The Tennessee Titans have long been known for their dominant defense, building their identity around hard-hitting, physical play. Yet, in recent years, the team has faced struggles in terms of consistency and production from certain positions. One area that stands out as both a potential weakness and opportunity for improvement is at linebacker. While the Titans have a strong defensive core, the linebacker position has been somewhat underwhelming at times, leaving fans and analysts alike calling for a change.
The linebacker position has always been a critical part of Tennessee’s defensive success, especially in the 3-4 scheme that head coach Mike Vrabel favors. Over the years, the Titans have relied on stars like Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown to hold down the middle of the field, but there’s a growing belief that the team needs to go in a different direction. As Tennessee looks to improve its defense and get back into playoff contention, the Titans should target an underrated linebacker who could provide both immediate impact and long-term stability.
One potential candidate who has flown under the radar and could be an excellent fit for the Titans is Bobby Okereke of the Indianapolis Colts. Okereke, a former Stanford product, has been a standout player for the Colts and is one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL. Despite not receiving as much national attention as other players in his position group, Okereke’s consistency, leadership, and ability to cover both the run and pass make him a valuable asset. If the Titans can acquire a player of Okereke’s caliber, they would have a dynamic playmaker in the middle of their defense, who could elevate the team’s overall performance.
While Okereke has been overshadowed by other linebackers in the league, his statistics are hard to ignore. In his four seasons with the Colts, Okereke has racked up over 300 tackles, including 14 for a loss, and 5 sacks. His pass coverage skills have also been impressive, with multiple interceptions and pass deflections. His ability to step up in big moments, often coming through with key stops on third downs or in the red zone, is a testament to his football IQ and understanding of the game.
One of the most appealing aspects of Okereke’s game is his versatility. He is a true three-down linebacker who can both stop the run and cover the pass, making him an ideal fit for the Titans’ defensive scheme. Mike Vrabel has often preached the importance of having linebackers who can be on the field for every down, and Okereke fits that mold perfectly. He is a linebacker who can handle coverage responsibilities in space, whether it’s covering running backs in the flat or tight ends down the middle of the field. Additionally, his ability to read plays and make adjustments on the fly gives him a significant edge over many other linebackers in the league.
The Titans’ defense has often struggled to maintain balance against both the run and the pass, and a linebacker like Okereke could help stabilize those areas. His ability to diagnose plays quickly would allow him to get to the ball carrier before the offense has a chance to gain significant yardage. Okereke’s range and intelligence would be crucial in covering the gaps that the Titans have often left open in recent seasons. Moreover, his skill set would allow the Titans to better defend against the growing trend of passing out of the backfield, which has become a major issue for many defenses around the league.
There are other options that could fit well with the Titans’ defensive strategy, but Okereke stands out as a player who could provide both immediate impact and long-term value. With his proven track record and relatively low profile, the Titans could target him without needing to break the bank or make a major trade. His price tag may not be as high as some of the bigger names in free agency, making him an ideal candidate for a team that needs to maximize its financial resources.
In addition to his skills on the field, Okereke’s leadership and character make him an attractive prospect. The Titans have always prided themselves on having a strong locker room culture, and Okereke’s demeanor and work ethic align with the values that Vrabel looks for in his players. His calm yet assertive presence on the field would help stabilize the defense and bring a sense of consistency to a unit that has at times lacked it. Furthermore, his understanding of the game and his ability to communicate with his teammates would be a boon to the Titans’ defensive schemes.
If the Titans were to add Okereke, they would also be strengthening their rivalry with the Colts. The AFC South has long been a division of fierce competition, and by bringing in a key player from a division rival, Tennessee could send a message to their opponents that they are serious about improving. The Colts would be forced to face one of their former leaders on a weekly basis, which could be an added psychological advantage for the Titans.
Beyond Okereke, another underrated linebacker who could fit well with the Titans is Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While David is a more well-known name than Okereke, he is still somewhat underrated in terms of the respect he receives on a national level. As a veteran presence with championship pedigree, David would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the linebacker corps in Tennessee. His ability to disrupt both the run and the pass makes him a versatile player, and his leadership qualities would be invaluable in mentoring younger players on the team.
David has been one of the most consistent linebackers in the league for over a decade, and although he is getting up there in age, his play remains high-level. His leadership on the field and in the locker room would provide a boost for the Titans, especially as they look to make a push for the postseason. His playmaking ability, particularly in clutch moments, would be something that the Titans would greatly benefit from. With his experience in high-stakes games, David could bring a level of composure and calm to a defense that has occasionally struggled under pressure.
Another option the Titans could explore is Tremaine Edmunds of the Buffalo Bills. Edmunds, a former first-round pick, has been an impressive presence for the Bills over the last few years. His combination of size, speed, and intelligence makes him one of the most physically gifted linebackers in the NFL. Edmunds is a rangy defender who excels both in coverage and as a tackler, and he could help shore up a linebacker group that has had some difficulty defending against the pass in recent seasons. However, acquiring Edmunds would likely come with a higher price tag, making him a more difficult option for the Titans to pursue.
For the Titans, the goal should be to add a linebacker who can contribute immediately and develop into a long-term staple of the defense. While big-name free agents like David and Edmunds are tempting, the best move might be to target a player like Okereke, who has the potential to be a true difference-maker without breaking the bank. Okereke is the kind of player who can make an immediate impact and provide the stability that the Titans need in the middle of their defense. With his mix of intelligence, versatility, and leadership, Okereke could quickly become one of the most important players on Tennessee’s defense and a cornerstone for years to come.
As the Titans prepare for the upcoming season, they must address the needs at linebacker and make strategic moves to strengthen their roster. The team has made significant strides on the defensive line and in the secondary, but the linebacker position remains a question mark. By targeting an underrated player like Bobby Okereke, the Titans would be adding a proven commodity who could elevate their defense and help them return to playoff contention. With the right additions, Tennessee’s defense could become one of the most well-rounded and dangerous units in the league once again.