As the Titans get a few weeks off before training camp opens in late July, here are five must-hits and five notable surprises from spring camp:
SURPRISES
1. Moise Fokou
When third-year middle linebacker Colin McCarthy has played, the results have been solid. Thing is, the Titans just haven’t seen enough of him, due to injuries. So, the Titans signed an insurance policy in Fokou, most recently of the Colts. Bythe end of spring drills, though, Fokou was running ahead of McCarthy with the first-team defense. The battle at middle linebacker should be fun to watch during training camp.
2. Tennessee's tight ends
The Titans always have a stable of intriguing tight end prospects, and Delanie Walker (formerly of the 49ers), as the No. 1 option, headlines the group this year. Veteran Craig Stevens is a good blocker and dependable receiver, while second-year player Taylor Thompson appears completely converted from his college days as a defensive end.
Former Vanderbilt standout Brandon Barden made the roster last year; but he could get some competition from another undrafted free agent, Jack Doyle (Western Kentucky), this summer.
3. The Titans secondary
With the arrival of veteran safeties Bernard Pollard (Ravens) and George Wilson (Bills), two-time Pro Bowler Michael Griffin can move back to his natural position of free safety. The Titans went from being lean and inexperienced to deep and talented in one fell swoop.
Pollard and Wilson bring not only years of experience on the field, but accepting of leadership off it. They'll assume the mantle of guiding the defensive talent — especially the young players — through the season, despite playing elsewhere in 2012.
4. Brian Schwenke
The general consensus concerning Schwenke's pick in the fourth round was that it made sense. Here was a strong and talented offensive lineman who can develop over time and eventually step into the starting role at center.
That’s not how Schwenke figured it. He had designs on starting from day one in the NFL. During pre-draft training sessions in Los Angeles, working alongside some of the top draft prospects, including Tennessee first-rounder Chance Warmack, Schwenke (6-foot-3, 314 pounds) enhanced a reputation as a workout monster. Against all odds, he could be the Titans' opening-day starter at center.
5. Shawn Jefferson
It hasn't taken long for Jefferson — the wide receivers coach who recently spent eight seasons with the Lions (2005-12) — to show his vocal side and demanding approach that was a big hit among receivers.
