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Tennessee Oilers
Posted: Sun April 19, 1998 at 9:51 p.m.
* compensatory pick
QB - Despite few weapons to get the ball to, QB Steve McNair has developed into a fine NFL QB. He is making better decisions with the football, and doing a good job of tucking the ball under and running. His leading receiver the past few seasons has been TE Frank Wychek, but all that should end when he and FA Yancey Thigpen get in sync. Backup Dave Krieg is close to the end, and it might be time to upgrade. James Ritchey isn't ready to assume the role as a #2, and will continue to be the #3 QB.
RB - Eddie George has done an exc. job of bringing balance to this offense. He is underrated, and is rarely talked about as being one of the better backs in the NFL. George doesn't have great speed, but wears opponents down with his bruising style. He will be counted on for another 25+ per carry game this season. Backup Rodney Thomas provides a good balance... he has dec. speed, but looks a lot faster to opposing defenses after chasing George around. Ricky Whittle was added this offseason, and may be able to fill their needed void as a nickle RB.
WR - This unit was in complete disarray last season. WR Chris Sanders has done nothing since his stellar rookie campaign. He has been moody and irritable, and his teammates are fed up with it. WR Willie Davis made plays in spurts, but at this time in his career may be best suited as a #3 WR. A lot of these problems have been solved with the addition of Yancey Thigpen. Thigpen gives them a deep threat and big play guy. His presence should also take some pressure off Sanders who hasn't been very effective as " the guy." They have a lot of depth here, so not much will be needed this offseason. They are hoping 1997 rookies Joey Kent and Derrick Mason will make better strides in their 2nd NFL seasons.
TE - Frank Wychek has developed into one of the better pass catching TE's in the NFL... he is right there behind Sharpe and Coates. He runs exc. routes, and has deceptive quicks. He shows the AA and agility to stretch the defense. The team has also added FA TE Jackie Harris... Harris doesn't run as well as he used to, but will be a welcomed addition if his hernia doesn't act up. Look for the team to get FA TE Roderick Lewis re-signed... he is a marg. pass catcher, but blocks very well for his size.
OL - Solid/underrated unit. LT Brad Hopkins just signed a long term extension, which will keep him in Tennesse for some time... they also didn't want to bid for his services on the FA market next season. LG Bruce Matthews is still a veteran warrior. The biggest concern will be RG, where FA Kevin Donnalley has departed for Miami. He is a solid run blocker and will be missed, but they have depth with veteran Erik Norgard and Jason Layman. Norgard has a lot of experience and has the inside track, but look for the younger Layman to give him a good battle. This is a good unit, but they need to start grooming another young OG to take over for Matthews when he retires.
DL - Good group if they play up to expectations... unfortunately, this hasn't happened yet... it's a unit that is very good vs. the run, but struggles to get pressure on the QB. That could all change if 1997 rookie DE Kenny Holmes continues to develop. Holmes wore down late in the season, but should be better conditioned after spending his first season in the NFL. DT's Gary Walker and Henry Ford have the potential to dominate, but haven't. Ford was a UFA they opted to re-sign, so they are hoping he will finally reach his potential. If nickle DE Pratt Lyons continues to develop, they will be a much improved pass rush unit this season. Could add a run stuffing DT in the middle rds. of the draft.
LB - Solid overall unit with a lot of depth. Joe Bowden flourished in his first season at SLB... he was quick on the blitz, and improved in pass coverage. MLB Joe Bowden is undersized, surprising everyone with his ability to stay healthy all season. The depth here is very athletic. Won't need any upgrading this offseason.
DB - Might be one DC away from becoming a pretty solid unit. DC Daryl Lewis was hampered by an ankle injury, but still played vey well. He is one of the most physical DC's in the NFL. The biggest surprise was how well rookie DC Denard Walker played. He came off the bench when Steve Jackson was hurt, and played like a veteran. Jackson is a big ?, and he is their only quality depth. Look for them too pass another DC in the early to mid rds. of the upcoming draft.
ST - The PK/PT unit of Al Del Greco and Reggie Roby was marginal at best. Roby has had a great career, but age has caught up with him. Del Greco just went into a slump and lost his confidence. The PT problem should be corrected with the addition of PT Craig Hentrich. They need to bring someone to training camp to challenge Del Greco. If Derrick Mason develops, the return game will be in good shape... Mason was decent last season, but they are hoping he turns into the RS he was in college.
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