9. Jonathan Cyprien, safety, Tennessee Titans
After watching their offense improve a great deal under the leadership of young quarterback Marcus Mariota last season, the Titans set off to improve a pedestrian defense this offseason. They did exactly that by adding two starters in the secondary.
Cornerback Logan Ryan might get the most play among Tennessee’s additions considering he was a key contributor for the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season. However, the addition of this former second-round pick has to be noted.
Cyprien will never be an above-average cover guy. As a strong safety, that’s surely not his role. Instead, he is an in-the-box head hunter that will play a huge role against the run.
This past season with Jacksonville, the 26-year-old defensive back recorded 126 tackles (96 solo). It was his fourth consecutive 100-plus tackle season to start his NFL career. Of note, those 96 solo tackles represented a league high for a defensive back in 2016.
The key here for Cyprien will be to get to the first level with the majority of his tackles. That should be aided by Tennessee’s plus-level pass rush and the presence of fellow safety Da’Norris Searcy, who has a wide range of coverage ability.
This right here is what makes this signing so defining for the Titans. Not only do they fit what Cyprien does on the field, his plus-level in-the-box ability will impact everyone else on defense. Again, it’s the trickle-down effect that’s been a theme in this article.