The Tennessee Titans headed into offseason workouts without surefire starters at right guard and center. Once training camp arrives, the expectation is that the Titans will hold an open competition at both offensive line positions. Day Three 2026 NFL Draft selection Pat Coogan figures to be among the contenders.
The Titans selected Coogan with the 194th pick. A reigning National Championship winner with the Indiana Hoosiers, Coogan checked several boxes for general manager Mike Borgonzi. He's smart, physical, tough, and competitive, which is what the Titans are looking for in interior linemen.
The Titans have a number of guards and centers vying for those two starting positions. Coogan and fellow draft pick Fernando Carmona are among them. Sophomore blocker Jackson Slater, and free-agent signings Austin Schlottmann and Cordell Volson are the others.
Austin Schlottmann vs. Pat Coogan is a position battle to watch in Tennessee Titans training camp
Coogan's chances of seriously competing for the starting center job may actually depend on where the Titans best view Slater. There have been mixed reports and signals regarding Slater's primary position for the Titans. He's capable of playing all three interior positions.
If Slater primarily competes at center, that becomes a crowded competition that includes Schlottmann. If Slater strives towards winning the right guard gig over Carmona and Volson, then it becomes a two-man race at center. Coogan's chances would increase.
Schlottmann should probably be considered the favorite at center no matter what. The veteran blocker signed a two-year contract with the Titans worth $7 million in free agency. Schlottmann reunites with new Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who both coached him with the New York Giants last season.
Schlottmann started four games for Daboll and Bricillo last season. The former TCU standout has started just 18 career games in seven seasons though. Schlottmann hasn't exactly established himself as a slam-dunk starter in the NFL.
Borgonzi was excited about drafting Coogan in the sixth round. The ex Indiana and Notre Dame center possesses traits that indicate he could develop into a future NFL starter. Given the lack of high-end competition at center, Coogan could head into camp with a realistic chance to win a position battle.
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