The Tennessee Titans are set to rebuild their offensive line in 2024 after what was a terrible year for the group upfront in 2023.
However, the interior of the offensive line is in better shape than the tackle spots, with left guard being locked down by 2023 first-round pick, Peter Skoronski, who will return to his spot in his second season.
Right guard may also be spoken for after Daniel Brunskill proved to be a solid option there when healthy, but he doesn’t figure to be a lock.
Center remains the biggest question mark on the interior, with Aaron Brewer set to be a free agent following a season in which he was serviceable, at best.
Now, a look at Tennessee’s interior offensive linemen who are under contract and pending free agents, and what the team’s biggest needs are on the inside going into the 2024 offseason.
Under contract
Under contract: Peter Skoronski (G), Daniel Brunskill (G/C), Dillon Radunz (G/T), Andrew Rupcich (G/T), Lachavious Simmons (G)
Skoronski is not only the only one from this group I’d consider a lock to start in 2024, he’s the only starter in general from last year’s putrid offensive line who will definitely return to his spot.
The Northwestern product had a strong start to the season before an appendectomy derailed him a bit. However, he managed to finish the campaign strong.
Brunskill is the next-closest one who could stick as a starter after he was arguably the most consistent lineman in 2023, and he has experience playing center, so he could be an option if Tennessee moves on from Aaron Brewer.
Radunz and Rupcich came out of college billed as tackles, but both played inside a bit last season.
Radunz played the majority of his snaps at right tackle, though, and he had a strong finish to the season. Still, many believe he’s best suited to be a guard. Rupcich was OK in relief duty at right guard and will compete for a backup spot.
Simmons was signed to a futures deal this offseason and will be a camp body if he sticks until then.
Pending free agents
Pending free agents: Aaron Brewer (C), Corey Levin (C/G), Calvin Throckmorton (G), James Empey (C), Jordan Roos (G)
In his second season as a full-time starter — and first at center — Brewer left a lot to be desired in pass protection but was a solid run-blocker. With improvement in pass pro being key, Brewer shouldn’t be retained unless he’s going to be a backup.
Despite all the issues the Titans had upfront in 2023, Levin wasn’t given an opportunity to play for whatever reason. He’s a solid backup who can play guard and center and Tennessee should be interested in bringing him back as depth.
Throckmorton actually had a solid season (zero sacks, 18 pressures allowed in 564 snaps) but shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a backup option if retained.
As for Empey and Roos, both will be camp bodies with an outside shot to make the cut if brought back.
Biggest needs
Biggest needs: Center
If you told me Brunskill, who is under contract, was going to be the starter at right guard in 2024, I wouldn’t have an issue with it, although the Titans should still explore their options. Radunz is the most likely in-house candidate to take that job from Brunskill.
With left guard taken by Skoronski and right guard having a pair of in-house candidates, center stands alone as the biggest need.
Brewer, who is set to hit free agency, was OK as the starter in 2023, but not good enough to the point where I’m looking to bring him back in the same role. He simply isn’t good enough in pass protection. He’d be an excellent, versatile backup with his ability to play guard, also.
Of course, the Titans could find their future center on Day 2 or 3 of the 2024 NFL draft, but I’d prefer more experience in that spot given all that’s asked of the position.
Brunskill fits the bill and could be a candidate depending on how things shake out, as he has experience at center. But, I think it’s much more likely he ends up at right guard.
My top option on the open market is Denver Broncos pending free agent center Lloyd Cushenberry, who gave up one sack and 14 pressures in 1,069 snaps last season. If the Titans can wrestle him away from the Broncos, he’d be a fantastic addition.
Give me an interior of Skoronski, Cushenberry and Brunskill or Radunz and I’d be content with Tennessee’s situation on the inside.
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