You could make a relatively strong argument that the left guard spot is the Tennessee Titans’ biggest hole at the moment. Tennessee truly doesn’t have anybody on the roster who you can confidently point to and say they’re the starter heading into training camp.
Dillon Radunz figures to start the year on the PUP list, while Jamarco Jones played in as many meaningful snaps as I did last season. This is why it’s a pretty safe bet that the Titans will be investing a pick on at least one offensive lineman.
If they go offensive tackle early, you’d have to figure newly acquired Andre Dillard is a good bet to kick inside to fill the vacant guard spot. However, there are avenues for Tennessee to fill the void inside in the draft.
This article is going to discuss the Titans’ best potential option in each round they have a pick (the Titans don’t have a fourth-round selection because of the Julio Jones trade).
I’ve already covered wide receivers, tight ends, and tackles, all of which are linked to at the end of this article. You can also check out my most recent mock draft, which was released Monday, right here.
Round 1: Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski has been an offensive tackle for his entire career, but due to his sub-33-inch arms, he is physically better suited along the interior.
I am one of the few who believes Skoronski deserves the benefit of the doubt at left tackle until proven otherwise. However, there is no denying that there is at least a very real chance he ends up playing along the interior.
Regardless of where the former All-American plays, he is the type of prospect who would instantly improve the unit upon his arrival.
On top of being the most technically sound offensive lineman in the draft, Skoronski combines his fundamentally sound skill set with the type of explosive athleticism that makes him difficult to beat on any given play, regardless of how long a defender may be.
I know I’ve pointed this out a bunch already, but the way Peter Skoronski consistently explodes out of his stance while timing the snap count is a thing of beauty.
Look how deep he is into his kick before anybody has even moved.
IDC where he plays.
I’ll take that guy every time https://t.co/vlmTxwbTYf pic.twitter.com/kcmZZgmKOF— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) April 15, 2023
Skor also plays with the type of cerebral hand usage that allows him to counter whatever defenders throw at him.
He may not have the highest ceiling in the class, but he’s one of the safest picks you could make. If the Titans are going to bank on any potential guard in Round 1, Skoronski is the only one who is truly worthy of a pick here.
Round 2: Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
Tippman would be a phenomenal addition to a Titans offensive line that often prioritizes size, strength, and athleticism. The Wisconsin product possesses all of those traits while also being one of the savvier and more physical offensive linemen in this entire draft.
He knows how defenses are attacking his unit and he seemingly always has an answer to get his guys into the right position to counter that attack.
Tippman is the type of prospect who would do well in any scheme, but you’d have to imagine he would thrive in an offense that allows him to use his unique blend of size and athleticism to his advantage.
I mean look at this wingspan! He can reach both guards from a neutral position! pic.twitter.com/3C1cM43LYJ
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) March 24, 2023
The former Badger excels at anything that allows him to get out into space and hit someone. Whether he’s pulling across the formation, or reaching and sealing on a zone run, he can truly do it all at a relatively high level.
Tippman’s fantastic lateral movement skills would thrive in an offense like Tennessee’s that typically uses a bunch of zone concepts that, in turn, would utilize his skill set to the fullest.
In order to take advantage of his savviness, the Titans may be forced to move Aaron Brewer back to left guard. However, I personally think it’s more realistic that Tippmann is the one who kicks to guard for at least one year.
Regardless, adding Tippman on Day 2 of the draft would be a slam-dunk selection for this Titans team that could use all help it can get along the offensive line.
Round 3: Chandler Zavala, North Carolina State
Chandler Zavala is another lineman who fits the mold of what the Titans look for. He is a physical presence upfront who also happens to have one of the most impressive athletic profiles that you’ll ever see from an offensive lineman.
The North Carolina State prospect finished with the seventh-highest Relative Athletic Score (9.50) at his position after receiving a composite grade of “great” when it came to his agility, explosiveness and speed testing.
He also happens to be a consistent presence in pass protection, only allowing four pressures on 422 pass-blocking snaps last season.
Watching Chandler Zavala from NC State. Surprised he wasn’t a combine invite because his taped showed he deserved it. Dude can pass protect. Will be a good pro. pic.twitter.com/R1vQcxtrle
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 28, 2023
In order to become a full-time starter at the next level, Zavala has to be more consistent with the fundamental aspect of his game, but there is a ton to work with here.
The former NC State lineman would instantly compete for the vacant left guard spot upon his arrival, and you could make an argument that he’ll be the favorite to win the job over someone like Jamarco Jones.
Round 5: Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
Ricky Stromberg is one of my favorite underrated prospects in the class.
There’s a chance he could be gone by this point considering he’s been getting a little more hype as of late, but I believe Rounds 4-5 are the real sweet spot for him.
Stromberg is a smart and gritty lineman who would immediately add some much-needed depth to the offensive line, but he also has legitimate long-term starting potential.
I'm going to be higher on Ricky Stromberg than consensus. A smart and nasty long time starter in the SEC at center.
Love his ability to knock a guy over and then sustain at the second level. Check out the double cake to start this video!pic.twitter.com/kJoCvkEar0
— mike (@bengals_sans) April 18, 2023
If the Arkansas product is still on the board at this point for the Titans, you’d have to imagine he will garner strong consideration depending on what Tennessee has done up until this point.
Round 6: Atonio Mafi, UCLA
Atonio Mafi is a massive guard who could play on either side of the line. He is a physical blocker who would do well in a run-heavy offense that allows him to physically impose his will on the opposition.
Just watch Atonio Mafi (#56) and behold the power 💪🏾
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) March 29, 2023
Unfortunately, he isn’t the most athletic prospect in this class, and yes, he may be far from a finished product.
But the UCLA product is a true tone-setter upfront, and he combines it with a nasty demeanor that you simply cannot teach.
Mafi would likely be a depth piece at first, but he will at least have a chance to compete for the vacant starting left guard job should the Titans select him.
Round 7: McClendon Curtis, Tennessee-Chattanooga
At this point in the draft, teams are trying to find a project they can develop more than anything else.
The talk of the day today was Curtis McClendon from Chattanooga. Can clearly see why when he’s parting the Red Sea like Moses.
Chattanooga is a small school, but they produced a first round iOL last year in Cole Strange. pic.twitter.com/EFlTUMKrh3
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) February 2, 2023
McClendon Curtis has the type of traits that teams look for this late in the draft. He’s likely destined for a back-of-the-roster role to start his career, but McClendon is worth the shot here at the end of Day 3.
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