Only five NFL teams had worse records than the Tennessee Titans in 2023, but there was a bright side. CBS Sports ranked the Titans' draft class as 10th-best in the league.
The Titans' top three picks in general manager Ran Carthon's first draft — left guard Peter Skoronski, quarterback Will Levis, and running back Tyjae Spears — each showed promise as starters or first off the bench.
"Skoronski lived up to the expectations as a reliable interior blocker making the switch from tackle to guard in the NFL," Trapasso wrote. "Levis' flashes were outstanding, just few and far between, and Spears proved to be the running back of the future as a versatile, elusive weapon out of the backfield."
Levis started nine games last season. He completed 149 of 255 passes (58.4%) for 1,808 yards, with eight touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 84.2. He recently told TennesseeTitans.com that he's ready to elevate his game.
"For me, for one, it's about getting healthy, which I am close to now, which is a great feeling. Having my body feel this way and as good as it has in 25 weeks or so is really cool," Levis said. "And I am looking forward to just getting my athleticism back a little bit, getting my legs back, and just being able to be more of a (complete) player than I was this past year."
Spears rushed for 453 yards and scored two touchdowns, in addition to catching 52 passes for 385 yards and one touchdown last season.
"Of course, as a rookie, you are not going to have everything down pat your first year," Spears told tennesseetitans.com. "So a lot of learning experiences from the year, and the biggest thing going through my mind is details, details, details.
"Like right now, it hits me day in and day out: You are supposed to be here, so show not just yourself but the world you are supposed to be here. I am super excited for what's next."
Skoronski made the Pro Football Focus All-Rookie Team.
"Skoronski’s transition to guard certainly had some hiccups, including early-season injuries, but he showed enough in pass protection to be considered a foundational piece for Tennessee's offensive line," PFF wrote. Among Skoronski’s highlights are two consecutive games, in Weeks 11 and 12, in which he posted an 85-plus PFF pass-blocking grade. He also committed just one penalty all season."
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