Titans O-line must improve rapidly after Will Levis news

Levis and Ward were expected to compete for the starting job in training camp. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft would've likely won the contest. Veterans, including defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, are already gravitating toward him. 

Levis, however, could've been a serviceable backup. The 2023 second-round pick threw 21 touchdown passes and posted an above-average 11.5 yards per completion in his first two seasons with the Titans. 

The Titans' other backup QBs, Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, aren't great options. Allen recorded a below-average 76.2 passer rating in five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. Boyle, meanwhile, tossed more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (five) in disastrous stints with the New York Jets and Detroit Lions.   

With that in mind, protecting Ward is even more imperative for the Titans.

Tennessee's O-line looked shaky throughout the 2024 season, tying for fifth in the league in sacks allowed (52). 

Tennessee signed guard Kevin Zeitler, a one-time Pro Bowler, in free agency. The Titans also moved JC Latham to right tackle. Head coach Brian Callahan sounded optimistic about these changes. 

In March, the coach told Jim Wyatt of the team website he's "very happy with where [the O-line is] at."

The Denver Broncos host the Titans in Week 1 of the regular season on Sept. 7 at 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox. That matchup should test Tennessee's O-line. Denver's defense led the league in sacks (63) last season.