NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans rookie inside linebacker Avery Williamson ranks third on the defense this season with 82 total tackles, trailing veteran inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (104) and safety Michael Griffin (89).

Williamson began the season as a reserve. In Week 5 against Cleveland, he recorded his first career start. Since then, he has started every game and averaged more than eight tackles per contest.

At his current rate, Williamson would finish 2014 with more tackles than any other rookie for the team since 1999. In the franchise's 16 years as the Titans, only four defensive rookies have produced more tackles than he currently has: cornerback Alterraun Verner (103 tackles in 2010), linebacker Zach Brown (93 in 2012), linebacker Akeem Ayers (88 in 2011) and defensive end Jevon Kearse (85 in 1999).

Most tackles by a Titans rookie, 1999–2014:

1 - CB Alterraun Verner - 103 tackles (2010)
2 - LB Zach Brown - 93 tackles (2012)
3 - LB Akeem Ayers - 88 tackles (2011)
4 - DE Jevon Kearse - 85 tackles (1999)
5 - LB Avery Williamson - 82 tackles (2014)
6 - LB Colin McCarthy - 76 tackles (2011)
7 - DT Jurrell Casey - 74 tackles (2011)
8 - DE Carlos Hall - 70 tackles (2002)
9 - S Tank Williams - 69 tackles (2002)
10 - CB Andre Dyson - 58 tackles (2001)

Note: Tackle statistics for the Titans are compiled from coaches' film study after each game. They sometimes differ from the "press box statistics" tallied at each game.

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