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In a routine interview, Ruston Webster mentioned the fact that he believes in building a team starting from the line.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ruston Webster on <a href="https://twitter.com/Midday180">@Midday180</a>: Believe in continuing to build lines. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Titans&src=hash">#Titans</a></p>— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulKuharskyNFL/statuses/416662400482308098">December 27, 2013</a></blockquote>
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However, the addition of one of the best offensive guard prospects in the last 10 years didn't lead to the improved running game and wins that Titans fans hoped for. Alternatively, teams that waited until the second round to grab OL prospects (like Larry Warford from Kentucky to Detroit) had markedly improved years.
Whether or not that is the right strategy for a team that needs help at MLB and possible a new QB is debatable, but fans don't draft the players the GM does. So, if Webster is looking for a premier offensive lineman, who would the Titans be looking at in the 9-15 range? Here are some names to look over and evaluate.
Jake Matthews LT TAMU
Matthews is this year's Chance Warmack, but he plays a much more coveted position. Mathews is a dominant run blocker who has all the tools to become an elite pass protector (though he isn't there now) and he will be someone's top 10 pick unless he has a catastrophe of some kind. Matthews isn't his dad, but he also is leaps and bounds above his brother (the infamous Kevin Matthews) and would be a great stopgap RT who will one day take over the LT position from Michael Roos.
Cyrus Kouandijo LT Alabama
CK isn't ready to play LT at the next level, but he can run block with the best of them. While many will be quick to throw at comparisons to D.J. Fluker, he doesn't have nearly that length and he doesn't play with that sort of anger. Where he will win is on a team that will run the ball more often than throw it, that way he isn't frequently matched up with speed rushers who can pin their ears back.
Taylor Lewan LT Michigan
I made the comparison last year that Lewan is David Stewart, but more athletic. Lewan is lean and quick, and he plays with a violent streak that will draw the same penalties fans saw from Stewart. If the Titans want a fist fight in the trenches against players like Watt (and potentially Clowney) Lewan is a player that won't back down from any player and will make them pay when he gets his hands on them.
Dark Horse: Greg Robinson LT Auburn
Robinson is a redshirt sophomore, but if he declares scouts will salivate at this tape. He is young, strong, athletic, and looks like he has all the makings of a great one in the NFL. The problem is, most players that have this level of success will return if they miss the championship. With that in mind, it would take an AU championship ring to get him out of college ball and to the pros. If he is listening to the right people, he will see that there will be no better chance for him to enter the draft and he will make the leap.