​Nashville is once again at the center of speculation about the Tennessee Titans’ offensive line, with many observers wondering if the unit might be even weaker than it was last season. Despite significant efforts to bolster protection around quarterback Cam Ward this year, the line remains the roster’s most pressing uncertainty and a critical variable in the team’s outlook. Training camp, along with the joint practices scheduled with the 49ers, Seahawks, and Bears, should provide the clearest indicators of where the unit stands and what improvements might be possible.
Dan Moore Jr. returns as a completely average left tackle, a nod to the consistency he brings but also a reminder that he hasn’t yet established himself as a standout anchor on the edge. At left guard, Peter Skoronski emerged as the group’s standout performer during recent evaluations, showing signs of potential to rise into the upper tier of NFL guards if his trajectory continues. In contrast, Lloyd Cushenberry was released after an up-and-down stint at center, marked by injuries and a lack of sustained production. Kevin Zeitler, who delivered noticeably better play down the stretch, remains an unrestricted free agent, leaving the Titans with significant uncertainty two weeks before camp convenes regarding whether he will be back in the fold.
At right tackle, JC Latham has faced durability issues, contending with a season-long hip problem in 2025 that limited his impact and did not meet the expectations that come with a top-10 overall draft selection. The right guard and center positions remain especially unsettled, dampening overall confidence in the protection schemes. Cordell Volson, brought in as a free agent with starting experience, represents a potential upgrade but has not yet proven himself as a reliable staple. Competing at right guard are Drew Moss and Jackson Slater, while Austin Schlottmann—added from the New York Giants and familiar with the coaching staff’s scheme—appears to hold the inside track to snapping the ball to Ward in the fall. Andre James, signed late in minicamp, rounds out the early center competition.
The path to stability for the interior line is still unclear, and Schlottmann and Volson together could imply a regression from last season’s configuration if they are relied upon as starters. The Titans face a tall task: can a refined blocking scheme and sharper protection from Cam Ward bridge the gap and mask lingering deficiencies up front? It’s plausible that Ward’s improved awareness and decision-making could soften the line’s rough edges, but the reality is that this is not a high-quality unit by NFL standards. Ward himself acknowledged that roughly half of the league-leading sacks he absorbed last season were on him, noting that his tendency to extend plays in ways that bordered on improvisation contributed to his exposure. The jump in defensive line talent across the league makes it essential for Ward to progress in his pocket presence, anticipation, and quick decision-making if the Titans hope to mitigate the line’s fragility.
If Ward can operate more efficiently and avoid extending plays unnecessarily, the Titans’ offensive line could still find a workable rhythm. The coaching staff has emphasized scheme adjustments designed to reduce negative plays and create cleaner pockets, but the success of those changes will ultimately hinge on the players’ consistency and health. The line’s evaluation will be shaped by the tempo and design of camp practices, as well as the outcomes of joint sessions against high-caliber defenses.
As the Titans head toward camp, optimism remains tempered by the known gaps along the line. The team will be watching closely to see which combinations provide the best continuity, protection, and run-blocking efficiency, and how Ward adapts to the improved—but still unproven—group around him. The overarching question remains: can the Titans’ upgraded approach and better quarterback play conceal enough flaws up front to compete at a higher level this season? The answer will begin to take shape once training camp and the joint practices expose how much progress has been made and where further adjustments are needed. This article originally appeared on A to Z Sports. Read the full story for deeper analysis and context.