The Tennessee Titans appear slated to enter the 2026 NFL Draft with sizable holes at right guard and center. The team released oft-injured starting center Lloyd Cushenberry and were allegedly taken aback by how the market developed there. At right guard, 2025 starter Kevin Zeitler remains available in free agency.
The Titans signed veteran center Austin Schlottmann. He knows new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll from their shared New York Giants days. Schlottmann may compete for the starting center gig with sophomore lineman Jackson Slater. At right guard, Cordell Volson was added as a depth blocker.
The Titans may need to draft an instant starter at least one interior offensive line position. Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge should emerge as Mike Borgonzi's preferred target. Rutledge would possibly be plug-and-play for the Titans at right guard.
2026 NFL Draft: Titans should target Georgia Tech IOL Keylan Rutledge
The Titans held a formal interview at the NFL Combine with Rutledge, the Tennessean's Nick Suss previously reported. Titans offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo was said to have joined that sit-down meeting. It's easy to imagine Rutledge, who is nicknamed "Big Red," impressing the coaching staff during that conversation.
Rutledge actually began his college football career with a local connection to the state. He initially played for Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Rutledge played two seasons for the Blue Raiders, starting 17 games before transferring to Georgia Tech.
Rutledge thrives as a physical blocker. He competes through the whistle with the nasty mean streak offensive line coaches desire in their linemen. Rutledge utilizes his broad frame to generate movement against defenders.
Rutledge also thrived at the NFL Scouting Combine. The 316 pound blocker ran a 91st percentile 40-yard dash (5.05), leaped a 92nd-percentile vertical jump (32.5 inches), and ran an 82nd-percentile three-cone (7.54s). Those are elite athletic results, per MockDraftable.
The Titans have an obvious hole at right guard heading into the NFL Draft. Even if Zeitler re-signs, the Titans require a succession plan. Rutledge would be capable of developing into a multi-year starter.