Michael Griffin

Griffin hasn't been a consistent IDP option in his eight NFL seasons, but he posted a career high in tackles last season, breaking 100 for the first time since 2010. While he could play fewer snaps after 1,131 last season, he enters this year in the same role and team context. A free safety with a cornerback background, Griffin has excellent interception skills, giving him one of the highest ceilings among defensive backs. Griffin might not be ready for training camp, though, after labrum surgery in January. He also had a procedure to address chronic tendinitis in his left knee.

Griffin has been a fairly reliable IDP, recording 75, 79 and 82 tackles in each of the last three seasons. While he does have seven interceptions over that span, he had only one last season, marking just the second time in his seven-year career that he failed to reach multiple picks. He will start again at free safety for the Titans, although Bernard Pollard is the higher-upside safety IDP in Tennessee.

Griffin is expected to start at free safety in 2013.

After a huge IDP season in which he totaled 108 tackles (86 solo) and four interceptions in 2010, Griffin's numbers fell back to earth in 2011, and he finished with 75 tackles (59 solo) and two interceptions. Expect his numbers to find more of a middle ground in 2012. He has the athleticism to make plays in coverage, and he should pull in a couple more interceptions – he has 17 in his five-year career, including a seven-interception season in 2008.

It probably isn't fair to expect Griffin, a coverage-first safety, to match his 2010 total of 108 tackles (86 solo). He never had more than 77 in the three years prior, after all. But in a contract year, Griffin should make a good showing, particularly in the turnover department. He has 12 interceptions in the last three years with five forced fumbles, not to mention 30 passes defended. He should get plenty of snaps to make an impact in 2011.

Griffin again appears to be the starting free safety in a very good Titans' defensive backfield. He hopes to get back to his pass defense and interception numbers that are similar to his All-Pro year in 2008 after having just one interception in 2009.

Griffin displayed a real nose for the ball in his first full season as a starter; the first-round pick from the 2007 draft intercepted seven passes, taking one to the house for a score. He couldn’t have a better tutor than Titans coach Jeff Fisher – himself an ex-defensive back – so we’re expecting continued improvement and involvement in the pass rush and run support. Griffin is an athletic playmaker with good speed that showed excellent range as a free safety last season. Those skills should help him move up IDP lists this season.

Griffin is slated to start at free safety for the Titans in 2008. The Titans used a first-round selection in 2007 on Griffin and he should start to fulfill some of his promise this season.

Griffin was the Titans first-round selection in 2007. He is expected to provide depth for the Titans at cornerback. He also may play some nickel back.