Over the last three years, the Tennessee Titans have invested two first-round picks and three big free-agent contracts into upgrading the offensive line. Is this the season where all of those investments finally pay off? Offensive coordinator Nick Holz recently offered some hope.
The Titans' coordinators were available to the media throughout mandatory minicamp practices. They were open and honest with their plans and goals heading into the season, and what they have seen so far out of their players throughout the offseason program.
Despite OTAs taking place over the last few weeks, the team had the full offensive line together for the first time this week, though not all present were physical participants. Veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler is 35, and his longevity is a testament to his understanding of exactly how to get his body into football shape, which earned him the right to ease into on-field activities.
With the group all in one place, Holz could begin accurately projecting what the O-line will look like as a unit when the season rolls around. Holz was asked about the collective, and his answers were telling.
Titans OC Nick Holz gushes over JC Latham
When asked about JC Latham's transition from left tackle to right tackle, Holz went a step further, going so far as to call him the team's best lineman this offseason. Holz added Latham has consistently gotten great reviews for his work on and off the field.
That is huge news for the second-year tackle that the Titans are depending on to help protect Cam Ward this season.
Holz was also asked about center Lloyd Cushenberry, who is out on the field, but not participating in drills yet as he recovers from last year's season-ending Achilles injury. Holz said that Cushenbery and Ward's relationship is growing and developing, and that the two locker-mates have been working on what Ward sees and how the two can set protections most effectively.
Holz wrapped up his comments about Cushenberry by calling him the "leader of the offensive line," which is high praise when you consider the pedigree throughout the rest of that group.
All of that is positive news for the offensive line, and it might be time to start becoming slightly more optimistic about what this group can do together under the tutelage of legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan.