NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Derrick Morgan is headed into his ninth NFL season, under his fifth head coach.
Over the years, he's seen a lot of changes, including his position.
Morgan's mission has remained the same.
"I think you should never stop learning," Morgan said. "I think you should never stop evolving, as a person and a player, however long you play. You should never be satisfied with where you are at. You should always be striving for more. So I always feel like I am not at my highest capacity as a player. I am always striving and looking for different things to help me."
Morgan has played in 105 games, and has 383 tackles, 44 sacks and 203 quarterback pressures to his name. A first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Morgan led the Titans with 7.5 sacks last season.
While speaking after his All Pro 2.0 Football and Tech Camp for kids over the weekend, Morgan said he's done more Pilates work this offseason while preparing for 2018 while also focusing on "skill and pass-rushing ability."
With a new coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, he's learning more. Morgan played defensive end earlier in his career when the team deployed a 4-3 defensive scheme, but has lined up at outside linebacker in recent years after the team transitioned to the 3-4.
Vrabel played 14 NFL seasons as a linebacker with the Steelers, Patriots and Chiefs.
"To have a different perspective from new coaches, it is helpful," Morgan said. "If you are willing to be coached, our new coaches are willing to coach, whether you like it or not. They do a great job of demanding a lot, expecting a lot. They are hands-on, they are teaching, they are coaching.
"I feel like we have three coaches. Coach Vrabel comes over there, (defensive coordinator Dean) Pees comes over there, we have (outside linebackers) coach Shane Bowen. So it is good, man. Everybody is interacting, everybody is engaging and it is going to pay dividends."
Morgan said he's optimistic about what's ahead for the Titans.
While playing opposite Brian Orakpo, the two outside linebackers have formed a formidable pass rush in recent years.
The Titans selected Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry III in the second round of the 2018 draft, and he's getting up to speed as well in his first month on the job. Morgan said he's willing to help Landry any way he can, just like veteran teammates did for him when he entered the league as a rookie.
The Titans drafted Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans in the first round.
"It's come full circle," Morgan said. "It is a good situation, where I can help him however I can. I told those young guys: Just use me as a resource. However you need me. Whether it's taking care of your body, getting settled in town, on the field. It is a big transition for rookies.
"So I just said: Take my number down, use me as a resource, and we'll go from there."
