SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Titans' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Defensive end. The Titans finished last season with just 26 sacks. They need a consistent threat opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch. The team would like to depend on third-year players Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, but they have battled injuries and inconsistency. If the Titans address this need early, Georgia's Charles Johnson and Florida's Jarvis Moss will be first-round possibilities, and Nebraska's Jay Moore will be an option in Round 2.

2. Wide receiver. David Givens has an unclear future after a knee injury and missing most of the season. Drew Bennett left for St. Louis via free agency, and slot receiver Bobby Wade signed with Minnesota. The Titans certainly need another playmaker to take pressure off quarterback Vince Young. Ohio State's Ted Ginn probably won't fall to No. 19, but Southern Cal's Dwayne Jarrett, South Carolina's Sidney Rice and LSU's Dwayne Bowe are possibilities at that spot.

3. Safety. The Titans were pleased with strong safety Chris Hope's first season with the team -- he finished second on the team in tackles and first in interceptions. But the Titans aren't satisfied with free safety Lamont Thompson, who could be replaced. Calvin Lowry, a fourth-round pick last year, could help, but a bigger safety such as Virginia Tech's Aaron Rouse, Arizona's Michael Johnson or Texas' Michael Griffin could pair well with Hope.

4. Cornerback. The Titans are pleased they now can turn over one side of the field to Pacman Jones, but they need depth and playmakers. After using first-round picks on Andre Woolfolk and Jones in recent years, the team might hold off until Round 2 or later to select a cornerback. Maryland's Josh Wilson is undersized but is a blazer who could be available in the second or third round.

5. Guard. The team released Zach Piller, who started the first three games in 2006 before a season-ending injury, and it needs to find Benji Olson's eventual replacement. This is a good spot for a young guy because he can learn from center Kevin Mawae, a 13-year veteran. Georgia Tech's Mansfield Wrotto is expected to be available in the middle rounds and would be a good fit as a developmental player.

6. Defensive tackle. Despite having space eaters Albert Haynesworth and Robaire Smith in the middle, the Titans had one of the NFL's worst run defenses in 2006. Those two players tend to wear down unless they get some rest, so the team needs more big bodies. It will try to find one or two in the middle to late rounds.

7. Tight end. Erron Kinney used to be the team's best blocking tight end and a good receiver. But Kinney, who is dealing with a serious knee injury that sidelined him for all of last season, has an uncertain future. The team could use a blocker with pass-catching skills but likely won't find a two-dimensional talent late in the draft.

OUTLOOK

In previous seasons, salary cap constraints forced the Titans to go with a younger roster, so they wanted as many picks as possible. Now they are in great cap shape, and with several extra picks at their disposal they could trade up and use a quality over quantity approach. After taking three ends in the first four rounds in 2004 and not getting much out of them, it's time to pursue another pass-rushing threat.

The Titans also need to add bulk to the interior line but might wait until the middle rounds to do that. At receiver, they need a game-breaker and could take one early; Young's chances for improvement largely hinge on the quality of players around him

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