Evaluating all three of the Titans’ internal candidates to succeed Nicholas Petit-Frere at RT
Following an embarrassing play in pass protection that resulted in quarterback Will Levis being strip-sacked during Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was benched by the Tennessee Titans. Since then, head coach Brian Callahan has declared that Petit-Frere would continue to compete for the starting spot against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4.
The Titans have the following three internal options, even though it looks to be a two-man race.Duncan Jaelyn
In the middle of the game against the Packers, sophomore tackle Jaelyn Duncan took Petit-Frere’s place. Duncan is the main competitor for Petit-Frere’s starting spot in Week 4. Sadly, Duncan didn’t perform much better against the well-prepared pass rush of Green Bay. In just 11 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed two pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, which is why he received a lower protection rating (36.9) than the player he replaced (48.3).
Ojukwu John
The other backup tackle on the squad is John Ojukwu. During the offseason training program, the sophomore Boise State undrafted free agent was getting first-team reps at right tackle when Petit-Frere and Duncan were out due to injuries. Callahan was all over him while he was playing, but the fact that both of those players shot up the depth chart as soon as they were able to play again is certainly not a good indicator.
Leroy Watson
The sole tackle on the Titans practice squad is Leroy Watson IV. Because of their time spent together with the Cleveland Browns, he is familiar with offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Similar to Ojukwu, it’s not encouraging that he was overlooked in favor of Petit-Frere and Duncan. With his one preseason appearance, Watson had a mediocre pass-pro grade of 25.3.
In summary
I’ve seen a lot of improbable scenarios circulated on Twitter. It makes sense that fans are irate and looking for answers anxiously. It is worthwhile to discuss a few of those situations.
There is no switch by Peter Skoronski from left guard to right tackle. After being treated as a guard-only lineman by two distinct Titans regimes, Skoronski is currently seeking to stay at guard rather than try to switch positions throughout the season.
Not only is it not as likely, but I also don’t see Dillon Radunz switching from right guard to tackle. Despite his struggles at guard, Callahan has said that he thinks of him more as an interior lineman. That move wouldn’t inspire much confidence because it would thrust Daniel Brunskill or Andrew Rupcich into the starting lineup.
Seeking outside assistance is a more practical solution for the Titans. While it’s challenging to do so during the season, one option would be to sign veteran right tackle Chris Hubbard from the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers. Hubbard, who played three seasons in Cleveland with Bill Callahan, started nine games for the Titans last season. He is accustomed to the scheme, and in the offensive line room, he would run into old faces.
