Titans banking on influx of veteran offensive line experience to kickstart things under Bill Callahan in Year 2

Last year's Titans offensive line fell well-short of any reasonable expectations.

"Right now, we're just really focused on going back to fundamental techniques," said Callahan on Tuesday. "I gotta tell ya, the line has worked extremely hard, not only in the classroom, but on the field this Spring. Its still coming together. We've got a few pieces that have to get back in-phase with Lloyd (Cushenberry) coming off his rehab, as well as Kevin (Zeitler). So, once we get those two fellas back in, I think we'll have a better idea. I think we have a good vision, but I think we'll have a better idea as it unfolds during training camp."

Cushenberry is recovering from a torn Achilles sustained last November, while Zeitler, 35, is being managed carefully as he enters his 14th NFL season.

Cushenberry was signed to a four-year deal last offseason. Zeitler signed this Spring on a one-year deal in free agency along with left tackle Dan Moore Jr., who agreed to a multi-year contract as well. Tennessee added those three proven NFL players to a line that no features 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski at left guard and 2024 first-round choice JC Latham at right tackle.

Latham, a right tackle during his collegiate days at Alabama, started 17 games on the opposite side of the line in his rookie year. 

Titans leaning on veteran offensive line experience

With the additions of Zeitler and Moore Jr., the Titans hope to field a legitimate offensive line unit for the first time since the 2020 season. 

Ward cannot suffer the same fate as his predecessor, Will Levis, who was sacked 41 times in only 12 games last year. While guys in the trenches will not be in pads until training camp to truly test their physicality, the technical elements and meeting room work involved in a Bill Callahan-led offseason are arguably as important. Zeitler, in particular, has been an asset to the rest of the room. 

"A guy that's played as much football as (Zeitler)'s played, the experiences he's had, a lot of different systems too, a couple different teams," coach Brian Callahan said on Tuesday. "He's a pro's pro, and his ability to communicate with those guys and be a voice of perspective is always really helpful. And the caliber of player that he is, even at his age, the way he takes care of himself, the things he does to get ready to play is an example you want guys to follow. He's phenomenal when it comes to taking care of himself. He's very regimented. He's really an asset for all of our younger players, in particular guys up front. It's good to have him here."

Tennessee's final phase of the offseason will take place with the team's mandatory minicamp on June 10-12.