How Taylor Lewan's leadership set the tone at Titans OTAs
Day 2 of the Tennessee Titans’ organized team activities (OTAs) was held at Saint Thomas Sports Park on Tuesday afternoon. While most of the team’s veterans continue to work out on their own, there were a couple in attendance and providing leadership to some of the team’s newest and youngest faces. Nobody was more excited […]
Day 2 of the Tennessee Titans’ organized team activities (OTAs) was held at Saint Thomas Sports Park on Tuesday afternoon. While most of the team’s veterans continue to work out on their own, there were a couple in attendance and providing leadership to some of the team’s newest and youngest faces.
Nobody was more excited to get back on the practice field than LT Taylor Lewan. Entering his ninth season with the Titans, Lewan knows how important these offseason practices are.
After tearing his ACL in 2020, Lewan’s recovery process throughout last year’s offseason programs was hindered. After practice, he admitted that he wasn’t able to run until mid-summer last year, which played a role in his sluggish start to the season.
“I didn’t run ‘til middle of June, early July last year. That was the first time I started running,” said Lewan. “So, to get out here and just be able to do this is fun for me right now. It’s no burden right now. It’s a blast to be out here because it’s something that I couldn’t even do last year at this time.”
Not only is he working on his own game, but Lewan is already coaching up rookie OT Nicholas Petit-Frere. Lewan was also seen jumping in for some extra work in an effort to help bring along the team’s third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Lewan’s energy and attitude is infectious, especially in the dog days of the NFL’s offseason. The two-time Pro Bowl left tackle was blunt when addressing last season’s shortcomings, but added that he is finally feeling like himself again with a full offseason ahead of him.
Lewan is one of three returning starting offensive linemen for the Titans in 2022. Left guard Rodger Saffold signed with the Buffalo Bills, leaving the team to continue its search for a long-term answer at right tackle.
In what is expected to be a pivotal season for QB Ryan Tannehill and the Titans offense, Lewan’s willingness to take on extra responsibility in May bodes well for the team in ’22. His mindset and eagerness to help out with the rookies is a perfect reflection of the culture that head coach Mike Vrabel has instilled in Tennessee since his hiring in 2018.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinc – USA TODAY Sports
