Taylor Lewan suspension: Which Tennessee Titans OL fills the void?

Now that Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan is facing a suspension for taking a banned substance, Dennis Kelly will be the best bet to fill the void until he returns.

The Tennessee Titans have a huge void to fill at left tackle now that Taylor Lewan is facing a four game suspension for taking a banned substance, and Dennis Kelly is the team’s best option.

Lewan, who claims he didn’t knowingly take the substance and has a polygraph test to prove he’s not lying, could now miss the team’s first four games of the season. Say what you want about the failed result, but Lewan’s shoes will be nearly impossible to fully fill.

The Titans do have a solid option in tackle Dennis Kelly, though.

Kelly, who was sensational for the team in 2018 in place of an injured Jack Conklin, was already fighting for a starting job this season. It was thought Kelly could compete for the right tackle spot with Conklin in camp, but that idea has to be totally shelved with Lewan out.

Granted, Kelly did play on the right side of the line for Tennessee last year, but he still remains the best option the Titans will have on the left side. He finished as the No. 18 tackle in the NFL last season, per PFF.

Beyond Kelly, the Titans do have Kevin Pamphile, who will serve as an insurance policy in case Kelly gets hurt or doesn’t get the job done. Pamphile filled in for Lewan when the left tackle got injured early last season, and did so admirably.

Pamphile certainly won’t be the first choice, but is an option nonetheless. He’ll be competing for the starting right guard spot with rookie Nate Davis during camp.

Lewan’s absence is no doubt a devastating blow to the Titans’ early season prospects because you simply don’t replace an elite left tackle easily.

However, the Titans are better off than most teams would be in the same situation with Kelly able to take Lewan’s place for the time being.