5 Tennessee Titans starters with something to prove in 2024

The national narrative is that the Tennessee Titans aren't capable of making a deep playoff run in 2024, but that could change if most of the team's offseason moves work out.

NFL.com summed up the public sentiment around the Titans in their latest season projections.

Cynthia Frelund has them finishing with six wins. Frelund points out in her analysis that the Titans' offensive line ranked 31st in the NFL according to her analytics-based model last year, but it should be much better with the new personnel additions and Bill Callahan as the offensive line coach.

Many seem to be projecting the 2024 Titans to be bad because the 2023 Titans were bad.

In reality, we recently compared the 2024 roster to the 2023 roster, and the Titans are better at every position except for running back and EDGE.

If the Titans lose 11 games for the second season in a row, it will likely be because their weakest starters were a weakness they couldn't overcome. These five starters are the most concerning heading into the season.

1. Nicholas Petit-Frere, RT

Nicholas Petit-Frere looked very good in the preseason after previously stringing together an acceptable rookie season in 2022. His 2023 campaign was a write-off due to suspension and injuries. Regaining confidence will be key for Petit-Frere this season.

The left side of the offensive line will be the strength of the unit, so defenses are going to try to attack Petit-Frere on the right side as much as they can.

2. Dillon Radunz, RG

Similar to Petit-Frere, Dillon Radunz looked good in the preseason and has played a lot of NFL snaps in his young career, but his ability to settle into a full-time role will be critical. The previous coaching staff didn't put him in positions to succeed, and he was never allowed to pick a position and develop there, often serving as a swing tackle and guard.

Radunz now has his opportunity.

3. Chig Okonkwo, TE

Chig Okonkwo still possesses a lot of pass-catching potential, but he hasn't exactly been a model of consistency throughout his young career. The results were generally inconsistent last season, but when he's been at his best, he has stacked up well with some of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL.

4. Josh Whyle, TE

Josh Whyle has put in the work, impressed coaches, and made plays in camp, but it all comes down to health and consistency. Whyle has had two concussions in the last 10 months, and those add up quickly. He is tracking to be the in-line tight end in this offense, which will require him to maintain health while taking a physical approach.

5. Arden Key, EDGE

As a wide-nine, pin-your-ears-back, attack-the-quarterback type of EDGE, Arden Key can be an above-average starter in the NFL. However, an every-down role might be too much for him, and the Titans could use another EDGE to take some of the weight off his shoulders (trading for an established EDGE would be a good idea).