NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Since the start of free agency, the Titans have added seven new players to the roster.
Here's a quick breakdown on each guy, and what impact the newcomers could make in 2017:
Player: Safety Johnathan Cyprien.
Former team: Jaguars.
His role with Titans in 2017: The Titans signed Cyprien to step in and start. He's known for being a physical player, and a good run stopper. His familiarity with the AFC South should help in division games. The Titans used a rotation with safeties last season, and that could continue to some extent this fall. Remember, there's still a chance the Titans could take a safety in the draft. But look for Cyprien to be on the field a lot.
Player: Cornerback Logan Ryan.
Former team: Patriots.
His role with Titans in 2017: Ryan brings a proven starter to the secondary, and some moxie – he has a pair of Super Bowl rings from his days with the Patriots. He also has play-making ability, which he has proven during his four NFL seasons. Logan has 13 interceptions in his career. More help is likely coming here this offseason, but Ryan adds a reliable veteran to the mix.
Player: Nose tackle Sylvester Williams.
Former team: Broncos.
His role with Titans in 2017: Williams is expected to start in the middle of a defensive line that should be even more disruptive this fall. The team will continue to rotate others in the middle to keep everyone fresh, however. Williams has proven to be sturdy and reliable in his first four NFL seasons. He's won a Super Bowl, and knows what it takes to set a tone.
Player: Returner Eric Weems.
Former team: Falcons.
His role with Titans in 2017: Weems should provide more explosiveness in the return game, but another thing the Titans liked about him is his ability to help in other areas on special teams as well. Weems has been solid on the coverage teams, and he's familiar with coach Mike Mularkey and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie from their days together in Atlanta.
Player: Offensive lineman Tim Lelito.
Former team: Saints.
His role with Titans in 2017:The Titans return both their guards from last season – Quinton Spain and Josh Kline – so Lelito should probably be penciled in as a depth signing for now. He'll fill the role of departed lineman Brian Schwenke. But Lelito has experience (24 career starts), and can't be ruled out as a potential starter. And after seeing lineman Byron Bell suffer a season-ending leg injury in a non-contact portion of last offseason, nothing is guaranteed.
Player: Safety Brynden Trawick.
Former team: Raiders.
His role with Titans in 2017: Trawick has played in 54 games in his NFL career. He spent three seasons with the Ravens before signing with the Raiders. Trawick is an aggressive player who will make a big impact on special teams. Titans general manager Jon Robinson said he's been impressed by what he's seen from Trawick when he's had a chance to play on defense, so he could get in the mix in packages as well.
Player: Linebacker Daren Bates.
Former team: Raiders.
His role with Titans in 2017: Bates is another rugged special teams player, and he's made a habit of turning in some big plays on special teams as well. The Titans plan to see more of that this fall. Bates spent three seasons with the Rams before signing with the Raiders last offseason. Bates said he'd liked to compete for a chance to play in the defense, and he'll be given an opportunity as well.
