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NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** Titans Online recently played a word game with long-time NFL writer John Clayton.

Clayton, of 710 ESPN in Seattle, gave his quick thoughts on five subjects related to the Titans, from quarterback Marcus Mariota to HC Mike Vrabel to GM Jon Robinson to the NFL Draft.

Here we go…

Marcus Mariota.

Clayton: It is just a matter of getting a little bit more out of him. Do they need to go with a faster-paced type of offense to make this whole thing successful with him? The arrow is absolutely still pointing up. He is too smart, and too talented, and he has all the intangibles.

Jon Robinson.

Clayton: Jon Robinson I think is sensational. What I love about him is the fact he makes good decisions in the draft and free agency. He keeps a lot of cap room open so he has flexibility. I think he comes in with a great plan. I think the first year, with the success that he's had, he didn't win the mayorship of Nashville, but at least he should be a candidate now with how popular he should be.

Mike Vrabel:

Clayton: I think he is going to show great leadership. Obviously he is a bright coach. But the question going to him is: Does he have enough on offense to get the most out of Marcus Mariota? I know he'll get the most out of the defense – he is a very bright coach in that regard, but can he do the most on offense? Because that is what created the opportunity, and he is a defensive coach.

Titans and NFL Draft.

Clayton: Picking at 25, which of course is a lot better than picking up top, is more of a challenge. What you worry about is: Do they have to go back on the offensive line? Clearly they still need to look on the defensive line (and/or edge rusher), and if they need some help now. What's fortunate for them is it's not like they have any killer needs right now. They can still go best player available, and there's a number of positions they don't have to go to.   

AFC South.

Clayton: I think the AFC South is getting a whole lot better. We'll see if Andrew Luck is going to be able to come back and get back in the mix in Indianapolis. I think Jacksonville is really good. Do they have the quarterback that can get them over the top? It is still debatable. They are sticking with Blake Bortles, so we'll see if that works. Tennessee should get back to that 9 or 10-win level and then you've got the Houston Texans. They are an interesting team, and Deshaun Watson is sensational. So they have the quarterback. What's created so much improvement in the division is the quarterbacks are all there. It is starting to become a little like the NFC South of a few years ago.