Jeremiah

Poutasi

Yet another AAF player getting a second chance, Poutasi’s brief NFL career included time at both guard and tackle. He has not played a regular season snap since 2016. Although he is only going on 25, Poutasi will be a long shot to crack the 53-man roster.

Poutasi was the 66th overall pick in last year’s draft and made six starts at right tackle as a rookie after winning the job out of camp. He quickly proved overmatched and was benched around midseason, playing just four snaps after Week 8. The Titans tried to move him to guard this summer, but he again proved incapable. Another team will take a shot on his size at 6'5/335.

The 66th overall pick in last year’s draft, Poutasi flamed out quickly with the Titans before landing on Jacksonville’s practice squad earlier this year. He is only 22 years old and a worthwhile project for the Jags’ coaching staff.

He’s been replaced on the active roster by LB Marcus Rush, who was signed off the 49ers’ practice squad on Tuesday. Poutasi drew the start at left guard Sunday against Houston but only lasted 18 snaps before getting hurt. The Jaguars’ offensive line is a mess right now.

Poutasi has been working with the second team, but remains a candidate for the Week 1 right tackle job, where he projects as a run-blocking upgrade on Byron Bell. Marcus Mariota is the Titans’ only remaining unsigned pick.

With Byron Bell replacing Andy Levitre at left guard, the Titans are looking for a new right tackle. A third-round pick this year, Poutasi was always expected to push for the starting job in camp.

The 66th overall pick in May’s draft, Poutasi flashed dominant run-blocking potential in August, though he graded out negatively across the board in Pro Football Focus’ ratings for lacking consistency. From left to right, the Titans’ Week 1 line projects as LT Taylor Lewan, LG Byron Bell, C Brian Schwenke, RG Chance Warmack, and RT Poutasi. It has a chance to be average or better.

Byron Bell’s transition from right tackle to left guard appeared to be a success in the second preseason game, and rookie Jeremiah Poutasi held his own at right tackle. The new-look line opened up big holes for Bishop Sankey against the Rams, and the sophomore running back did a good job hitting them with authority. The Titans have the barebones of a solid offensive line in place. They just need it to come together.

Bell got the nod at left guard over Andy Levitre in Sunday night’s preseason game against the Rams and impressed coach Ken Whisenhunt enough to leave him there for Tennessee’s regular-season dress rehearsal. That leaves the rest of the Titans’ line looking like: LT Taylor Lewan, C Brian Schwenke, RG Chance Warmack, and rookie RT Jeremiah Poutasi. Levitre’s job is in danger.

His competition will be Flying Byrons Bell and Stingily. Poutasi is a country-strong mauler at 6-foot-5, 335. He played right tackle early in his Utah career before converting to left side as a sophomore and junior. We’d put our money on Poutasi winning the camp battle and getting the Opening Day start.