Tennessee Titans upgrade linebacker corps with Ayers, McCarthy

The Titans came into the 2011 NFL Draft with few options at linebacker.

By drafting Akeem Ayers in the second round and Colin McCarthy in the fourth round, Tennessee is reshaping its linebacker corps.

In Ayers, they get a playmaking linebacker who can cover and defend the run. He's athlete who needs some time to develop as a pass rusher. Some question Ayers' work ethic, but a head coach like Mike Munchak should be able to help him maximize his potential.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see McCarthy start as a rookie for the Titans. Stephen Tulloch, who had 160 tackles in 2010, may not be back. McCarthy is a smart but slightly undersized player. He's lined up at outside on the weak side as well. McCarthy had an impressive 304 tackles and 34.5 tackles for loss at Miami.

Read our scouting report on McCarthy here. For more on the Tennessee Titans, visit Music City Miracles.