The Tennessee Titans entered the 2026 NFL Draft with pretty big needs across the interior of their offensive line. Despite the urgency needed at right guard and center, general manager Mike Borgonzi waited until Day 3 before adding at the position. The Titans drafted offensive linemen Fernando Carmona and Pat Coogan.
Coogan and Carmona have several traits in common. They're both experienced blockers who exude toughness and leadership. Coogan and Carmona are physical, and Borgonzi is undeniably looking to add some attitude to an offensive line that lacked a punch a year ago.
A crowded interior room just grew in numbers. The arrival of Coogan and Carmona will create competition for reps with free-agency signing Cordell Volson. Volson now finds himself on thin ice heading into training camp.
The Titans’ draft moves place pressure on Cordell Volson
The Titans signed Volson to a one-year contract worth $3.2 million in free agency. He carries a cap charge of $2.4 million and his salary guarantees indicate he will be on the 53-man roster. Analyzing the roster's current make-up, Volson now faces competition for the starting right guard gig.
Veteran Austin Schlottmann is the favorite to start at center. Sophomore blocker Jackson Slater is an option at both guard and center. Coogan and Carmona add additional competition to both positions.
One major factor in Volson's favor is that he's started 48 career games at guard. He's been a replacement-level blocker, but the's most experienced option the Titans have at right guard. Slater and Carmona have combined to start precisely zero NFL games.
The Titans could still consider re-signing 2025 starter Kevin Zeitler. He'd immediately be a safer option at right guard than Volson, Carmona, or Slater project to be. Now that the NFL Draft has concluded, we'll see if the Titans contact Zeitler about a potential reunion.
The Titans signed Volson to add veteran experience and maturity to right guard. Internally, they likely view him as the replacement-level player he's consistently been in the NFL. Drafting Coogan and Carmona proves the Titans are trying to aim higher than Volson, but how ready the rookies prove to be will be the determining factor.
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