The Tennessee Titans had several needs to fill during the offseason. Newly hired general manager Mike Borgonzi collaborated with Chad Brinker and Brian Callahan to bring in some new faces, retain key players, and draft young talent to the team. For the most part, on paper, it seems like they answered the questions and filled gaps, but not everything is settled yet.

Because there are so many new faces and a lot of youth, there are several positions that will see players competing for the starting spot. Bleacher Report says the most important position battle to watch is at linebacker.

Most Important Position Battle to Watch: Linebacker

Off-ball linebacker is an oft-overlooked position, but it’s crucial for any defense looking to build its identity. The linebackers have to be great communicators and also carry big responsibilities in defending both the run and pass. That’s why it’s a fairly big deal that the only locked-in starter is Cody Barton, a free agent who signed a three-year contract with the Titans this offseason.

They didn’t give him a three-year, $21 million deal to not be a starter. Who starts beside him will be where things get interesting. Cedric Gray provides the most upside. He was a fourth-round pick last year, but an offseason injury never let him get his rookie year going. Otis Reese IV could also be a factor and 2024 seventh-round pick James Williams is also lurking.

The Titans must find a suitable running mate for Barton as defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson tries to build a completely remodeled linebacker room.

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Interesting how the author seems to have forgotten about Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre’Mont Jones, and Jaylen Harrell. That this is an important position battle to watch is true, but failing to mention at least Key and Jones shows how little the author knows about the Titans’ defense.

The most likely scenario at the linebacker position is starting Jones, Barton, Reese, and Key. We will definitely see Oladejo, Harrell, Williams, and Gray on the field this fall, and all have the opportunity to compete for the starting job. In Dennard Wilson’s second year as defensive coordinator in Tennessee, he has his work cut out for him. But he also has plenty of players to work with, he just has to find the right combination to run his defense.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: What is the Titans’ most important position battle to watch?