NASHVILLE – The Titans selected Charlotte offensive lineman Nate Davis in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday night.

Davis, who played three years at guard and a year at tackle in college, was selected with the 82nd pick overall.

He hopes to compete for a starting spot in Tennessee.

"That's my goal, to come in here and earn the respect in the locker room, the older guys and the vets," Davis said. "I just have to do what I do and hopefully I can earn that spot."

Davis (6-3, 311) was a four-year starter who made 37 career starts over 40-game career. He was a Senior Bowl and NFL Combine invitee who was named the 49ers' best offensive player for 2018 by Super Bowl nation.

The Titans have an opening at the guard spot opposite guard Rodger Saffold, after releasing Josh Kline and opting not to sign Quinton Spain earlier this offseason.

Titans General Manager Jon Robinson said Davis was a "highly-rated guy" on the team's draft board. The team hosted Davis on a pre-draft visit. Davis is also capable of kicking outside at tackle in the NFL, Robinson said.

"He'll come in here and go in there with the line room and get to work," Robinson said. "It's all about competition. I'm not anointing anybody. I'm just excited to get him in here and watch him go after it."

After being picked by the Titans, Davis was already envisioning blocking for running back Derrick Henry and protecting quarterback Marcus Mariota in Tennessee.

"That's one of the first thoughts that came to mind when my name was called," Davis said. "That's going to be a dream come true. I've been watching those guys for a long time, and to be able to compete with them day in and day out, man, I can't wait. It's an honor and a privilege to be a Tennessee Titan, and I just can't wait."