Top Titans Storylines Heading into Training Camp

1. The Offensive Line

The Tennessee Titans had one of the best offensive lines in the 2016 season. The offensive line regressed a bit, but stayed true to their identity in 2017. The reason the offensive line has been so good is because of two guys: LT Taylor Lewan and RT Jack Conklin.

When people think of the Titans offensive line, they likely think of one of these guys if not both. They are the faces of the line, and as a unit, they do one heck of a job at keeping Mariota protected.

Now, the Titans have two big issues facing their two stars. First, Jack Conklin. He came in and lit the NFL on fire becoming an All-Pro tackle and a for-sure starter right away in Tennessee. He pretty much played in every game for the Titans, up until an unfortunate happening versus New England in the playoffs.

As Conklin was blocking, a Patriots player fell on his leg causing him to tear his ACL. Although his rehab has been going well so far, chances of him returning to the field week one are not looking good.

The Titans right tackle will miss all of training camp, or at least be limited, and will miss valuable reps during the preseason if the injury does not heal in time. That means once he returns, he will try and get some reps in and get ready within a week before he is thrown into a regular season NFL game. Yikes.

We can only hope for the best for Conklin. Vrabel and his crew definitely should not rush him back. Let’s hope he gets reps during training camp and the preseason and is ready to go week one.

Then there is Taylor Lewan. Lewan is not injured, thankfully, but he is looking for a new contract. Two offensive linemen signed huge new contracts, and Lewan is making sure he is next. He held out of minicamp looking for a new contract, and at that time reports said the Titans and Lewan weren’t close on a deal but was making progress.

We are a little over a week until training camp, and Lewan does not have a new deal. Are they close to a deal? Are there anymore offers? We don’t know. What we do know is Lewan will probably hold out of training camp if no deal is done. Training camp is highly important, especially with a new coaching staff.

It can be detrimental for a player to miss training camp. It could throw off your timing with your players, throw off chemistry with your quarterback or fellow teammates, and ultimately set you back. Lewan’s hold out will easily set the Titans back if his performance on the field goes down.

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Hopefully something gives in the next week, because Lewan needs to be on the field with his team. As for Conklin, let’s wish him a speedy, but safe, recovery.