Tennessee Titans

Titans' Warmack, Lewan projected to make 'leap'

Published Jun. 30, 2015 3:15 p.m. ET

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The Tennessee Titans have uncertainty along the offensive line heading into the 2015 season and plenty of incentive to figure things out with new quarterback Marcus Mariota under center this season.

Longtime left tackle Michael Roos retired and right tackle Michael Oher was released earlier in the offseason. Incumbent center Brian Schwenke was injured and unable to practice during OTAs and minicamp, as was the man drafted to compete with him for the starting job, Andy Gallik. While the Titans still have plenty of work to do before arriving at starting group in training camp, two members already in place are earning kudos.

NFL Media's Conor Orr selected Tennessee guard Chase Warmack and tackle Taylor Lewan as two players that will be "making the leap" in 2015. As the article defines it, the leap can either be from nondescript to quality starter or from good player to superstar.

Warmack, Tennessee's first-round pick in 2013, was rated as the 25th best guard in Pro Football last season by Pro Football Focus. The expectation is he'll continue to improve this season.

"What specifically has gotten better? Power, confidence and blitz recognition," Orr wrote. "Sometimes a big-body player like Warmack just needs a year to remember that he's massive and far stronger than many of his opponents. It's a confidence that shined on tape, especially during the second half of the 2014 season."

Lewan, the Titans' top pick in 2014, will assume the left tackle spot this season. Orr praised him for his "puppy-dog energy off the ball."

"Coming into next year, I think it would be a disappointment if Lewan wasn't one of the league's 15 best left tackles and it would be a major disappointment if Warmack didn't make the leap into the top 12 alongside budding stars like Chicago's Kyle Long," Orr wrote.

So while there may questions significant questions at other spots along the line, Titans head into knowing they have at least two reasons to be optimistic.

(h/t NFL)

Photo credit:Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports