Titans offensive line structure taking shape after players drop multiple nuggets from minicamp
The Tennessee Titans' offensive line has been at the forefront of the discussion as the team enters a new era with an emphasis on offense under new head coach Brian Callahan. The offensive line's struggles over the last two seasons have been well-documented. But with an influx of talent in the trenches, along with the […]
The Tennessee Titans' offensive line has been at the forefront of the discussion as the team enters a new era with an emphasis on offense under new head coach Brian Callahan.
The offensive line's struggles over the last two seasons have been well-documented. But with an influx of talent in the trenches, along with the expertise of offensive line guru Bill Callahan, the Titans' offensive line appears to be taking shape in the early stages of minicamp.
There are three starting spots already locked up heading into the 2024 season. First-round pick JC Latham will start at left tackle lining up next to Titans 2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski. Tennessee made center Lloyd Cushenberry a priority this offseason inking the the former Denver Bronco to a four-year deal worth $50 million.
That leaves two starting jobs on the right side of the line up for grabs.
Right Guard
The Titans signed Saahdiq Charles just six days after free agency opened back in March. Charles started 11 games for the Washington Commanders in 2023 and says he's already taking reps with the Tennessee's top group lining up to the right of his former LSU teammate Cushenberry.
Dillon Radunz is also in the mix for the starting spot and revealed to reporters that Callahan's plan is to use him at the guard position.
“I think the first time I sat down with Bill (Callahan), that was kind of the conversation we had, just moving to guard and working predominantly at guard,” Radunz told reporters on Wednesday. “I know I can play other positions as well, but just being able to focus on one is nice.”
Radunz's versatility might have worked against him in the past as he's filled in at four different spots along the offensive line. With a set plan moving forward at right guard, Radunz will look to settle in and win the job.
Daniel Brunskill logged 14 starts at right guard for the Titans last year. It was a ho-hum season for the 30-year-old veteran, though there weren't many bright spots up front. Bruskill told reporters that he's been getting some work in as the team's backup center while also competing for the starting job at right guard.
Right Tackle
This battle is completely up in the air as Nicholas Petit-Frere has yet to practice with the team as he works his way back from a shoulder injury. His development was stunted last year due to his gambling suspension, but there is still hope that he can lock this job up and provide some return on the Titans' third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jaelyn Duncan returned from an injury of his own this week, but much of the first-team work has gone to John Ojukwu up to this point. Ojukwu started in three games for the Titans last season and has already caught the eye of his head coach.
It's important to note that Tennessee did not have its starting right tackle on the roster at this time last offseason. The Titans eventually signed Chris Hubbard to fill the role in which he started nine games before a season-ending biceps injury. Hubbard signed with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason.
The Titans should feel comfortable with its three competitors at the right guard spot, but the team's in-house options for the starting job at right tackle leaves a lot to be desired.
While the offensive line still has plenty of questions to be answered, Brian Callahan has been known to compensate for shoddy offensive line play as demonstrated with his offense's success in Cincinnati behind miserable offensive line play during his tenure with the Bengals.
