Tennessee Titans offensive lineman specializing to win starting position amid minicamp practices
There aren't many starting spots truly open this offseason for the Tennessee Titans, but the offensive line is one of the few exceptions. Last year's offensive line unit was far from spectacular, and will now likely have at least two new starters (if not three or four).New Titans first round pick JC Latham should be […]
There aren't many starting spots truly open this offseason for the Tennessee Titans, but the offensive line is one of the few exceptions. Last year's offensive line unit was far from spectacular, and will now likely have at least two new starters (if not three or four).
New Titans first round pick JC Latham should be the new plug-and-play starter at left tackle alongside fellow first round pick Peter Skoronski at left guard. Lloyd Cushenberry has already become a leader on offense this offseason as he's grown closer with Will Levis as the team's new center. However, the right side of the offensive line is likely still up for grabs. A to Z Sports spoke to Titans 2021 second round NFL Draft pick Dillon Radunz about his process on Wednesday as he attempts to win one of the starting jobs on the right side this year.
Dillon Radunz is all-in at Guard
Dillon Radunz actually played the third most snaps of any Titans offensive lineman just a year ago, spending most of his time at right tackle with a couple hundred snaps split between left guard and tackle as well. Many assumed he would be competing for the right tackle spot yet again this spring. Apparently that's likely not the case.
According to Radunz, he's been specializing at guard this offseason, working with new offensive line coach Bill Callahan to get where he needs to be to compete and win the job. When asked about the transition and learning from coach Callahan, Radunz shared plenty with the media today.
"I'm learning a lot from Bill. Obviously there's a lot of wisdom and experience there. He's been around the league a long time and coached a lot of great football players. So obviously it's been good learning from him."
Every single offensive lineman continues to speak glowingly of Bill Callahan (who just won an NFL lifetime achievement award on Tuesday). It's no surprise Radunz is connecting well with him. And unlike other offensive lineman we've spoken with this spring, Radunz didn't mince any words when it came to competition. He's striving to be a starter, and expects nothing less of himself.
"I'm just striving to be a starter. Obviously I want that [right guard] spot…That's what I'm striving to do."
If Radunz wants to win the starting right guard position it seems like he'll have to beat out the likes of new free agent acquisition Saahdiq Charles and a couple others. Charles, formerly with the Commanders, is a former college teammate of new starting center Lloyd Cushenberry and was handpicked by coach Callahan and Ran Carthon to join the team via free agency.
Titans free agent said choosing Tennessee was a “no-brainer” based on advice from former veteran teammates
Bill Callahan’s legend grows.
Radunz talked through how different this offseason has been for him, spending significant time just working one position with coach Callahan and it seems like it's going well.
"[Guard] is where I've been working out mostly this offseason. And just being able to learn from Bill at that one spot has just been awesome. I've learned a lot so far and it's going well…Think the first time I sat down with Bill [we discussed] moving to guard…I know I can play other positions as well, but just being able to focus on one is pretty nice."
Radunz went on to share more about how this offseason has been great for him. Not just in terms of transitioning to guard, specializing with one of the best offensive line coaches in the game, but also with just how he feels physically.
He spent much of last year's OTAs and camp rehabbing his knee, which limited his ability to get where he needed to be by the beginning of the season. Radunz said he played around just over 300 pounds last season, but now thanks to the excellent strength and conditioning staff he's gotten up to a healthy 317 pounds. It's still early, but the Titans may get the best version of Dillon Radunz they have seen yet as he is finally fully healthy and taking on a new position this season.
Be looking for more Tennessee Titans coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) on X (Twitter) for all the latest football news!
And if you want to check out how Dillon Radunz dominated throughout his NFL Draft season to remember just what kind of potential he brings as a blocker, check out his highlights in the video below!
