Offensive Tackle Outside Round One For The Titans

Most of the talk about the Tennessee Titans and their potential to draft a left tackle has centered around pick No.11, but could they look to fill that role in round two?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Ohio State'sParis Johnson Jr. are the two names most frequently associated with the Tennessee Titans regarding potential left tackle targets in the upcoming NLF Draft. 

Either of those two names could be called for the Titans at No.11 on night one of the draft, and it wouldn't be a shock to anyone who knows the needs of this team or has followed the mock drafts during the pre-draft workouts. 

At the same time, there is a chance the Titans could look elsewhere to fill another position of need in round one, leaving the tackle position open for a later round. 

Granted, it's more often than not better to grab the more highly rated players at their position in the first. Based on multiple evaluations in this draft, only 14 players are considered actual first-round talents, though 31 will be taken in round one.  

What if the Titans don't have one of the top two tackles as options, or they value another position more highly with their first pick? 

Are there others who might be sufficient in round two?

One player that would be a solid option at No.41 would be Matthew Bergeron of Syracuse. 

He is a versatile player, having seen time at both left and right tackle and guard positions among his 39 career starts for the Orange. Bergeron has played a lot of football, including 1,500 plus snaps at left tackle and 400 plus at right. 

Known most for his run blocking, Bergeron (6'4", 322) has more than adequate pass-blocking skill, but like any young player, he would benefit from an NFL weight room and training regimen.   

Syracuse's Matthew Bergeron (6-4, 323; 33 5/8 arm) had the week he needed to have at the Senior Bowl.

Here he is vs. Auburn's Derick Hall, who is all gas off the edge.

(Also: When you see an OL/DL who played hockey, keep watching. They're probably gonna show you something) pic.twitter.com/2tCssY3bbC

— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) February 3, 2023

While somewhat undersized in weight and arm length (33 3/4), Bergeron more than makes up for those deficiencies with athletic ability. He posted a 30.5" vertical (79th percentile) and 8'7" broad jump (52nd percentile) at the combine, and his 3-cone time of 7.27 seconds in the 91st percentile and was the best among offensive tackles in this draft class.

If the Titans choose to select someone other than a left tackle in round one, Bergeron could still be available for the Titans in round two. While not as spectacular, he is well thought of among NFL teams and scouts and would be a solid addition to the roster, should the Titans choose this course.  

Titans Related Stories

Titans, Colts Believed Among Teams Talking To Cardinals: The Titans and Colts are believed to be two of the six teams talking with Arizona about a potential draft trade-up scenario. CLICK HERE

Off The Beaten Path: A Look At The Titans Kicker Situation: CLICK HERE

Anthony Richardson: Risk Versus Reward For Titans: A high ceiling, but a high floor exists when talking about Anthony Richardson. CLICK HERE