Titans Projected Starting Lineup: Making the Best Five on the Offensive Line
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans’ offensive line was priority number one heading into the offseason. The Titans needed to add reinforcements in free agency and in the NFL Draft. They have done so in free agency by adding two veterans in Andre Dillard and Daniel Brunskill. Both are probable starters, but that is only two out of the five spots.
The other three spots could be filled by familiar faces. First, second-year offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere is expected to continue to man his right tackle spot. Also, the Titans tendered Aaron Brewer as a restricted free agent and will most likely bring him back on a one-year deal. Brewer has a great chance of being the team’s starting center. The Titans also have an option on the roster that was signed in 2022’s offseason in Jamarco Jones. Jones didn’t play in 2022 due to injury, but could potentially be in play for a starting spot in 2023.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Andre Dillard – LT
Jamarco Jones – LG
Aaron Brewer – C
Daniel Brunskill – RG
Nicholas Petit-Frere – RT
This group would be an improvement over what the Titans were rolling out there most of the 2022 season, but it is still in danger of being one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Dillard has potential, but there is a reason he was benched for a seventh rounder in Jordan Mailata. It is possible that Dillard just isn’t a starting-level player. Penciling in Jamarco Jones at left guard because who else? Dillon Radunz is coming off a torn ACL in week 15 of 2022 and he has struggled mightily to get on the field even when healthy. After that, the Titans only have practice-squad players on the deoth chart like Xavier Newman-Johnson or Zach Johnson.
Brewer seems like a lock at this time with the Titans giving him a second-round tender which carries a contract of $4.3 million for one season. You don’t pay that for Brewer if you don’t view him as a starter. On the right side, Brunskill has played most of his career snaps at right guard and while Petit-Frere is heading into his second season, he is still a young player and having a veteran like Brunskill right next to him makes a ton of sense.
How to Address the Need:
With two signings in free agency and tendering Brewer, the Titans are probably done adding veterans. Maybe they add someone during camp as a veteran, but at this point the Titans need to focus on the draft. It would be nice if the Titans got both their free agent decisions correct and Brunksill and Dillard turn into bonafide starters, but odds are they are short-term band-aid signings. Because of this, the Titans still need to add multiple linemen in the NFL draft. Ideally, an offensive tackle and an interior offensive lineman. The hole at left guard and Brewer at center are two spots that could realistically be upgraded immediately by a highly-drafted rookie. The Titans could also choose to draft a pure offensive tackle early and kick Dillard into guard. There will be plenty of options if the Titans properly attack offensive line in the draft.
Other Positions:
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