May 31, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans assistant coach Shawn Jefferson (right) works with wide receivers Diondre Borel (left) and Marc Mariani (center) during organized team activities at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Training camp is less than a month away and the Titans will have many important position battles on the offensive side of the football. The Titans made a point to add depth and competition. Here’s a look at a couple training camp battles of note:
Center: Brian Schwenke vs. Fernando Velasco
Last season, Velasco was a starter for the entire season. A majority of that time was at the center position. He performed well. After having always been a reserve, Velasco rose to the occasion as a starter. He played well enough to earn the starting role leading into training camp
Now comes Schwenke. The Titans’ fourth-round pick was Tennessee’s top-rated center and they pounced on the opportunity to draft him. He is known as a physical brawler with the ability to pull and clear out paths. He was a captain at California. By many accounts, Schwenke is a natural leader and above-average athlete for the center position.
The Titans’ hopes are that Schwenke is the center of the future. Don’t be surprised if he wins the starting job this season, especially with the additions of Chance Warmack and Andy Levitre at the guard positions. Why not have that group mesh from Day 1?
Winner: Schwenke
Wide Receiver: Kenny Britt vs. Nate Washington vs. Kendall Wright vs. Justin Hunter
I listed the top four wide outs because all four will contribute this season. But it is a matter of who will round out the top three. With Britt’s ability and reported improvement in the health department, look for him to become the No.1.
Word out of OTA’s was that Washington looked like the best wide out. I’m not sure if that is good news overall but that is good news for him. Look for him to be the No.2. The only ways he loses his spot is by injury or if Hunter forces him out of the lineup. While Hunter will still contribute out wide, look for Washington to get the majority of the reps.
That leaves last year’s first-round draft pick Wright as the No.3. He’ll start in the slot. Look for Dowell Loggains to try and get him into more space so that his speed and big-play ability are put to good use.
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