Although the Titans lost both starting guards from last year, Benji Olson by retirement and Jacob Bell in free agency, they should be in pretty good shape this year.
There are currently seven players who will be in the mix at the guard positions. The first four listed below should definitely make the final 53-man roster. The last three don’t have much of a realistic chance.
Jake Scott — A free agent acquisition in the offseason, Scott has been working at right guard in OTAs and minicamps and we can pretty much pencil him in to start there. He’s been a standout with the Colts and is now starting his fifth NFL season.
Eugene Amano — Also in his fifth season, he has the experience to be the favorite to win the battle for the left guard position. The job should be his to lose. Amano’s competition should come from Leroy Harris and Daniel Loper.
Leroy Harris — He’s been in the mix at LG but is listed on the roster this year as a center. He’ll definitely make the team, probably as a backup C/G. Unless he has a very good showing at guard, he’ll probably remain a center and eventually take over from Kevin Mawae.
Dan Loper — After getting occasional playing time at guard last year, he later got his first career start at RG. Although he’s listed as a tackle, Loper will also be in the mix at LG. It’s more than likely that he’ll be a backup T/G again. I like Loper’s versatility and all-round athleticism.
Isaac Snell — He’s been with the Titans twice before and spent a little time on the practice squad. This looks to be his last chance in the NFL.
Enoka Lucas — Listed as a C/G on the roster, Lucas was in the Texans’ camp last year and was later on the Buccaneers’ practice squad.
Fernando Velasco — Another C/G, Velasco is one of three rookie offensive linemen on the roster. They have an important role to fill, that of keeping a table in the o-line’s meeting room well stocked with food for the veterans. Velasco should compete with Lucas for a spot on the practice squad.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this competition develops in training camp. It will be interesting to see the first preseason game. When the Titans make their first substitutions, will Harris replace Amano, Scott or Mawae? Will Loper replace Amano, Scott, or one of the tackles?
Predictions:
RG – Scott
LG – Amano
reserves – Harris and Loper
practice squad – Lucas or Velasco
Scott will be the only newbie on the o-line, so as a whole, the line should be just as productive as last year. I have a lot of faith that o-line coach Mike Munchak will have the group functioning well by September.
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