Even after the 2026 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans will enter training camp with a lot of uncertainty at the right guard position. Last year's starter Kevin Zeitler played on a one-year contract and currently remains available in free agency. The Titans do not have a surefire starter at right guard.
Sophomore Jackson Slater may open training camp as the favorite to claim the job. General manager Mike Borgonzi also signed veteran guard Cordell Volson to come compete. The real wild-card in the competition is fifth-round pick Fernando Carmona.
Carmona was a four-year starter in college. He possesses the experience, maturity, leadership, and toughness Borgonzi covets at the position. The Titans were able to draft Carmona at No. 142 overall. Looking at Tennessee's depth chart at right guard, you can see the pathway for the rookie to carve out an important role right away.
Fernando Carmona could fast-track his way to important Titans role
Carmona spent three college seasons playing left tackle. He made a successful transition to guard this past season, enjoying a stellar campaign inside the SEC for Arkansas. Having that experience at guard could help Carmona quickly compete with Slater and Volson at training camp.
There have been some conflicting reports regarding whether the Titans primarily view Slater at center or guard. If it's the former, Carmona's pathway to guard becomes incredibly straightforward. He'd be tasked with defeating Volson, who is largely viewed as a below-average NFL starter. Volson also missed the entire 2025 season with injury, so he's attempting to come back from a lengthy sideline stint.
Carmona plays the position with the energy and aggressive mindset Borgonzi appreciates in an interior lineman. Physical deficiencies like short arms made the Las Vegas, Nevada native a poor fit at offensive tackle, so making the transition to guard could help prolong his football career. Caromona is tough and plays with maximum effort.
Several Titans rookies are a lock to start in 2026, including Carnell Tate and Anthony Hill Jr. When analyzing the situation, Carmona may possess a better opportunity than first realized. Carmona should head into camp aiming to impress the coaching staff and win the starting job.
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