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In each of the last two years, the Tennessee Titans have taken an offensive tackle in the early rounds of drafts, and Pro Football Focus has them going in that direction once again in 2022.
In 2020, the Titans took Isaiah Wilson in the first round, which proved to be a disaster. In 2021, Tennessee selected Dillon Radunz in the second round, but his first season was a disappointment after he failed to cement himself as a starter at right tackle.
In his latest mock draft, PFF’s Trevor Sikkema has the Titans taking Central Michigan offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann with the No. 26 overall pick.
Here’s why:
“The Titans are coming off a season where they captured the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC but were bounced in the divisional round without a playoff win. Injuries and bad luck played into that, but where they should look to upgrade most is likely along the offensive line. Taylor Lewan might not be in Tennessee next season, depending on what the Titans want to do with cap space. If they decide to make some changes there, Raimann would be a good player to add at the end of the first round. If Lewan stays, look for the front office to target wide receiver or cornerback.”
The 6-foot-7, 305-pound prospect has shown to be effective both in run-blocking and pass protection, he’s a great fit for the Titans’ rushing scheme, and he has the ability to play on either side of the line.
However, some experts believe he might take a year or two to develop into a starting-caliber player, as he only converted to offensive tackle from tight end back in 2020, so chances are he won’t make an impact in his first season.
That’s something Titans fans don’t want to hear with an early-round pick after the lack of success general manager Jon Robinson has had with offensive linemen selections the past few years.
Putting aside the specific prospect for a second, what exactly would it take for Robinson to go offensive tackle early on once again?
As Sikkema states, if the Titans decide to move on from left tackle Taylor Lewan, taking a tackle this early becomes much more likely, but we fully expect Tennessee to keep him for at least one more season.
The Titans could use an upgrade at right tackle after David Quessenberry gave up the most sacks in the NFL last season, but they may already have a solution there in Radunz, although the jury is still very much out on him, and it’s also possible the Titans could have him pegged as a future starting guard.
If the Titans don’t believe in Radunz as a right tackle, that could also spur on a first-round selection at the position.
Whatever the case may be, if the Titans do decide to go in this direction, Robinson better nail his pick this time around.
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