In camp (16): T Dan Moore, T JC Latham, T Austin Deculus, T Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, T Ryan Hayes, T Aamil Wagner, C Austin Schlottmann, C Pat Coogan, C Andre James, G Fernando Carmona Jr., G Garrett Dellinger, G Drew Moss, G Peter Skoronski, G Jackson Slater, G Cordell Volson.
Player to watch: The tackles. Most of the talk heading into training camp will center on the interior offensive line, at center and right guard, and we'll discuss those spots in here. But the most critical area where the Titans need to excel up front is at left tackle (Dan Moore Jr) and right tackle (JC Latham). Moore is headed into his second season in Tennessee, and Latham is headed into his second season on the right side after playing at left tackle as a rookie. The Titans need this twosome to be a reliable duo, and work during camp, especially in joint practices and preseason games, should give some clues on how things might look. Behind these two, the Titans will have others, including Austin Deculus, battling it out at the swing tackle spot.
What I've seen so far: Let's face it: It's hard to make any definitive statements about how offensive linemen are doing during the offseason, without pads. I do think Austin Schlottmann currently has the upper hand at the center spot after a solid offseason, when he began to establish himself. And I think Cordell Volson's experience has him leading at the right guard spot to start camp. But again, it early. Jackson Slater continued to make strides in the offseason work, while the rookie draft picks – Pat Coogan and Fernando Carmona – began to settle in. Tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson looked leaner and better, but the jury is out on a lot of guys in the mix across the board. These guys will have to prove themselves in August.
What I think the Titans need to see in camp: Heading into late July, three spots are settled – Peter Skoronski at left guard, Moore at LT and Latham at RT. I suspect the team would love to see Schlottmann solidify himself at the center spot, because his experience and familiarity with the system helps everyone. Volson has played a lot of games in the NFL, so it wouldn't surprise me if he becomes the starting right guard, but he'll have to earn it. The tackles need to prove they can be solid and steady, while depth players need to emerge both inside and out. The Titans want to see guys rise to the occasion, but adding another lineman to the swing tackle competition wouldn't come as a surprise either.
Next up: Receivers.
TITANS TRAINING CAMP
Join the Tennessee Titans, August 7, as we celebrate the final stadium practice at the current Nissan Stadium with the Blue & White Stadium Scrimmage, presented by Pinnacle!
