/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71341124/1419963333.0.jpg)
- The Tennessee Titans selected former Ohio State offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere with the No. 69 overall selection in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. A wide ranging amount of attention did not arrive even days after Petit-Frere’s selection. Titans fans were busy diverting attention to the selections of Malik Willis and Treylon Burks. Fast forward to Sunday’s impending opener against the New York Giants and Petit-Frere is arguably in the biggest spot of any Titans rookies.
Petit-Frere will start for the Titans at right tackle on Sunday. Petit-Frere didn’t enter training camp as the favorite to win the job. It was a result of his impressive showings, paired with disappointing outputs from second-year tackle-turned-guard Dillon Radunz. Titans General Manager Jon Robinson entered the offseason searching for an upgrade at the position following less-than-desirable performances by David Quessenberry last season. Quessenberry allowed a team-high 11.0 sacks while struggling in pass protection, via Pro Football Focus. Petit-Frere will now attempt to provide that upgrade.
Titans Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing is confident.
“It goes back to him [Petit-Frere] relying on his foundation,” Downing said Thursday. “He’s shown steady progress and commitment to growth. He’s done things the way we ask him to do it. I believe that his poise, confidence, and his reliance on the techniques he’s learned are going to serve him well. We’re excited to see what he can do,” Downing concluded.
#Titans OC Todd Downing on Petit-Frere winning the starting RT spot and the challenge he faces Sunday: pic.twitter.com/O3Zhkfhslb
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) September 8, 2022
Right tackle has been a problem spot for the Titans since Jack Conklin’s departure. Dennis Kelly proved to be a league-average short-term solution. The drafting of Isaiah Wilson was a well-documented disaster. Radunz is a second-round disappointment as of now. The Titans desperately need Petit-Frere to end the drought.
Petit-Frere may potentially catch a break during Sunday’s debut. The Giants’ starting EDGE defenders Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari continue to feature on their injury report and appear truly questionable for Sunday’s season opener. Petit-Frere’s job would get considerably easier if Thibodeaux and Ojulari are unable to suit up.
Loading comments...