NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans lost their starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere for the first six games of the season due to a gambling suspension and now will be tasked with filling that spot, even if it is only for a portion of the season.
The Titans may consider some outside assistance in free agency, but they could instead look to solve the issue internally with someone already on the roster. The Titans could simply plug a backup in or re-configure the offensive line, but either way, they do have some options currently on the team.
The Titans may have lost a starting offensive tackle, but they are fortunate enough to have one of the best college offensive tackle in recent memory already on their offensive line. The Titans first-round pick was projected as a guard by many draft pundits and the Titans have been playing Skoronski at guard, but that could change now.
Skoronski played exclusively at left tackle in college so it is no guarantee that he can flip over to the right side, but based on talent alone Skoronski is a much better option than anyone else on the roster. The real issue is that Skoronski moving to right tackle would leave an open spot at left guard, but the Titans have more options to replace a guard than a tackle.
Brunskill was brought over as a free agent this offseason and is expected to play at right guard where he has taken the majority of his professional snaps. Brunskill has a ton of versatility and experience at multiple spots on the offense line though, which had to appeal to the Titans as well.
Wouldn't you know it, they may need that versatility now. The Titans could kick Brunskill to right tackle, a spot he has played 310 snaps at in his career. Brunskill played 274 of those snaps in 2019 and he only gave up one sack and three pressures during that time. Again, the Titans have more depth at guard, so this could work well.
This would be a dangerous route to take for the Titans, but there is also some high-end upside that could be tapped into. Duncan was drafted in the sixth round this year out of Maryland. A ton of draft prospects had Duncan ranked as a top-100 prospect, but he fell due to work-ethic concerns and technique issues.
Duncan can be considered a raw prospect with a ton of athletic upside. Duncan needs seasoning and teaching to harness those physical gifts that were tantalizing to scouts in the pre-draft process, but the talent is there.
However, it is possible Duncan is more along in the development process than folks think and maybe the Titans coaching causes something to click in Duncan. While it isn't likely, Duncan has the talent to be a stud and his insertion in the lineup would allow the rest of the group to stay as is.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!