One of the Tennessee Titans’ needs to address this offseason is adding some help along the offensive line.
Tennessee’s starting right tackle, Jack Conklin, is set to hit the open market and command a huge payday that might be too rich for the Titans’ blood, leading to him playing elsewhere in 2020.
And, while the Titans do have Dennis Kelly as a backup plan in the event that happens, at the very least the team should be looking to add some depth upfront. After all, Kelly can’t be the solid insurance policy he has been the past few years if he’s starting.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Titans taking Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with the No. 29 overall pick.
The Titans’ offensive line allowed 56 sacks (third most in the NFL) in 2019, and now Jack Conklin is looking as if he won’t be back. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was a revelation for the Titans last season, but Tennessee can improve the protection around him. Sure, Tennessee has other issues to consider: Running back (Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins), linebacker (Murray), cornerback (Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene) and tight end (Kmet) could all be positions to watch depending on what happens with this month’s free-agency period. But it also has no choice but to do something about the line. Thomas is a powerful tackle with natural ability, and if developed properly, he could go a long way toward cleaning up the team’s pass protection.
Unless the Titans don’t bring either Conklin or Kelly back, I don’t see them taking an offensive lineman this early. Tennessee would be better served addressing the need at EDGE or cornerback in this spot.
However, there’s a chance that general manager Jon Robinson sees an offensive lineman fall to him that he simply can’t pass up. Thomas would certainly qualify as one of those players.
Thomas is arguably a top-three tackle in this draft, so it would be surprising to see him fall this far with the demand for quality offensive linemen being what it is.
The Georgia product started at left tackle for three years with the Bulldogs, but could transition to the right side to start his career. Thomas would give the Titans versatility and a potential starter at some point down the road.
If the Titans were to go with an offensive lineman in the first round, it would have to be a home-run pick — and it’s safe to say Thomas would be that kind of pick if he were available at No. 29.