The Tennessee Titans' terrible 2021 NFL Draft class was a turning point for the franchise. Of the eight players selected by previous general manager Jon Robinson this year, just one remains. Second-round pick Dillon Radunz is currently in the midst of a career-best season after previously being prematurely labeled a bust.
Since being drafted, Radunz has, at times, been mismanaged as a do-it-all lineman. Rarely allowed to focus on developing at one position, Radunz had earned snaps at left tackle, left guard, and right tackle heading into 2024. This year, under first-year head coach Brian Callahan, the former North Dakota State standout has settled into a starting job at right guard this season.
It's difficult enough for an offensive line to build chemistry over the course of a campaign. It becomes increasingly difficult when frequent lineup changes are being made. The Titans have unfortunately dealt with constant turnover at right tackle, but Radunz has been a constant for Brian and Bill Callahan.
Despite playing with four different right tackles, Radunz has held up admirably this season. Last year's starter was Daniel Brunskill, who delivered similar results at right guard, but he's settled into a versatile position this year, now playing a full-time role at center after Lloyd Cushenberry suffered a season-ending injury. Given the Titans' struggles across the O-line in recent years, general manger should appreciate what Radunz has developed into.
That is why Radunz needs to be re-signed this offseason.
Tennessee's multi-year offensive line rebuild is nearly complete. If Radunz is re-signed this offseason, the Titans will enter 2025 with four guaranteed starters. The right tackle weakness must be addressed, but re-upping with Radunz would allow Carthon to focus on improving just one position up front.
Radunz is providing the Titans with league-average play at right guard after concluding the 2023 campaign with some standout performances at right tackle. If the new coaching staff hadn't committed to making Radunz a guard before the season, he could have potentially won the right tackle job and made life much easier for Will Levis and Mason Rudolph.
Brunskill is also on an expiring contract. If Radunz isn't guaranteed a starting gig next campaign, he'd still be useful in the Brunskill role. If Radunz is Tennessee's worst offensive lineman next season, it'd mean they drastically improved the right tackle weakness. The Titans should strongly consider re-signing him this offseason, especially considering all the roster holes that require filling elsewhere.