One area of need the Tennessee Titans might have upon entering the 2022 NFL draft is at the guard position.
We say might because that depends on the future of left guard Rodger Saffold, who is no doubt a candidate to be a cap casualty in 2022.
Saffold has been a great leader and a mauler in the run game during his time in Tennessee, but his pass protection was sorely lacking in 2021, and he was constantly banged-up during games.
If Saffold is cut, the Titans might have an in-house solution in 2020 UDFA Aaron Brewer, who has been solid as a backup the past two seasons.
However, the jury is still out on if Brewer is not only capable of being a starter, but also being an upgrade over Saffold.
If the Titans find themselves in the market for a new left guard, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes Boston College product Zion Johnson would be Tennessee’s “dream draft target.”
Tennessee would be fortunate to land Boston College guard Zion Johnson when it’s the team’s turn to select on Day 1.
Johnson is a beefy 6’2″, 314-pound guard with a powerful playstyle. He has a low center of gravity and is extremely strong, making him almost impossible to beat with a bull rush.
If he lands with the Titans, the Eagles product will pave lanes with ease for superstar running back Derrick Henry while also offering adequate protection for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
A two-year starter at Boston College, Johnson has experience playing both left guard and left tackle during that span. He projects to be a guard at the next level but could fill in on the end if required.
Tennessee would be getting an immediate contributor with this selection, a perfect pickup for a team looking to make a run before its window closes.
There’s a lot to like about Johnson.
While he projects as a guard at the next level, he does have at least some versatility thanks to his playing tackle in college. Furthermore, Johnson appears to be ready to contribute right away. The 6-foot-3, 316-pound interior lineman also excels in a zone-run scheme
Joe Marino of The Draft Network believes that Johnson is at his best in pass protection, which is good news for a Titans offense that needs to improve in that area. Marino calls Johnson “above-average” in the run game.
“Johnson is a smart and physical blocker with consistent technique. He plays within himself and is rarely caught with poor posture or poor control of his frame. I believe he is best in pass protection but he’s still an above average run blocker that is comfortable operating in space. Johnson has plug-and-play potential at guard in the NFL and given how consistent his technique is, I would keep him on the left side. He has the makeup of an above average starter that can lock down a starting role at least through a second contract.”
Johnson is one of three offensive linemen we’re on board with at the end of the first round. He, along with center Tyler Linderbaum (if Ben Jones leaves in free agency) and tackle Trevor Penning, should all be on Tennessee’s radar at No. 26 overall.
