Delanie Walker: Titans don't need another rookie on the offensive line
The Tennessee Titans led the NFL in sacks allowed this season, so upgrading the offensive line figures to be a big priority for the team during the offseason.
But although the Titans hold the top selection in April's draft, tight end Delanie Walker said Monday the last thing the team needs to do is use the first pick on a lineman.
Tennessee ended the season with a pair of rookies in center Andy Gallik and guard Quinton Spain starting, along with a second-year left tackle in Taylor Lewan. With that in mind, Walker said getting younger up front would be a mistake.
“We don’t need another rookie lineman,” Walker said on defensive back Jason McCourty's weekly show. “Our offensive line, they’re too young. We don’t need another young guy on the line. We have eight picks, so use them wisely or trade to get older guys to come in and play the line — savvy vets, eight-year guys or seven-year guys that understand how to win and know the game.
“I think that will help the O-line. But having a rookie come in and play with more rookies just doesn’t sit well with me, and probably not with (quarterback) Marcus (Mariota).”
Whatever the solution, the Titans clearly need to make some changes. In addition to failing to protect quarterbacks Mariota and Zach Mettenberger, the Tennessee line struggled in the running game as well. The Titans finished the season ranked 25th in rushing.
