Jason Wolf

jwolf@tennessean.com

There are plenty of new faces this season, from the coaching staff to the players, as the Titans open training camp Saturday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

And there are plenty of questions for a franchise that has won just five games over the past two seasons combined. Here are 10 that stand out:

1. Will Marcus Mariota improve on his rookie season?

The young franchise quarterback needs to limit his fumbles and remain upright after putting the ball on the turf 10 times and missing four games with injuries last season. Knowing when to throw the ball away, instead of taking a sack, will help in both regards. He also needs to improve his accuracy on deep passes.

2. Who will stretch the field?

Former Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews, signed in free agency, will start on the outside, and Kendall Wright should see plenty of work in the slot. But it’s up to uber-talented former second-round picks Dorial Green-Beckham and Justin Hunter to claim the other starting job on the outside and run with it, bad pun intended. Rookie fifth-round draft pick Tajae Sharpe was running with the starters at the end of offseason minicamp.

3. Can the offensive line be trusted?

There are at least two and potentially three new starters on the offensive line after the Titans last season allowed the most sacks in the NFL. Former Texans center Ben Jones signed in free agency; the Titans drafted former Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin with the eighth overall pick; and three players are vying for the job of starting left guard — Quinton Spain, Jeremiah Poutasi and rookie sixth-round pick Sebastian Tretola. Taylor Lewan remains the left tackle. Chance Warmack, entering a contract year, is the right guard.

4. Can DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry coexist?

The Titans landed their workhorse running back in veteran DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing yards in 2014, by trading fourth-round picks with the Eagles. They then drafted former Alabama workhorse Derrick Henry, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, with a second-round pick. Are there enough carries to go around?

5. How much will Kevin Dodd be able to contribute?

Tennessee was in big trouble a year ago when outside linebacker Derrick Morgan was shut down with a shoulder injury, which allowed opponents to focus on stopping Brian Orakpo and severely affected the Titans’ ability to attack the quarterback. The Titans drafted Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd with the 33rd overall pick with the intention of switching him to a 3-4 outside linebacker and addressing their thin depth at the position. But Dodd missed much of offseason practice after having “preventative” surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot. He’s expected to be ready to participate in training camp.

6. How soon until Kevin Byard is starting?

The Titans released longtime free safety Michael Griffin and signed 30-year-old former Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson to take his place. But Johnson signed only a one-year contract, and the Titans drafted former MTSU star Kevin Byard with the first pick in the third round. He’s impressed the coaching staff in the classroom, and it’s just a matter of time until he claims the starting job.

7. Will Perrish Cox or Brice McCain start at cornerback?

Jason McCourty will start on one side, but the other starting job will go to either the incumbent, Perrish Cox, or newcomer Brice McCain. McCain was released by the Dolphins after starting 10 games last season but has experience playing under defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau in Pittsburgh in 2014. Whoever loses the competition probably will see plenty of action covering slot receivers.

8. Will Delanie Walker remain Mariota’s favorite target?

The star tight end set franchise records at his position last season with 94 catches for 1,088 yards. He also scored six touchdowns while earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl as a first-team alternate. But his production was also at least in part a result of an underwhelming performance by the team’s wide receivers.

9. Is there a role for Bishop Sankey?

Perhaps the largest misstep of former general manager Ruston Webster’s tenure, Sankey was the first running back drafted in 2014. But the second-round pick has been largely ineffective and struggled with ball control on kickoffs last season before completely falling out of favor with the coaching staff. Now buried on the depth chart, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Sankey is cut or swapped for a conditional late-round pick, if the Titans can find a trade partner.

10. Another worthwhile Mr. Irrelevant?

The Titans selected cornerback Kalan Reed with the final pick in the draft, and the former Southern Mississippi standout has a real shot to make the final 53-man roster. Many draft analysts projected him to be taken higher, and while he’s working to improve his coverage skills, he’ll also have opportunities to prove his worth as a contributor on special teams. The Titans already have one “Mr. Irrelevant” on the roster in kicker Ryan Succop, who was drafted by the Chiefs with the final pick in 2009.

Reach Jason Wolfon Twitter@JasonWolfand on Instagram and Snapchat atTitansBeat.