What to watch as Titans begin offseason program

The Titans begin the offseason program on Monday, which means they can officially begin preparing for the 2015 season.

For the returners, the day couldn't get here fast enough after a miserable 2-14 season.

While on-field work won't be allowed for a few weeks, the Titans will doing conditioning work as a group. After the NFL Draft, those players will join the team.

Here's a look at six areas/players to watch:

The new guys

The Titans have already added five free agents. Linebacker Brian Orakpo, safety Da'Norris Searcy and cornerback Perrish Cox on the defensive side of the ball, along with receiver Harry Douglas and tight end Anthony Fasano on offense. Orakpo arrives with plenty of moxie, while Douglas and Fasano have experience and should provide instant leadership as well. This is their chance to set a tone.

Hello, Zach Brown

In some ways, Brown has become a forgotten man. While fans tab Orakpo, Cox and Searcy as new starters, Brown could just as easily be counted among them. After all, he suffered a season-ending injury on Week 1, and went on Injured Reserve. Brown has a chance to re-establish himself as an inside linebacker. His presence puts veteran Wesley Woodyard on the spot. I can't see Avery Williamson taking a backseat after his stellar rookie year in 2014, so someone is going to be the odd man out.

Dick LeBeau influence

The former Steelers defensive coordinator has been on the job for a few months now, and he's still going to have to be patient because the Titans aren't allowed to practice yet. But LeBeau can start preaching and begin establishing himself to a new group of players. LeBeau should make a difference. Just how much won't be determined until the Titans start playing games in September, however.

Mettenberger approach

Zach Mettenberger took the bull by the horns in organizing workouts with skill players prior to Monday's voluntary reporting date. The second-year quarterback is a guy offensive players will look to for the time being, but for how long? In time, Mettenberger could be bumped, either because of a trade for veteran Philip Rivers or by the team drafting another QB. Until then, I'm expecting Mettenberger to do everything he can to sway the Titans from making a move.

New leadership?

Veteran Nate Washington is gone, which means someone needs to emerge as the leader of the receiving corps. Kendall Wright has been around enough to assume ownership, but a newcomer like Douglas fits the bill as well. Several young players have a chance to emerge here. Second-year tackle Taylor Lewan no longer has to defer to the veterans. He can have more of a voice. The same goes for other second-year players, including Williamson.

It's time, Justin Hunter

The former Vols receiver has shown flashes, but his inconsistencies caused coaches to label him "J.A.G." — Just Another Guy — a year ago. It's time for Hunter to assert himself and prove himself to be a guy the Titans can regularly count on. The Titans expect Hunter to emerge in year three, and that should start on day one.

Reach Jim Wyatt at 259-8015 or on Twitter @jwyattsports