Titans' biggest needs heading into free agency

Free agency kicks off on Tuesday in the National Football League.

The Titans are expected to do plenty of repair work on a team that finished 2-14 in 2014. They'll plug more holes and build for the future in the NFL Draft.

Here's a look at the five biggest areas of need for the Titans in early March:

1. Edge rushing linebackers

The Titans need difference makers here. A year ago, they tried to get by in the first year of the 3-4 defense with players switching positions. Derrick Morgan made the transition well from defensive end to linebacker, but others didn't fare as well. The Titans swung and missed on others in free agency, namely Shaun Phillips. Now, Morgan's set to hit the market, and the Titans could easily lose him. The Titans need to hit this area hard. Pittsburgh's Jason Worilds, Philadelphia's Brandon Graham, Washington's Brian Orakpo and Baltimore's Pernell McPhee are among those expected to be considered.

2. Secondary

The Titans don't just need a safety to replace Bernard Pollard, they also need to upgrade at cornerback. Safety Michael Griffin and cornerback Jason McCourty are givens in the secondary for 2015. The Titans return Daimion Stafford and Marqueston Huff, who potentially could duke it out for the other safety spot. But the team should make a run at Patriots safety Devin McCourty, and I believe they will. Other free agents are available at the cornerback spot, where Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Coty Sensabaugh will return, but without the promise of a starting job.

3. Offensive line

Pencil in Taylor Lewan at left tackle and Chance Warmack at one of the guard spots. Brian Schwenke is in line to return as the team's starting center. But the Titans have an opening at right tackle following the release of Michael Oher. Underperforming guard Andy Levitre remains under contract, set to make $6.5 million this fall. Adding a tackle is a given, and the team figures to add a couple, in free agency and/or the draft. I suspect they'll also bring in competition for Levitre, but I believe he'll be given an opportunity to compete for a starting spot following a surgery-free offseason.

4. Receivers

Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter are both under contract and will be back. Wright's going to produce, although his numbers dipped last year, and the Titans need to find a way to utilize him more in 2015. Hunter needs to step it up in year three, or the Titans will be looking to replace him this time next year. The Titans need more help now. Nate Washington is a free agent with an uncertain future. I expect the Titans will be leery about signing a big-name receiver in free agency. I think they'll add a veteran or two, however, and look for them to really address this position in what's a loaded receiver class.

5. Quarterback

Ok, so I know some would argue this is the team's biggest need. I'm not ranking it that way, because the reality is the Titans either have their guy already on the roster (Zach Mettenberger) or they'll be able to land him with the second overall pick of the NFL Draft (Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota) if they choose to go that route. They won't be looking for a starting QB in free agency. I think Mettenberger is capable of being a starter in the league, but the Titans are in the process of determining whether Winston or Mariota can be home run quarterbacks in the NFL. The worst thing they can do is swing and miss with this decision, so they're doing their homework.

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