After finding the quarterback they wanted last year in the NFL draft, it seems the Tennessee Titans are focused on improving the offensive line, via free agency and probably with their first round draft pick too.
The Titans have been one of the more active teams in free agency over this offseason, both in adding players and holding on to their better ones. That includes the front line, by adding Ben Jones of the Houston Texans, signing him to a four-year, $17.5 million contract. They’ve also re-signed Byron Bell, who had a good first season in Tennessee after joining in 2015 from the Carolina Panthers.
But that’s not enough. The Titans have recently hosted Louis Vasquez, who can play both guard and tackle, but doesn’t seem to be heading back to the Denver Broncos after winning a Super Bowl with them. Vasquez has played his entire career for AFC West teams, first with the San Diego Chargers (2009-2012) and then on to Denver, where he was also an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2013. He has 102 games in the seven seasons he’s been in the NFL, including 16 in each of the last four seasons.
But the draft, with the Titans owning the number one overall pick, is where they might get the one player they really want. Right now there’s a lot of talk about what it’s going to take for the Titans to give up their pick. King’s ransom has been the most mentioned term, which means that it’s hard to see them dropping down the order unless they’re getting a haul that makes no sense to give up. If the Titans do stick to picking first, there seem to be two players they’re going to be going with.
An offensive tackle, which will be either Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss, twice an All-SEC selection, or Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame who was an All-American in 2015. Stanley seems like the more NFL-ready player, but some thing taking him first is something of a reach, although he’s a sure thing to go in the top 10. Tunsil, with his upside (he needs to get bigger), looks like the popular pick for number one, although the Titans do need cornerback and pass rush help too.