With the calendar turning to July, we are just weeks away from the Tennessee Titans’ training camp, which will begin on July 25, three days after rookies report.
Just when we thought we had a good handle on the Titans’ starting offense for 2023, right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere completely threw a wrench in things after he was suspended six games for violating the league’s gambling policy.
Now, Tennessee will need a new right tackle with NPF shelved for one-third of the season, which, by the way, is arguably the toughest part of the Titans’ schedule.
The good news is, Petit-Frere didn’t exactly light the world on fire in his first season, so barring his taking a big step forward in Year 2, his shoes aren’t exactly impossible to fill.
So, how might the Titans replace their 2022 third-round pick? And how might the rest of the offense shake out?
Find out now as we take our latest stab at a starting offense projection for the Titans ahead of training camp later this month.
QB: Ryan Tannehill
The question isn’t whether Tannehill, who is in a contract year, will be the starter when the season begins, but rather, for how long?
If the Titans are competing and in position for a division crown or wild-card spot, the veteran signal-caller will no doubt finish out the campaign atop the depth chart.
However, if things go south, it’s possible the Titans will go with a youth movement with either Malik Willis or Will Levis before the season ends. If things go south before the trade deadline, Tannehill could be dealt, also.
All that being said, the Titans will, at worst, be good enough to be in the playoff hunt, which will be justification to keep Tannehill under center the entire season.
RB: Derrick Henry
The King will reign atop the depth chart for at least one more year, but he’ll be hitting free agency in 2024 barring an extension at some point before then.
Henry had what was considered a down year in 2023, but he still managed to rush for 1,500 yards, and he did so behind arguably the worst offensive line in football.
For those doubting him this year, do so at your own risk. Until I see a decline from a man who is not of this planet physically, I won’t believe it.
WR1: Treylon Burks
The only thing that can knock Burks from his perch atop the receiver depth chart would be an addition of DeAndre Hopkins, and even then there’s no telling if the veteran wideout will be the same elite player he has been, especially given the history of aging star wideouts in Tennessee.
Nevertheless, Burks, who flashed plenty during his rookie campaign and has looked like a different player so far this offseason, will be a key cog in the Titans’ offense and all signs point to him having a breakout year.
WR2: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Take your pick here. I could see NWI outperforming Chris Moore as easily as I could see the reverse, as they are comparable in terms of talent. I give NWI the edge, simply because of the coaching staff’s familiarity with him.
In this scenario, NWI might be No. 2 receiver on the depth chart because he’s the other outside guy, but he should be no higher than No. 3 in terms of target distribution, and that still might be one spot too high, hence Tennessee’s need for DeAndre Hopkins.
WR3: Kyle Philips
Philips might be listed as the No. 3 wide receiver, but that’s because he’ll be operating out of the slot. If the Titans are smart, he’ll be the No. 2 option in the receiver pecking order behind Burks.
Lest we forget, Philips was impressive (punt return issues not withstanding) in his NFL debut, reeling in six catches for 66 yards in a Week 1 loss to the New York Giants last season.
Unfortunately, that was about all we got to see of him, as shoulder and hamstring injuries plagued the UCLA product the rest of the season.
Part of Philips’ adjustment to the pro game has been to add some weight to his frame. Let’s hope it pays dividends and Philips can play a full season in Year 2, because the Titans need him.
TE: Chigoziem Okonkwo
After being the best rookie tight end in the NFL last season and posting some stats that were on par with the league’s elite receivers and tight ends despite Todd Downing forgetting he existed for half of a season, Chig is primed to truly break out in 2023.
Assuming the Titans don’t land Hopkins, Chig is the No. 2 option at worst in the offense behind Burks, and it’s quite possible he’ll be the top target in the passing game if he continues to rip off explosive plays like he did in 2022.
Regardless of where he ends up in the pecking order, the Titans simply cannot make the same mistake they did last year and must feed Chig.
Who’s TE2?
When the Titans utilize a second tight end in order to run 12 personnel or line Chig up in a different spot, look for Trevon Wesco to be the first guy off the bench.
Rookie Josh Whyle is another option, of course, but his inclusion will depend upon what he shows as a blocker and how quickly he picks things up in general.
LT: Andre Dillard
We’ve heard every scenario under the sun presented in terms of how the Titans could replace Nicholas Petit-Frere, one of which included moving Dillard over to the right side, where he does have experience playing.
However, I’m not messing with the left side of this line going into training camp in order to cover a hole left by a guy who wasn’t even that good last year.
Until Peter Skoronski or someone else proves otherwise, Dillard is the best option the Titans have for the most important position upfront, and I want him next to the rookie to aid in his development.
LG: Peter Skoronski
We’ve also seen Skoronski’s name thrown around for the right tackle spot, but bear in mind the rookie has been working on the left side this offseason. And I’m not in favor of moving him to left tackle to allow Dillard to play the right side unless he shows he’s far and away a better option than the veteran.
Granted, I believe Skoronski will eventually end up at left tackle down the road, but I’m not for moving him all over the place before he finally lands there.
It’s important to keep things stable for a rookie, so let Skoronski continue to focus on playing the left side, and namely at left guard, where he’s projected to start in 2023.
C: Aaron Brewer
One thing that has surprised me is people suggesting moving Brewer to guard to free up someone else to play right tackle, like Skoronski or Daniel Brunskill.
Did we watch the same games last season?
Brewer was not good at guard in 2022 and the best bet for improvement is to let him play his natural position, which is center. He should be better there, but whether or not that will be starting-quality better remains to be seen.
RG: Daniel Brunskill
Of the linemen listed already, Brunskill is the one I’d be most comfortable moving to right tackle, partly because of his experience, but also because Tennessee’s best reserve is Corey Levin, who could slide in at guard.
However, for this projection I’m going to assume the Titans want to keep things consistent this offseason, thus I’ll keep Brunskill where he has been projected to play, which is at right guard.
RT: Jamarco Jones
Of all my starting projections, this is the one I’m least confident in, as the situation at right tackle remains very much up in the air. The good news is, Tennessee doesn’t have to replace a star player at the position.
Jones is my pick as of now, but that has to do with his experience more than anything else. The options behind Jones, like Andrew Rupcich, Jaelyn Duncan and John Ojukwu, have never taken a snap in the NFL.
It’s possible the Titans add a veteran to return Jones to his status as a backup, with George Fant seemingly being the community favorite here, but don’t underestimate Mike Vrabel’s next man up mentality in this situation.
In fact, I think it’s more likely Tennessee sticks with its own guys instead of bringing in outside help.
