NASHVILLE – The Titans selected North Dakota State tackle Dillon Radunz in the second round of Friday night's NFL Draft.

Radunz, taken with the 53rd overall pick, is ready to get dirty.

• MEET OT DILLON RADUNZ

"I love it," Radunz said of landing with the Titans. "I hope I can come in and contribute to the successful program that they have. I know Taylor Lewan is kind of the staple lineman there. … I hope I can emulate what he brings to the Titans and play that aggressive style of football on that offensive line. I am super happy with this pick."

He's also excited about the thought of blocking for running back Derrick Henry.

"Blocking for Derrick Henry, that's going to be awesome," Radunz said on a video conference call with reporters. "He got (2,027) yards last year and … whatever I can do to help. He is an awesome running back and it's an awesome offensive line, and I am just excited to contribute."

A first team FCS All-American, Radunz allowed zero sacks in his last two seasons while protecting quarterback Trey Lance's blindside. Lance was the third overall pick, by the 49ers, in the NFL Draft.

During his college career, Radunz played in 33 career games with 32 starts. He was part of four Missouri Valley Football Conference championship teams and three NCAA Division I football national championships and was a two-time FCS All-American.

Radunz (6-6, 301) was named the top overall practice player of the week at the 2021 Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Radunz chatted with Titans General Manager Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel after being picked. He watched the draft with family and friends in the Minneapolis area.

"I saw the phone ring from the Tennessee area code, and it said Tennessee on it, and I said, "Well guys, I guess I am going to be a Titan," Radunz said. "Everybody was like, 'Wait, what?' And I was like, 'Yeah, they're calling me right now.'

"Tears were shed, tears of joy and lots of hugs. This is a moment my family has been waiting for for a long time. I am super excited to be where I am. … I was trying to hold back tears as I talked to (Jon and Mike). It was a great conversation, and I can't wait to get down there."

The Titans signed former Browns tackle Kendall Lamm in free agency while also re-signing Ty Sambrailo. Earlier this offseason, the team parted ways with Dennis Kelly, the team's starting right tackle.

Radunz is expected to compete for a starting spot opposite Lewan.

Radunz played primarily at left tackle at North Dakota State, but he's worked to strengthen his game on both sides of the offensive line in recent months.

"I am definitely going to want to be thrown in that starting five – that is the competitor in me," Radunz said, "and if not, I want to help this team win a lot of games. Just getting into the organization is going to be the next step."