Titans making sure Taylor Lewan is ready to play both tackle spots

After four years as a starter at Michigan, Taylor Lewan is facing a new situation in the NFL. The Tennessee Titans already have Michael Roos, their starter at left tackle for the last nine years, and signed Michael Oher before the draft to lock down the right side of their offensive line.

That's why it was somewhat surprising when Tennessee selected Lewan with the 11th overall pick in May, as it will be difficult for him to crack the starting lineup this season. To make sure Lewan gets as many reps as possible, the Titans want to make him a versatile member of the line. 

"I know this for sure," Offensive line coach Bob Bostad told The Tennessean. "Taylor has to be able to play both sides."

While it appears Lewan is unlikely to begin the season as a starter, it's impossible to predict how the year will play out. That's why it's so important for the Titans to have him ready to step in on either side.

"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 may be viewed as the future starter at left tackle, but increasing his versatility will only make him a more valuable member of the team. The Titans know he's a work in progress on the right side, which is why getting him reps there during minicamp and the upcoming training camp is essential.

"I think it's definitely a challenge for him," Bostad said. "I think you have to reach a certain comfort level, and what number of reps that is and what point in time that is, I don't know. But I think he's made a lot of improvement in watching his feet and the way he's staying more square and playing - things like that."

Lewan was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Michigan Wolverines, so adapting to playing the right side as well has been troublesome. Moving from left to right tackle may not seem like it requires much of an adjustment, but there are subtle changes to the way you play the position that Lewan must get accustomed to. 

"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 leaning and developing those things, and that's what you have to do to be successful."