No matter what the Titans do at No. 1, fixing the offensive line must be a priority

As the Tennessee Titans look ahead to the future of their franchise, one undeniable truth stands out: fixing the offensive line must be their top priority, regardless of how they approach the upcoming draft or any other moves they make. While the Titans’ decision on their No. 1 pick will undoubtedly generate headlines and excitement, no move is more crucial to the team’s success in the immediate and long-term future than investing in a revamped offensive line.

In a league where elite quarterbacks, explosive receivers, and dominant defenses often take the spotlight, the offensive line is too often an overlooked aspect of a team’s success. For the Titans, however, it’s impossible to ignore the critical need to upgrade this unit, which has been a point of weakness for several seasons. Whether they go after a top-tier quarterback prospect, select a weapon for their offense, or bolster their defense, the offensive line’s state will heavily impact the team’s ability to perform at the highest level.

The Titans’ Offensive Line Struggles in Recent Years

To understand the urgency of addressing the offensive line, it’s important to evaluate where the Titans stand in terms of performance. The offensive line has been a significant weak point for the team in recent seasons. While the Titans have had a successful run game, primarily thanks to the unique talents of running back Derrick Henry, the lack of protection for their quarterbacks has become an issue.

One of the most glaring examples of the Titans’ offensive line struggles came in 2022. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has been a solid leader for the team, was often under siege due to inconsistent protection from his blockers. In fact, Tannehill was sacked a total of 47 times that year, one of the highest totals in the NFL. While sacks are a common issue for most teams, the frequency and timing of Tannehill’s sacks proved to be debilitating for the offense. The inability to consistently give him enough time to make plays in the passing game hindered the overall balance and success of the offense.

Further complicating matters is the fact that the Titans’ offensive line has been plagued by injuries, inconsistency in player performance, and aging veterans. The combination of these factors has created a situation where the offensive line has never quite meshed into a cohesive unit. Even with some talented players, such as left tackle Taylor Lewan, the overall health and consistency of the group have been problematic.

For an offense that relies heavily on a dynamic running back like Henry, the line’s performance is crucial. The Titans’ run game is predicated on establishing dominance at the line of scrimmage, wearing down opposing defenses, and controlling the clock. But without a reliable offensive line, even Henry’s extraordinary ability to break tackles and gain yards will be limited. When defenders are constantly in the backfield, it stifles his impact, and as seen in 2022, this struggle can lead to underwhelming offensive production and a lack of balance in play calling.

The Impact on the Quarterback Situation

Another reason the offensive line must be prioritized by the Titans is the quarterback situation. In 2023, the Titans entered the season with Ryan Tannehill as their starting quarterback, but his struggles under pressure continued, and eventually, he dealt with injuries that ended his season prematurely. As the Titans have also dealt with backup quarterbacks in Malik Willis and Joshua Dobbs, the instability at the quarterback position has added to the offensive line’s challenges.

Regardless of whether the Titans continue to roll with Tannehill or choose to draft a quarterback like Kentucky’s Will Levis or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud with the No. 1 pick, the state of the offensive line will play a massive role in how well the quarterback can perform. A young quarterback, in particular, will need time to develop and adjust to the speed of the NFL, and without a reliable offensive line, their transition could be much more difficult. On the other hand, a seasoned veteran like Tannehill needs protection to regain the form he showed in 2019 when he led the Titans to the AFC Championship game. A porous offensive line will only exacerbate the challenges faced by a quarterback, whether young or old.

Improving the offensive line not only protects the quarterback but also gives him the ability to progress through his reads, extend plays, and make timely decisions. Without this support, even the most talented quarterbacks can struggle. This is something the Titans must consider as they look ahead to the draft and evaluate their quarterback options.

The Importance of a Balanced Offense

While the Titans are known for their smash-mouth running game, a balanced offense is essential for sustained success in today’s NFL. The rise of high-powered passing offenses has shifted the NFL’s landscape, and teams that rely too heavily on the run game are at a disadvantage when they fall behind in games. The Titans have managed to remain competitive largely due to Henry’s dominance, but this strategy is not sustainable without a capable passing attack.

If the Titans are to become more versatile in their offensive approach, the offensive line is the first area to address. A solid offensive line allows the quarterback to develop chemistry with his receivers and give them a chance to get open. Additionally, a stronger offensive line can better protect the quarterback on play-action passes, which are crucial in the Titans’ offense.

To truly evolve as an offense and compete with the NFL’s elite teams, the Titans must become more unpredictable and diversified in their attack. This means having an offensive line that can protect both the run game and the pass game. Fixing the offensive line provides the foundation for this evolution, as it allows the offense to have balance, create mismatches, and respond to different game situations.

Free Agency and the Draft: Building the Line for the Future

So, how can the Titans improve their offensive line? The answer likely lies in a combination of free agency, the draft, and development.

In free agency, the Titans could look to sign an established veteran or two who can immediately step in and solidify the line. There are always opportunities in free agency to improve the line, whether it’s signing a top-tier tackle or a reliable interior lineman. Bringing in experienced players who can step into leadership roles could stabilize the line while the younger players develop.

The draft, however, is where the Titans have an excellent opportunity to build long-term success along the offensive line. At No. 1, they could look to select a franchise-altering player, but they also need to consider a future where investing in the line will pay dividends. High-quality offensive line prospects are often available in the draft, and the Titans should be looking for a player who can contribute right away while also having the potential for sustained success. Whether it’s a tackle, guard, or center, the Titans need to be proactive in finding talent that can help build a long-term solution to their offensive line woes.

Finally, player development will be key. The Titans have invested in young talent along the offensive line in recent years, but players like Nicholas Petit-Frere, Dillon Radunz, and others need to continue developing into reliable starters. The right coaching staff and mentoring can help these young players reach their potential, but it will take time and patience to see the results. The Titans need to ensure they create a stable and supportive environment where these players can improve and eventually become the foundation of a solid offensive line.