The Tennessee Titans entered the offseason with an aggressive mindset to improve their offensive line. In preparation for No. 1 overall QB Cam Ward's arrival, new GM Mike Borgonzi invested premium resources into his protection.
The Titans signed left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year contract worth $82 million in free agency. His arrival shifted sophomore-to-be JC Latham to right tackle, upgrading both bookend spots with one move. Experience and leadership was also added via Kevin Zeitler at right guard. During the 2025 NFL Draft, better interior depth was secured via fifth-round pick Jackson Slater.
The Titans desperately need to better protect Ward in 2025 than they did Will Levis and Mason Rudolph last season. A lackluster offensive line tied for the fifth-most sacks allowed with 52.
And with a Week 1 matchup versus the Denver Broncos on tap, Tennessee's new-look offensive line will face a brutal trial by fire.
Titans new-look OL faces trial by fire versus Broncos in Week 1
The Broncos posted a league-leading 63 sacks last season. The second-place finisher barely came within 10 quarterback takedowns of the Broncos' total (Baltimore Ravens, 54). There's no reason to believe Denver won't be equally as productive as a pass-rushing unit in 2025.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph returns to oversee the Broncos defense. His players are comfortable in his familiar scheme. There also hasn't been much turnover. Miraculously, Denver's top-eight sack artists from 2024 are scheduled to return in 2025. Every defender who recorded 2.5-or-more sacks in 2024 remains on the Broncos' roster.
That list includes Nik Bonitto (13.5), Jonathon Cooper (10.5), Zach Allen (8.5), John Franklin-Myers (7.0), Dondrea Tillman (5.0), Jonah Elliss (5.0), Justin Strnad (3.0), and Malcolm Roach (2.5). Ironically, next in line was linebacker Cody Barton (1.5), who now plays for the Titans.
The Titans have undergone fairly sweeping changes on the offensive line. Exactly 40 percent of its starters will be making their team debuts, and Latham will be making his first career NFL start at right tackle. Elsewhere, center Lloyd Cushenberry is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury. Cushenberry could be rusty if he's in the lineup.
All the change and uncertainty on Tennessee's offensive line could lead to a slow start. Chemistry is required to maximize the unit's potential, and chemistry can only be achieved through repetition. Unfortunately for the Titans, the Week 1 matchup is so difficult that they'll need to quickly acclimate to their new surroundings if they're to overcome the challenge against a tough Broncos defensive line.