Titans work out DL Michael Brockers

The Titans brought in the former Rams and Lions defensive lineman for a recent workout, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. A former first-round pick, Brockers has 11 years’ experience. Though, he ended his Lions stay with a run of healthy scratches.

Last season marked a change of pace for Brockers, who had played in at least 14 games in each season from 2013-21. The durable defensive lineman started 16 games for the 2021 Lions, being traded just before the Rams began their Super Bowl LVI march. For his career, the 32-year-old interior D-lineman has made 157 career starts.

Tennessee lost some of its D-line depth this offseason, seeing DeMarcus Walker and Mario Edwards depart in free agency. The Titans did not draft a D-lineman this year, and although they roster one of the game’s best — in Jeffery Simmons — and still have veteran Denico Autry under contract, it would not surprise to see the team make a summer addition to its defensive front.

Dating back to the Rams’ St. Louis days, Brockers spent nine seasons as a Rams starter. The former No. 14 overall pick arrived two years before Aaron Donald, moving into St. Louis’ starting lineup as a rookie. 

While Brockers spent the first several years of his career in Jeff Fisher‘s 4-3 scheme, he successfully transitioned to the role of a 3-4 end under Wade Phillips and then Brandon Staley. Once one of the better interior defensive lineman in the game, Brockers did not transition too well to Detroit’s defense. Pro Football Focus rated him as one of the league’s worst D-line regulars in 2021, and the Lions benched him after five starts last season.

Tennessee has utilized a 3-4 scheme for many years, and while Brockers signed a big-ticket Rams extension back in 2016 and agreed to a reworked Lions deal in 2021, the LSU alum will likely be a costly addition for a Titans team that has Hopkins on its radar.