Tennessee Titans

Byron Bell back in comfort zone at right tackle

Published May. 31, 2015 11:48 p.m. ET

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It's a new team and new season for Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Byron Bell, one he hopes to capitalize on by moving back to his old home on the right side of the line.

Bell, who signed with the Titans In April, spent the the previous four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. After playing right tackle his first three seasons, the Panthers moved him to the left side in 2014, following the retirement of Pro Bowler Jordan Gross.

The results weren't overwhelmingly positive. As John Glennon of the Tennessean notes, Bell surrendered nine sacks last year, second-most among NFL tackles.

"I had been expecting to play right tackle, but things happen and you have to adjust on the fly, so I went over to the left," Bell said,via Glennon. "I got some experience over there — some good and some bad — but I think all of it will help my career going on in the future. If you're not failing at all, you're not getting any better, so I feel like I got better."

He'll have a chance to see how much better he is for the experience with the Titans. With the offseason release of Michael Oher, the Titans are in need of a starter at right tackle.

"I'm not out here thinking it's my job — I'm just trying to compete and to make everybody better," Bell said. "I don't want nothing given to me. I'm just out here trying to earn my keep."

The 6-foot-5, 340-pound Bell said the Titans' offensive line coaches have been working with him on the transition back to the right side and so far, things have gone well.

"Those guys have been showing me the ropes and some new techniques," Bell said. "I feel right now that I'm getting my feet set in the passing game much better. I feel like my pass protection is a lot better. I'm getting it down day by day and eventually it will be second nature."

If Bell can't win the job, the Titans may need to look outside the organization for a starter. Third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi told Glennon he's still adjusting to the level of competition in the NFL.

I'll be honest — it's been rough, being a rookie. But I'm still fighting through it, though," Poutasi said. "I just have to keep practicing every day, going against the same guys and trying to keep up with the speed of the game. Our whole D-line is tough — big, fast and strong. I'm still growing and learning."

(h/t The Tennessean)

Photo credit: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports