NFL Nation

          Mailbag: On quarterbacks, athleticism, conditioning and more

          Welcome to the first Tennessee Titans mailbag of the offseason. We've got so much to discuss between now and the draft, and we will be here weekly. A great question during the week can spur a post of its own, so aim for the stars.

          Tweet me at @PaulKuharskyNFL anytime, using #PKmail to denote mailbag questions.

          Onward ...

          Paul Kuharsky: It's a very weak list. Good quarterbacks don't get to free agency. Brian Hoyer will probably get more than he's worth simply because he is one of the only semi-attractive options. If the Titans decide to move forward without a big-time addition at quarterback, then they would probably be adding one of these guys and hoping he could compete with Zach Mettenberger to be the starter in 2015.

          Paul Kuharsky: I love Wade Phillips, and his first-year turnaround record is excellent. But people are throwing every name in the book at me. What about so and so? The Titans don't have any coaching vacancies yet. And I think both coordinators are safe. I believe Ray Horton is a good defensive coach who had a bad season with a bad team that didn't have good enough personnel. He didn't do nearly a good enough job, but I expect he's in position for a second year as the Titans try to build system continuity. And I expect he will get significant improvements out of the unit if they make key additions.

          Paul Kuharsky: No. There is no indication that Ken Whisenhunt will give up play-calling duties, and there is no indication he won't stick with Jason Michael as his offensive coordinator. It's not that uncommon for a team to turn down a request. The Titans had very little going for them this season, and tight end play was good. So it's understandable they would want to keep him. Keep in mind, too, we don't know if Mike Mularkey wanted to speak with Tampa Bay.

          Paul Kuharsky: There is always some sort of a market for a high pick. The question is whether the return is good enough. The Titans need someone to fall in love with someone other than the guy the Bucs take with the top pick. It's four months away, but Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota could well be the Bucs' choice. If that's the case, the Titans need someone to love Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston or another player enough to offer a package that makes it worth giving up No. 2. I think it's going to wind up the route to go, so long as the Titans end up with a pick in the top six or 10.

          Paul Kuharsky: Let's see, as I write this it's 10:30 ET on an offseason Saturday. Pass, brother. Pass.

          Paul Kuharsky: I'm not sure the focus has been too much on athleticism. Though they clearly became enamored with certain guys because of it -- Zach Brown and Zaviar Gooden jump to mind. But Zach Mettenberger wasn't brought in for his athleticism. And athleticism is at least a result of physical attributes, right? Guys have to be a combination of things -- big enough, fast enough, tough enough, smart enough. The Titans don't have nearly enough guys who are the right mix of those things. It's a case-by-case basis, but clearly they do need to alter some of the formula.

          Paul Kuharsky: I think they were strong and well-conditioned. Those didn't rank as problems to me. They could use more size at some spots, particularly at the second inside linebacker next to Avery Williamson. I'm shocked I haven't received the training staff question yet, so I will be preemptive. It was the first year for Todd Toriscelli as director of sports medicine. We have no idea how much of a bearing he had on things. But there is a high percentage of bad luck in NFL injuries, and Toriscelli can't control that.

          Paul Kuharsky: I think they wind up trading down. I know they need a rush linebacker. If the two line up that would be great, but there are plenty of positions that would benefit from a quality high pick. As for Schefter's piece on the Music City Miracle -- he spells out very clearly what he saw. But if his left eye and his right eye looked at the replays carefully and ignored the body positions of Frank Wycheck and Kevin Dyson, looking only at the ball, the throw was slightly backwards, or at worst even. My left eye and my right eye tell me so.

          Paul Kuharsky: I think they could be just fine at tight end with Delanie Walker and Craig Stevens and Taylor Thompson, if they are back to healthy. Chase Coffman could be in the mix there as well. Their pool of defensive lineman might be enough if the linebackers and coverage behind them are improved, though I expect they will shuffle the line some. It's hard to find things that don't need upgrades.

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