Tennessee Titans cutting room floor: Offensive line

With the first OTAs right around the corner for the Tennessee Titans, it is time to look at narrowing the roster rather than expanding it. The Tennessee Titans are actually a lot deeper with young talent than they have been in the past few years, so this should be a pretty competitive offseason.

With the offensive line essentially set, this is specifically looking at the guys behind the first five.

Byron Stingily- In

I think if you play offensive tackle at a halfway decent rate right now, you are going to make this team. Not only are the Titans thin at that position, the right tackle spot is still very much up for grabs. I like what Stingily has done in the past and he has no physical shortcomings so I have no issue with him being a quality backup for the next five years.

Byron Bell- In

I really am not a fan of Bell's and I don't understand why he was the choice over Joe Barksdale. However, he is on the team and I doubt the selection of Jeremiah Poutasi results in him getting walking papers. I think his best fit is right tackle which helps his case and hopefully playing next to a strong right guard will boost his production.

Andy Gallik- In

I think Gallik ends up pushing Brian Schwenke for the starting job, but ultimately I think the offensive line chemistry developed really nicely inside by the end of the season so I doubt they change anything. However, I could easily see Gallik as a long-term starter at center if this offense can transform into a fast-paced offense that keeps defenses on their toes.

Gabe Ikard- Out

I was a big fan of Gabe Ikard coming out when the Titans got him as an UDFA. Fast foward one year and it looks like he could be on the outside looking in. If Ikard can prove to be capable of playing guard I could see this working, otherwise I don't understand how you can keep three centers on the roster.

Everyone else-Out

This means that the only lineman on the Titans roster are: Taylor Lewan, Andy Levitre, Brian Schwenke, Chance Warmack, Jeremiah Poutasi, Byron Stingily, Byron Bell, and Andy Gallik. No usually a team goes into the season with nine offensive linemen (I believe) so this is indicative of how little I think of the Tennessee Titans backups.

I could see UDFA Josue Matias landing a job as a premier backup guard (which this team needs), but an UDFA with injury questions is hard to project onto a 53 man roster. If he plays like I think he can and stays healthy he will end up on my next list. If not, expect the Titans to go shopping for another lineman in free agency before it is all said and done.