Mike Vrabel Names Top Internal Replacements At Right Tackle in Wake of Nicholas Petit-Frere Suspension
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans kicked off 2023 training camp today with a Mike Vrabel press conference. Vrabel had a lot to say, but one of the things that stood out was his list of internal candidates that could replace suspended Nicholas Petit-Frere as the starting right tackle.
Vrabel spoke about replacing Petit-Frere and has this to say about possible replacements already on the Titans' roster.
"Jamarco has worked over there the first couple of days with the early report guys. I think Andrew Rupcich will play over there. Jaelyn(Duncan) will have a shot over there. O.J.(John Ojukwu) will have a chance over there," Vrabel explained.
"We'll kind of see where things go and we'll find the best person there."
Interesting that Vrabel mentioned Jamarco Jones first on that list. Jones was brought in during the 2022 offseason and didn't play in a game in 2022 due to injury. His biggest impact on the team might have been a pre-practice fist fight with former Titan Taylor Lewan.
Not only does Jones relative obscurity make his name a surprise to hear, but last season Vrabel mentioned Jones as someone who would work more at guard. Now, Jones will have a chance to resuscitate his Titans' career at right tackle. A spot he has only played 85 snaps at in his entire NFL career.
The next option Vrabel mentioned was Andrew Rupcich. Rupcich heads into year two of his NFL career after not playing a game with the Titans in 2022, but being with the organization on the practice squad for most of the season.
Rupcich played at the NAIA level in college, but might be the best offensive lineman that level of football has ever seen. Rupcich played in 48 games in college, he started them all and they all came at left tackle. Rupcich is the first player to ever make three consecutive All-American teams at the same position at the NAIA level.
Finally, we have rookie Jaelyn Duncan. Duncan was expected to be a top-100 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but due to some concerns about his finish on the field and love of football, Duncan wasn't picked until the sixth round. He has a ton of tools, but needs some strong coaching. While it is a longshot, Duncan has the talent to be a starter in the NFL, just about how quickly he can get comfortable.
There was some thought that the Titans could shift first-round rookie Peter Skoronski to right tackle after Skoronski played offensive tackle exclusively in college, although at left tackle only. However, Vrabel said he would prefer to leave Skoronski at left guard where he has been practicing so far while not ruling out the possibility.
After not inking a deal with either of the veteran offensive tackles the Titans worked out over the weekend, George Fant and Chris Hubbard, the Titans will look to one of these internal options to fill the spot left open by Petit-Frere.
The Titans better find out if any of their options can work soon, because the free agent options could dry up and this team is in win-now mode. We will see if they are making the right choice as camp rolls on.
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