With the Tennessee Titans in the market for at least one offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL draft, Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence is a name to keep an eye on.
The Titans have at least one need at guard, and quite possibly two if the team doesn’t re-sign right guard Nate Davis, who is set to hit free agency this month.
If he were to join the Titans, Torrence would be thrilled to play in their offense, as he told reporters while down at the NFL combine last week.
“That’ll be great,” he said. “I love running the ball. I love just being physical.”
Torrence also revealed that Titans running back Derrick Henry is one of his favorites in the NFL.
“Him being the running back he is, one of my favorite running backs in the league, so being able to block for him and take him and create holes for him and help him get to his goals of continuing to prove he is one of the best in the league would be great, I’d love to do it,” Torrence said.
The interest is apparently mutual, as the Titans have met with the Florida product at the combine.
Florida IOL O'Cyrus Torrence has formal interviews at the NFL Combine with #Titans, #Ravens, #Eagles, #Jaguars and #Cowboys, per source.
Torrence was excellent at the @seniorbowl and has HIGH 1st-round potential.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 2, 2023
The 6-foot-5, 345-pound prospect is arguably the best interior offensive lineman in this year’s class and will be an option for the Titans at No. 11 overall.
As far as fit is concerned, Torrence is a mixed bag.
He has the physical nature in the run game to be a great asset to Tennessee, but I’d be very hesitant to take him at No. 11 due to the concerns about his scheme fit and pass protection, amongst other things.
The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez explains in his prospect profile for the Florida product.
Torrence can improve in multiple areas. Although Torrence’s aggressiveness is appreciated, there are instances when it negatively impacts his game. Torrence will get too aggressive in the run game and it leads to him being off-balance and not placing an effective block. Torrence loses technique and will approach defenders with his head down, which allows for defenders to easily evade him.
There are also issues with Torrence in pass protection. It appears he lacks the quickness to be a quick reactor to twists and stunts and effectively pick them up. Torrence also fails to consistently move his feet while engaged. When Torrence is engaged, he will plant his feet in the ground and look to defeat defenders by using his upper-body strength and throwing them to the ground—this could lead to holding penalties. When defenders attack Torrence’s edges, his lack of lateral agility shows and could lead to him giving up pressures or committing holding penalties.
Those same concerns could lead to Torrence slipping, but I don’t expect him to get past the first round. That means if the Titans want him bad enough, he’ll have to fall, and then will require a trade up to select.
