Five storylines heading into Titans training camp – 247Sports – 247Sports 
Heading into training camp, which opens Friday, there are at least five major storylines surrounding the Tennessee Titans. Let’s examine those storylines and how they must be answered in order for the Titans to have their best chance to succeed in 2015.
1. How quickly will Marcus Mariota adjust to the NFL?
With Marcus Mariota getting his contract situation figured out a full nine days before he was scheduled to report, the focus now shifts back to how quickly Mariota can adjust to becoming an NFL quarterback Mariota showed a good acumen for picking up the offense during OTAs and mini-camp, but everything ramps up a notch now that training camp is here and preseason will soon follow. The Titans have incorporated some elements of the spread into their attack to make Mariota more comfortable out of the gate, but in the long run, he is going to have to learn a pro-style offense to achieve long-term success. The Titans are pleased with his accuracy, work ethic and ability to process things, but there will still be plenty of rookie growing pains.
2. Who will win the right tackle spot?
The offensive line has been a sore spot for the Titans for a number of years. The Titans believe they are headed in the right direction with first-round picks Taylor Lewan at left tackle and Chance Warmack at right guard. If high priced free agent Andy Levitre can step it up at left guard and Brian Schwenke can stay healthy at center, it would leave just one question on the line to be answered. Who will play right tackle. The Titans moved on quickly from Michael Oher and signed Byron Bell as a fill-in. Bell, because he is a veteran, could get the nod early, but third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi is the preferred choice to eventually get the job.
3. Can the Titans change the culture and attitude?
The Titans have not been to the playoffs since 2008, and last year, they hit bottom in Ken Whisenhunt’s first year as head coach, going 2-14 and losing 10 in a row. With Mariota on board as the new face of the franchise, the Titans are rebranding themselves as a team heading in the right direction. But make no mistake, there is a rebuild going on in Tennessee and a losing and even grumbling culture must be changed. The quicker a new mindset is established, the easier the culture change will be.
4. How much will Dick LeBeau influence the defense?
Dick LeBeau comes to the Titans as a legendary coach who garners loads of respect around the league and in the Titans locker room. But can he get the Titans defense on the same page quickly and mold the personnel he has into a cohesive 3-4 unit. The Titans are in year two of the 3-4 and there shouldn’t be as many 4-3 parts laying around, but finding out who fits where is imperative for LeBeau in camp.
5. What skill position players will step up for Mariota?
The Titans know they can count on Delanie Walker, and they are hoping receiver Kendall Wright bounces back. But beyond that, there weren’t a lot of playmakers on the roster a year ago. Free agent receivers Hakeem Nicks and Harry Douglas could help, but the Titans need for rookie Dorial Green-Beckham to get up to speed quickly and become a game-changer. As for Justin Hunter, his off-field issue is another strike against a player the Titans are still waiting to give more than the occasional flash of talent. The running game was a disaster in 2014. Bishop Sankey is back, but must be better than as a rookie. Otherwise, rookie David Cobb could supplant him as the team’s primary ball carrier. Either way, the Titans could use a running back to step up and be consistent in camp.
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