Titans: Right Guard Prospects to Watch in Today’s Senior Bowl

Let's hope the Titans are paying attention to the right guards today if they end up needing one!

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Jim Wyatt caused quite the stir on Titans Twitter this morning when an answer to a mailbag question ended with the somewhat surprising admission that he would be surprised if right guard Nate Davis was back with the Tennessee Titans next season. Now, I thought this was a possibility, and really, a contributing factor to the worst case scenario: what if the Titans have to end up replacing four offensive linemen next season? But, I figured that re-signing Davis would be a priority for a position group that has a lot of holes and a lot of questions about its future. If the rumblings are true, Davis is going to command a hefty fee, and maybe the Titans are at more of a crossroads than we initially thought. Maybe that makes them more likely to blow it up and spend the money elsewhere.

Well, how about that?!?! A little spicy nugget on Senior Bowl Saturday – which reminds me, hey! We’re at the Senior Bowl. There have been some pretty promising guard prospects down here in Mobile this week! So, allow me to put on my Big J journalist hat and provide you with some names to watch for today if the Titans suddenly find themselves in need of a new right guard.

Darnell Wright – I’m going to start with the Vol because I know that’s where everyone’s mind who’s reading this in Tennessee went immediately. Wright has had a great week at right tackle – he’s an engaged blocker that uses his frame and size to straight up move dudes. Could he slide in to right guard? I don’t know, but he did get a few reps at right guard throughout the week. Apparently, a couple of teams have asked to see him line up there this week. So, NFL coaches see potential there and are wanting to get a longer look at Wright.

Steve Avila – Avila looks like he’s going to be most “at home” at left guard, but he’s another guy who has been sliding around along the interior offensive line (even getting a few reps at center) and could offer some positional versatility in that regard. He’s a road grader built like a tank and a bowling ball had a baby. If he gets his hands on you, it’s over.

Nick Saldiveri – Saldiveri may be my favorite answer to the right guard question. That’s where he played his best ball this week, and he offers a lot of flexibility in playing style. He’s a fluid mover that plays with a wide stance, glide, and leverage more so than outright power. He’s athletic in pulling and setting the edge, and getting to the second level and seeking out blocks. He’s another guy who figures to benefit from the transition to guard after playing tackle at Old Dominion.

Emil Ekiyor Jr. – Ekiyor has been getting most of his reps at center this week, but did split some time at right guard. I think he best projects as a center – he has a low center of gravity that he utilizes to create leverage. But, he is a name to watch for his tenacity in engaging blocks.

McClendon Curtis – The comparisons to Cole Strange are way too easy. Curtis is a big big dude, and a promising player in his own right, but Strange was a lot further along than he is right now. Curtis could develop as a solid right guard because of his size and athleticism, but he needs time and coaching, and the Titans may be in need of someone who can start sooner rather than later.

Asim Richards – The North Carolina guard has been lining up right and left this week, but he caught my eye by playing with a scrappy, tough mindset at right guard. He may lack the ideal size for an offensive lineman in the NFL, but he’s a competitor. He’s another guy I think could benefit from getting some real time to develop.

All Senior Bowl content is sponsored by Lyons Ford. They’re not your typical dealership! They will always give you every discount you qualify for, and give you you the most bang for your buck for your trade-in vehicle. You won’t regret doing business with them. Reach out to Zach on Twitter if you’re looking at getting a new or used vehicle.

Thursday, Zach and I teamed up to tackle Day 2 of the Senior Bowl and what we had seen from the National Team practice on Day 3 for A Football Show on 440 Sports. Coming to you LIVE from the parking lot at Hancock Whitney Stadium in between practices, watch as we dodge cars to break down all of this week’s action.

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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.

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