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Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

JC Latham and Titans offensive line learning from Bill Callahan and his blocking machines at Rookie Minicamp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 5/10/24

The Tennessee Titans offensive line was in major need of complete overhaul this offseason after they gave up 64 sacks last season. Both Ryan Tannehill and Will Levis were left running for their lives for much of last season and that had to be rectified heading into 2024. So it wasn't a surprise when general manager Ran Carthon didn't waste any time rebuilding the trenches for the two-tone blue.

He signed Lloyd Cushenberry to replace Aaron Brewer at center. Then brought in Saahdiq Charles to play a rotational role on the inside of the line. And finally, he drafted JC Latham in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to fix the left tackle position immediately (a major upgrade over Andre Dillard).

The next step in truly taking the Titans offensive line to the next level is going to be properly coaching them up. That's where legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan comes in. Coach Callahan, or "Big Coach" as the team calls him, brings with him over 40 years of coaching experience and some special "blocking machines" that he actually invented himself.

Unique Training at Rookie Minicamp

JC Latham and the Titans offensive line is already being challenged on the first day of rookie minicamp with some unique training methods. Both by Callahan himself, and by his two custom blocking sleds he named "Bertha" and "Olga" which are designed to help offensive linemen with proper blocking technique.

If you want to get the first glimpse at JC Latham getting coached up while he attacks "Bertha" with all 342 pounds of his monstrous frame just check out the video post below:

This is JC Latham working an OL sled that Bill Callahan invented. It doesn’t slide if you don’t hit it right.

Latham meets “Bertha” for the first time. Loses, then wins. Audio on #Titans pic.twitter.com/E6zUmBnaFc
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) May 10, 2024

You can hear Coach Callahan giving Latham a hard time saying, "I don't want to take all your money," as he initially struggles to engage properly with his custom mechanical blocking sled. And it's not that JC Latham isn't strong enough to move the sled. The custom design of the sled teaches offensive lineman to attack with a very specific kind of leverage and hand placement in order to optimally move and control opposing defensive lineman. If Latham (or any offensive lineman for that matter) fails to hit Bertha with the right force in just the right way "she" won't move.

Plus, Bertha weighs about 380 pounds. So, it makes sense why she might be a bit difficult to budge.

Here's more from the Titans new head coach Brian Callahan on Bertha and Olga, his father's game-changing inventions:

Brian Callahan on the OL Sleds his father Bill Callahan invented #Titans pic.twitter.com/5BvQH8tJgs
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) May 10, 2024

"My dad invented that sled...It's designed in a way to more accurately mimic what it feels like to have to clamp and brace on what a normal defender would feel like. Some of the old school sleds, they don't really give you that same balance issue, and they're really hard to move...they tip, and they're off balance...[these new custom sleds are] meant to really stress guys' ability, to strengthen their core, keeping their hands tight and be able to drive a sled vertically, as opposed to getting all off kilter...our guys even now, it's taking them a couple weeks to move them the way that they're supposed to move...but they improve pretty quickly. It happens fast."

It's going to take some getting use to, but once JC Latham and the rest of the Titans' offensive line adjusts to the custom blocking sleds they should really help the whole unit improve on their technique.

Latham is already taking well to the new blocking sleds. He chimed in shortly after practice on instagram saying:

"Me and Bertha gon be best friends."

It's clear the team loves Coach Callahan's inventions.

Bill Callahan is already coaching them up to dominate this fall, hopefully protecting Will Levis and creating wider running lanes for the shifty running back tandem of Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard. Only time will tell how much of an impact a completely revamped offensive line staff and personnel group will have on this Titans team, but things look promising already.

Be looking for more Tennessee Titans coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to watch some JC Latham highlights to see how he could star for the Tennessee Titans in his rookie season you can check out the video below!