Titans looking to fill huge need with latest NFL Draft report
The Tennessee Titans will undoubtedly be looking to improve their offensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft. With LT Taylor Lewan likely to be cut, RG Nate Davis entering free agency, and C Ben Jones potentially set to retire this offseason, Tennessee could be faced with the daunting task of replacing three starters on their […]
The Tennessee Titans will undoubtedly be looking to improve their offensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft.
With LT Taylor Lewan likely to be cut, RG Nate Davis entering free agency, and C Ben Jones potentially set to retire this offseason, Tennessee could be faced with the daunting task of replacing three starters on their offensive line while also adding depth to the roster.
Offensive line will certainly be a top consideration for GM Ran Carthon with the 11th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and an area the team looks to spend a chunk of their resources on in free agency. It should also be a priority on days two and three of the NFL draft when the team begins looking for the hidden gems that can make an immediate impact on the team.
Recent reports from NFL Draft insider Ryan Fowler suggest the Titans are doing just that as one of the teams engaged in extensive meetings with Steve Avila, one of the top interior offensive linemen in the draft class.
Who is Steve Avila?
TCU Horned Frogs offensive lineman Steve Avila is one of the top interior linemen in the 2023 draft class for good reason.
At 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, Avila possesses a solid frame with necessary size and strength to handle bull rushes in pass-pro and excellent vertical speed. He can get into the second level in the run game and could be an immediate starter as an inside power run blocker.
While Avila can struggle with lateral movement and the occasional speed rush, he makes up for some of that with his length. Sure, he may face some scheme limitations with his inability to change directions quickly, but working inside on the Titans line, pass protection and inside run blocking remain big parts of the offense.
Perhaps Avila's biggest strength of all is his versatility.
Avila earned first-team All-Big 12 honors after starting 11 games at center for the Horned Frogs in 2021 only to transition back to left guard for TCU's storybook season in 2022 and allow 8 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and no sacks.
Likely coming off the draft board on the second day of the NFL Draft, Avila would be a perfect fit to fill a massive need for the Titans. He can occupy one of the starting roles on the offensive line immediately as a rookie, and grabbing him on day two while Tennessee also addresses OL issues in free agency and the first round of the draft would put the Titans on a fast track to fortifying things up front.
Image via Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
