The Tennessee Titans entered training camp earlier this week with a major roster concern at swing offensive tackle. Through two practice sessions, there's no reason to put an end to those worries. Nothing is decided after two practices, but the general sentiment remains that the Titans aren't good enough behind starters Dan Moore and JC Latham.
Latham began camp on the PUP but has already been activated and could practice Saturday, head coach Robert Saleh confirmed. Speaking at the podium prior to Thursday's practice, Saleh also said injuries are guaranteed to happen when asked about the swing tackle position. Equipped with that knowledge, the Titans should aim to be considerably better than they currently are behind both Latham and Moore.
Veteran swing tackle Austin Deculus has seemingly practiced with the first-string offense in Latham's absence. Deculus makes sense as the in-house favorite to win the No. 3 job based on his experience and status as a free-agent addition. He false-started on one of his first plays of camp, per Turron Davenport.
Tennessee Titans still have a swing tackle problem at training camp
Sophomore undrafted free agent Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is also a candidate to win the swing tackle role. The Titans clearly like him as a developmental project, having made him a surprise inclusion on last year's initial 53-man roster to protect him from being exposed to waivers. Crenshaw-Dickson played 18 offensive snaps as a rookie, per Pro Football Focus, and 17 of them were as a jumbo sixth lineman.
PFF credited Deculus with allowing seven sacks on just 342 pass-blocking snaps last season. He replaced Rashawn Slater at left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers following his season-ending injury. Deculus earned a 33.1 grade in protection and was a downright liability.
It's difficult to find quality swing tackles, but the Titans' options of Deculus and Crenshaw-Dickson are below league average. Given the importance of protecting franchise quarterback Cam Ward, it could be devastating if Moore or Latham missed time with injury. The Titans need to find a creative way (trade?) to have better offensive tackle depth.
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