When the Tennessee Titans drafted offensive tackle Taylor Lewanwith the No. 11 pick in the NFL draft, the immediate question was what position he would man in 2014.
"I know this for sure, Taylor has to be able to play both sides," said offensive line coach Bob Bostad, hammering in the point following the team's minicamp, per the Tennessean.
Lewan's selection was a curious one: The Titans have left tackle Michael Roos locked in for at least one more year and had just signed right tackle Michael Oherto a four-year contract. The expectation is that Lewan will take over the left tackle role next season and the team will let Roos walk; the veteran did have good season in 2013.
In the meantime, the Titans want Lewan to be able to fill a swing role.
"Who knows what's going to happen?" Bostad said. "It's a game of attrition. Who survives and who can continue on at a high level? Guys fall off. You just have to be ready."
Lewan played four years at left tackle at the University of Michigan and must learn the right tackle position. His best chance to see a consistent role -- barring injury -- is to outplay the sometimes-shaky Oher during training camp.
The rookie believes he's made strides on the right side during offseason work.
"It's just different, something I haven't done before," Lewan said. "My vertical set is a little off, and keeping my shoulder square (is harder), those type of things. My punch timing is a lot better on the left side than it is on the right side. But it's just learning and developing those things, and that's what you have to do to be successful."
The Titans picked Lewan for the future, but want him to be ready to play two positions immediately if necessary.
In the latest episode of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys discuss Rob Gronkowski's expected return to action and Cordarrelle Patterson's potential rise this season.
