Getting 'Inside' the Titans Offensive Line

There's been a lot of discussion about the Tennessee Titans and their current situation at offensive tackle, but what about the other three interior line positions?

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Titans have a decision to make regarding their left tackle position for the 2023 season. Will they stick with another recently signed free agent Andre Dillard, or will they select one in next week's NFL Draft?

Dillard said all the right things during his introductory press conference, including his intention to be the team's starter at that position this season. However, are Ran Carthon and Mike Vrabel confident enough to pass up another tackle in the draft, or will they add a layer of protection with a draft pick?   

Both of these questions will be answered soon, but that's not the only question that should be asked of this offensive line. 

For instance, what are the Titans thoughts on right tackle Nicholas Petite-Frere? Is he their guy at that spot this season, or could they want to make an adjustment?

While it seems likely that Aaron Brewer and Corey Levin are in place to battle for the starting center spot, a couple of interesting options in this draft might be upgrades over those options. Xavier Newman is also an option at center or guard. 

Then there are the guard spots where free agent Daniel Brunskill would appear to be set at one spot while the other is still open. 

Like tackle and center, there are a couple of interesting guard prospects to be had late in round one or early on day two that could fill the need for the Titans. Newman, along with Jordan Roos and Zach Johnson, are the other guards currently on the roster. 

While all the speculation has centered around the left tackle and wide receivers, specifically in round one, there seems to be a strong possibility that the Titans could opt for a guard on day two, depending on a possible trade back that would give them more selections with which to work.

Five players are considered the top interior offensive linemen in this draft class. 

O'Cyrus Torrence Florida: Regarded as the best guard in this draft, there's some debate about his status as a first-round selection, but there is no doubt he won't last past the second round.     

John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota: A center, and a pretty darn good one, Schmitz can hold his own and is adept at getting to the second level. He would likely be an upgrade in the middle for Tennessee. 

Joe Tippman, Wisconsin: Also a center and is projected as one who could be a long-term starter at the next level.  

Luke Wypler, Ohio State: Add another Buckeye to the list of draft options for the Titans.  

Steve Avila, TCU: A strong, big-bodied guard who could fill the spot opposite Brunskill. 

Here's one more for the road.

Rickey Stromberg, Arkansas: Perhaps a level below the centers, as mentioned earlier, but this guy plays a physical brand of football with a bit of a nasty streak. His athleticism for his size (6'3", 300 lbs) was the best at his position at the combine.

 

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