Former Ohio State standout could soon be off an NFL roster after being labeled as a possible ‘fall guy’

Now into Week 8 of the NFL season, one former Ohio State Buckeye looks to be in jeopardy of holding onto his roster spot. The Tennessee Titans selected offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he has played in 25 games (22 starts) since then. Now, he has […]

Brandon Little Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Tennessee Titans offensive center/guard Corey Levin (62) and offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere go through drills during training camp at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.
Denny Simmons/The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Now into Week 8 of the NFL season, one former Ohio State Buckeye looks to be in jeopardy of holding onto his roster spot.

The Tennessee Titans selected offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he has played in 25 games (22 starts) since then. Now, he has been labeled as a potential ‘fall guy’ during the 1-6 start to Tennessee’s season.

Petit-Frere was benched in the fourth quarter back in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers but was handed his job back after his replacement struggled even worse.

Tennessee didn’t start Petit-Frere last time out against the Buffalo Bills, but he was thrown in after his replacement was injured on the first drive of the game. In a loss to the Bills, Petit-Frere allowed eight pressures and a sack. The former college standout hasn’t been able to translate his game and has not been able to consistently protect his quarterback as a pro.

“During a press conference earlier this week, Callahan mentioned that the Titans may end up giving former undrafted rookie John Ojukwu a shot at right tackle. It certainly feels like Tennessee is trying anything necessary to not go back to NPF, and at this point, I wouldn't be surprised to see the organization cut ties entirely.” – Sam Phalen, A to Z Sports Nashville

Petit-Frere was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class of 2018. After the Buckeyes failed to land major in-state target Jackson Carman, they ended up gaining the commitment of Petit-Frere out of Florida.

While in Columbus, Petit-Frere was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes and had 20 starts in 35 games. The current Titan was a first-team All-American in 2021 voted by the Football Writers Association.

With the Buckeyes, Petit-Frere played in three Big Ten Championships and was able to be a part of two teams that made the College Football Playoff.

After a bumpy first couple of years in the NFL, Petit-Frere really appears to be at a crossroads in his career. It would surprise no one if the Titans decided to soon use his roster spot elsewhere.