.

–FS Tashaun Gipson: Signed as a free agent to step into the free safety job.

–RB Chris Ivory: Signed as free agent after leading AFC in rushing with Jets with 1,070 yards.

–DE Malik Jackson: The $90 million free agent is being counted on to upgrade the line.

–G Jeff Linkenbach: Versatile, well-traveled veteran can provide depth along the line.

–P Brad Nortman: Signed as a free agent to replace punter Bryan Anger.

–LB Bjoern Werner: Colts washout getting another chance to show if he can rush the passer.

KEY LOSS: C Stefen Wisniewski (16/16)*

–Wisniewski started all 16 games last year, but the fact the Jaguars decided not to re-sign him shows they think they can upgrade the center position with Brandon Linder.

OTHER LOSSES:

–P Bryan Anger (16/0), G Zane Beadles (16/16), DE Andre Branch (13/10), S Sergio Brown (15/4), DE Chris Clemons (16/7), RB Toby Gerhart (7/1), TE Clay Harbor (15/2), S Craig Loston (6/0), RB Bernard Pierce (7/0), T Sam Young (16/3)*
Total games played/started lost: 138/59
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

Summer Reset: Titans, Mariota expect improvement

If things are looking up for the Tennessee Titans it is only a matter of perspective.

With only five wins in the last two seasons, the only place to look is up as Mike Mularkey begins his first full season as the Titans head coach when the team reports for full training camp July 29.

Of the 21 returning starters the key, as usual, is at quarterback.

Mularkey has the advantage of Marcus Mariota becoming the team’s first quarterback to be the designated starter in consecutive seasons since Vince Young in 2006-07. The former Oregon sensation, taken No. 2 overall in the draft last year, says he is much farther along after an injury-plagued rookie season.

“I think this entire situation will be a lot more comfortable – going through it already for a year, seeing a lot of similar faces, understanding what’s expected from me,” Mariota said. “From that standpoint, I feel comfortable and that’s going to allow me to feel a lot more comfortable coming into camp. I’m just ready to roll.”

Mariota refined his focus going against defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s creative zone-blitz scheme in practice and has been trying to learn as much as he can about the defenses he will face this fall.

“I’ve been very pleased,” said Mularkey after minicamp. “I think he’s obviously ahead of where he was last year because of his experience, but also because of some of the things we’re doing to help him out. So I’ve been very pleased.”

To help Mariota, the Titans acquired running back DeMarco Murray from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was unable to repeat the prolific performance he showed previously with the Dallas Cowboys.

At wide receiver the Titans added free agent Rishard Matthews (Miami Dolphins, $15 million, three years). He and rookie Tajae Sharpe, 6-foot-2, 194-pounds), a fifth-round draftee out of Massachusetts emerged from minicamp as the possible starter on a depth chart that includes Kendall Wright and Dorial Green-Beckham.

The draft also may have added immediate help with first-round selection Jack Conklin (No. 8 overall), who should start at right tackle. Despite already signing Murray, the Titans could not pass on Alabama’s Heisman Trophy-winning running back, Derrick Henry (Round 2, No. 45 overall).

Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Titans’ 2016 team:

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Tennessee, Saint Thomas Sports Park, Nashville, TN, 7/29, 7/29

2015 RECORD: 3-13
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 1-5

COACH: Mike Mularkey
1st full season with Titans
2-7 overall
4th full season as NFL head coach
18-39 overall

STARTERS RETURNING:
21; 11 offense, 10 defense, kicker, punter

OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Wide receiver Tajae Sharpe

–Sharpe began the offseason as a fifth-round pick trying to prove he belonged in the NFL. But the former U-Mass star, who led the NCAA in receptions a year ago, has quickly turned heads from the Titans brass despite being a low-round pick. Sharpe is now running first team as a reward for his consistency both as a route-runner and catching the football. Sharpe could get a challenge in camp from Dorial Green-Beckham or Justin Hunter, but it wouldn’t be a surprise for the rookie to hang on to the starting job in the regular season.

NEWCOMERS
A closer look at the Titans’ picks (10):

–Round 1/8 – Jack Conklin, T, 6-6, 308, Michigan State

The Titans moved back up from 15th to eighth in order to land their man, who described himself as a “mauler” and whom the Titans said embodied the type of identity they want to build. Conklin should step right in as the team’s starting right tackle and help to solidify an offensive line that has been a major issue the past several seasons.

