Tennessee Titans Offensive Tackle Issues Showing Up Early in Training Camp

The Tennessee Titans' pass rush had a great day at training camp, but the flip side of that was the poor performance of the Titans' offensive tackles.

NASHVILLE — If you asked someone what the Tennessee Titans' biggest roster issue was about a month ago, the answer you would have gotten ten out of ten times was wide receiver. With DeAndre Hopkins signed, now the concern goes towards the Titans' offensive tackles, and for good reason based on what happened Friday.

The Titans quarterbacks faced consistent pressure. The offense carried out their plays regardless, but a lot of the plays run on Friday would've finished a lot earlier with pads as quarterbacks would've been hitting the dirt(or turf). 

#Titans Arden Key had his way with
LT Andre Dillard today.

— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) July 28, 2023

Titans' edge rusher Arden Key proclaimed he had seven sacks on the day. Key abused left tackle Andre Dillard for most of that. Dillard even looked silly when taking on backup linebacker Chance Campbell in drill. 

#Titans Andre Dillard vs. Chance Campbell pic.twitter.com/w3rT02yghl

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) July 28, 2023

What can only be a concerning sign, head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about how Dillard was performing and he spent his entire answer praising the versatility and diverse set of moves that Key brings to the table. Rarely mentioning Dillard.

Dillard was a huge gamble for the Titans. Dillard was a former first-round pick who couldn't get on the field with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Titans gave Dillard a contract in hopes he was just buried on a very good line, but there was always the chance Dillard just wasn't good enough. 

It is far too early to make any proclamations and the players don't even have pads on, but when Vrabel lays down his head tonight, he has to be wondering whether the Titans should've put up a bit more money and found someone with more starting experience back in March.

Dillard wasn't the only tackle who struggled though. From the first team down to the third team, each quarterback dealt with pressure. Rashad Weaver also got a sack on the day. Showing it wasn't just Key doing damage.

Dillard is supposed to be the Titans' best tackle as well. On the other side, Vrabel has said Jamarco Jones will get first dibs at being the starting right tackle with Nicholas Petit-Frere suspended six games. Well, Jones didn't practice on Friday. Coincidentally, the same day the Titans signed direct competition for him in Chris Hubbard.

With Jones out and Hubbard at his first practice, it was rookie Jaelyn Duncan who got first-team right tackle reps. It was a mixed bag to say the least. This is after Vrabel praised another rookie in John Ojukwu at his post-practice presser on Wednesday. Surprising it wasn't Ojukwu to get the opportunity.

Vrabel talked about moving folks around to see who gives them the best play, but you could tell by his demeanor that he wasn't too happy about any of the options at the moment. 

Vrabel says the #Titans will continue to rotate who takes reps with the starters at RT, and hopefully someone will take advantage.

Jaelyn Duncan at RT with the 1s today. pic.twitter.com/dc6kLGC3Dv

— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 28, 2023

"Just want to see somebody," Vrabel explained. "Give everybody an opportunity and see if someone takes advantage of it. We'll keep moving guys around and see where we end up."

The only person taking advantage of it right now appears to be the Titans' defense. Hopefully, the Titans can move things around enough to fix what could be a pretty big issue come week one.

Titans Related Training Camp Stories

Titans Sign Hubbard: The Tennessee Titans had two veteran offensive tackles, Chris Hubbard and George Fant, in for a workout last Saturday. Now, according to a report, the Titans have chosen to sign Hubbard while Fant goes to Houston. CLICK HERE

Inside Details on Hopkins Signing: The Tennessee Titans were able to land wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and some key members of the Titans front office, including general manager Ran Carthon, outlined all the aspects that went into Hopkins recruitment. CLICK HERE

Hopkins Shine At Titans Practice: The Tennessee Titans were back out on the practice field on Friday and DeAndre Hopkins was once again the star of the show, making multiple catches including a one-hander over Kristian Fulton. CLICK HERE