Titans' Offensive Line: Draft Decisions Loom Large
In Phoenix, the Titans are gearing up for a pivotal draft season, with center and right guard positions still up in the air. The team might lean heavily on the draft to bolster their interior line, as Mike Borgonzi hinted at the possibility of starting two rookies in front of quarterback Cam Ward this season.
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Borgonzi mentioned at the NFL owners meeting in Arizona. Reflecting on past success, he noted, “We started Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith their rookie years in Kansas City.”
The approach is simple: let training camp decide. If the rookies prove ready, they’ll get their shot.
With the departure of center Lloyd Cushenberry and free agent Kevin Zeitler, the Titans have key vacancies. They've brought in center Austin Schlottmann, who impressed in a few starts for the Giants, and guard Kendall Volson, returning from a shoulder injury. Additionally, 2025 sixth-rounder Jackson Slater from Sacramento State is in the mix.
Borgonzi sees promising options in the draft, particularly on Day Two and Three, where value can be found. The challenge lies in whether the Titans' newcomers can outperform veterans or if seasoned players will rise to the occasion under new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, known for his player development skills.
The Titans' line has struggled for consistency, and with Cam Ward heading into his second season, stability is crucial. Left tackle Dan Moore is expected to be replaced in 2027, and right tackle JC Latham is yet to solidify his first-round potential.
Former Titans scout Blake Beddingfield suggests Genner Dunker, Conner Lew, and Kage Casey as potential draft fits for the offensive line. Borgonzi draws inspiration from the 2021 Chiefs, where rookies Humphrey and Smith became key contributors despite their draft positions. Humphrey, a second-round pick, and Smith, a sixth-rounder, have both earned accolades and proven their worth.
The Titans are keeping options open with Zeitler, who’s eager for a 15th season. However, the team seems focused on youth and will likely wait until after the draft to make any veteran moves, depending on how the draft unfolds.
“We’re keeping all options open right now,” Borgonzi stated. “We’ve got the draft, and even after, we can still bring in players.” The Titans are poised for strategic decisions that could reshape their offensive line and, ultimately, their season.