–Round 2/33 – Kevin Dodd, OLB, 6-5, 277, Clemson

The Titans had their choice of potential impact linebackers and chose a healthy Dodd over Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack, who went within three picks after they chose the late bloomer from Clemson. Dodd suffered a foot injury early in offseason work and underwent surgery. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

–Round 2/43 – Austin Johnson, NT, 6-4, 314, Penn State

The Titans needed another player who could play on the nose in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. Johnson should find himself second in the rotation at nose tackle behind veteran Al Woods. He can also play a three-technique and five technique if called upon, but his primary role should be in the middle of the defensive line.

–Round 2/45 – Derrick Henry, RB, 6-3, 247, Alabama

The Titans didn’t really need another running back, as they had already traded for DeMarco Murray in early March. But apparently the value on the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner was too good for them to pass up in this situation. Henry showed skills as a runner and a pass receiver in offseason work and could have a bigger role than first anticipated.

–Round 3/64 – Kevin Byard, S, 5-11, 212, Middle Tennessee

Perhaps a reach here, but the Titans loved the local product after working him out about a week before the draft. Byard has obvious ball skills, as shown by his 19 career interceptions. While he will initially be penciled in behind Da’Norris Searcy and newcomer Rashad Johnson, he will have a chance to start at some point – if not this year, then probably in 2017.

–Round 5/140 – Tajae Sharpe, WR, 6-2, 194, Massachusetts

Sharpe drew the Titans’ attention because of his route-running skills and his ability to catch the football. He didn’t play against the best competition in the MAC, but has shown himself to be a quick enough study that he is getting first-team reps and will head to camp with a chance to be a starter.

–Round 5/157 – LeShaun Sims, CB, 6-0, 203, Southern Utah

The Titans’ continuing trend of mining smaller schools for talent continued when they traded back into the fifth round, taking a pick from the Denver Broncos, to nab Sims. General manager Jon Robinson said he eventually sees Sims being able to compete for a starting spot eventually at an outside cornerback position. His initial role, however, will likely be on special teams.

–Round 6/193 – Sebastian Tretola, G, 6-4, 314, Arkansas

Tretola showed off a big personality and a willingness to play physical football, something that seems to be the theme of the draft for the Titans, especially on the offensive line. While he might be a long shot as a late sixth-round pick, Tretola might have a chance to get into the starting mix at left guard where the Titans remain unsettled.

–Round 7/222 – Austin Wallace, LB, 6-3, 240, UCLA

Wallace is another late bloomer as an inside linebacker. He didn’t start until his senior year, moving into the lineup after Myles Jack’s knee injury. While he wasn’t Jack, Wallace was good enough to be an honorable mention All-Pac 12 selection and finished with seven sacks. He once played at UCLA for current Titans linebackers coach Lou Spanos.

–Round 7/253 – Kalan Reed, CB, 5-11, 195, Southern Mississippi

Mr. Irrelevant, as the last pick in this year’s draft, actually has some decent skills as a cover cornerback with eight career interceptions, including four his senior year. Reed also had 19 pass breakups and comes in with a fighting chance to earn a roster spot, despite his low draft status.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–CB Antwon Blake: Struggled with Steelers last year, but comes to familiar scheme, joining coordinator Dick LeBeau.

–QB Matt Cassel: Veteran backup comes to Titans on one-year deal to compete for No. 2 quarterback spot.

–S Rashad Johnson: Free-agent import from Cardinals takes over at free safety for Michael Griffin.

–C Ben Jones: Free agent from rival Texans should stabilize center, which has been issue for years.

–WR Rishard Matthews: Free-agent signee from Dolphins has good hands; might become Titans No. 2 receiver.

–CB Brice McCain: Another player with LeBeau connections, he could wind up as the regular nickel back.

–RB DeMarco Murray: Trade pickup from Eagles will carry load as Titans hope he finds his old Cowboy form.

–LB Sean Spence: Signed to one-year deal; might compete for starting job since he knows LeBeau’s system.

KEY LOSS: S Michael Griffin (15/14)*

–Griffin had his ups and downs in nine years with the Titans, but was a durable player who played through many injuries. His release signaled that the Titans are turning the page on the past.

OTHER LOSSES:

–LB Zach Brown (16/5), TE Dorin Dickerson (0/0), CB Brandon Harris (0/0), NT Sammie Hill (10/5), LB Steve Johnson (16/0), C/G Joe Looney (8/6), DE Mike Martin (5/0), T/G Jamon Meredith (13/3), QB Zach Mettenberger (7/4), CB Coty Sensabaugh (16/15)*
Total games played/started lost: 106/52
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015

— Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 26th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX’s network of NFL insiders provided information for this report.