The Tennessee Titans desperately need offensive line help. But they’re not the only NFL team in that position.
The Titans’ offensive line was among the league’s worst in 2022. The unit allowed the highest pressure rate, ranked in the bottom five in sacks per pass attempt and rushing yards before contact and graded as Pro Football Focus’ worst pass-blocking team. Barring multiple major moves in free agency and in the trade market, the Titans will most likely be thinking offensive line with the No. 11 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately for coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Ran Carthon, the Titans aren’t the only franchise that needs to bolster its offensive line. Here are five teams the Titans might have to look out for when it comes to stealing away top offensive line talents like Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski and Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr.
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Chicago Bears (Pick No. 1)
The Bears don’t seem likely to use the first pick in the draft on an offensive lineman. But if they trade the top pick to a quarterback-hungry team and land somewhere further back in the top 10, the Bears could try to fortify the unit that allow the most sacks per pass attempt in football last year.
Arizona Cardinals (Pick No. 3)
Like the Bears, the Cardinals likely won’t pick an offensive lineman unless they trade back. But the Cardinals are one of the NFL’s worst run-blocking teams, and veteran offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum is an upcoming free agent. Positions like defensive line and edge rusher are bigger needs, but the Cardinals still need help up front.
Indianapolis Colts (Pick No. 4)
The Colts figure to be heavily involved in the quarterback market this offseason, and it’d be a little surprising if they didn’t end up with one of the top three passers in the draft class. But if they hold off on grabbing a quarterback at No. 4 (or if enough teams trade up above them), they could look to improve a unit that was bottom 10 in sacks per pass attempt, pressure rate and pass blocking grade.
Las Vegas Raiders (Pick No. 7)
The Raiders need more help at guard and center than tackle, and they have big questions looming at quarterback after Derek Carr. It’s hard to predict what the Raiders will do in free agency and trades and what their needs will look like by the end of April, but offensive line could factor into the discussions.
New York Jets (Pick No. 13)
If there’s any team picking outside the top 10 that might be interested in moving up to grab an offensive lineman ahead of the Titans, it’s the Jets. Especially if they make a move to add a veteran quarterback, they’re a team that needs to find more big bodies to protect their passer.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksuss.