NASHVILLE – Aaron Brewer was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals coming out of Skyline (Texas) High School, when many wondered if he'd be able to hold up on the offensive line at the next level because of his size.
Brewer, heading into his third NFL season with the Titans, knows plenty doubted him them, just like he thinks some might be doing even now.
"I've heard that forever, from high school up to this point now," said Brewer, who is expected to compete for a starting spot on the team's offensive line in training camp. "But it didn't stop me then, and it's not going to stop me now."
Brewer, who has played in 24 games, with six starts, over the past two seasons in Tennessee after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas State following the 2020 NFL Draft, has his sights set on a starting spot at left guard heading into the 2022 season.
A 6-foot-1, 290-pounder, Brewer – who was 275 pounds when he began the draft process coming out of college – knows he has work to do to earn the spot while in competition with several others, including offseason acquisition Jamarco Jones.
Titans offensive line coach Keith Carter said what Brewer lacks in size he makes up for in other areas.
If you don't believe it, you should see Brewer do backflips.
"Aaron is an unbelievable athlete," Carter said. "So, he has a really unbelievable way to recover when he gets stuck in some bad positions. For him, it's getting as big as he can, but not losing that part of his game. And then just being consistent from a technique standpoint. I think he's come a long way and I am excited to see where he goes."
Brewer, who appeared in 48 games with 47 consecutive starts over four seasons (2016-19) at Texas State, earned a roster spot and played 12 games with one start as a rookie in 2020, providing depth at guard and center.
In 2021, Brewer appeared in 12 games with the Titans, making five starts at guard.
"The kind of player I am, I am more smaller, quick twitch, explosive," Brewer said. "So, I just work with what I got. I know I am strong for my size, and I'm fast as well."
Brewer said he's changed his diet, which includes a lot of meal prep.
While his goal is to earn a starting spot, he's focused on just giving himself a chance to compete.
He's all-in on the team's identity.
"Going into this season, I just want to stay as healthy as possible and do everything I can do to compete and get that job," he said.
"Since my rookie I came in and played with effort and finish. That is the identity of the team, and I am buying in and listening to the vets. Buying into that culture has helped me get to where I am at now."
