Music City Miracles
The Titans executed an intriguing trade over the weekend
The Tennessee Titans acquired offensive tackle Leroy Watson in a trade with the Cleveland Browns over the weekend in exchange for a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 227). Watson is an intriguing player with untapped potential and a high ceiling.
The first thing that jumps at you immediately is that Watson was coached by new Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan in Cleveland last season. That makes it seem like Watson was personally requested by Callahan, who has overseen his development as a player. Watson joins a Titans roster that only has Nicholas Petit-Frere, John Ojukwu, and Jaelyn Duncan. Watson’s experience with Callahan could give him a leg up.
Watson is a converted college tight end with 35 inch arms. He had to add significant bulk throughout the pre-draft process, having entered as a 270 pound tackle. Watson does possess significant athleticism, having run a 4.91 40, 7.46 3-cone. Watson also leaped a 33.5 inch vertical before signing with the Atlanta Falcons in undrafted free agency. He eventually latched on with Cleveland, earning a spot on their 53 man roster under Callahan.
Watson earned 55 snaps for the Browns throughout the 2023 campaign, 32 of which occurred at left tackle. Watson also played 12 snaps at right tackle, and 11 snaps at tight end (essentially as a sixth blocker), according to Pro Football Focus. The sample size is undeniably small, but PFF did not credit Watson with allowing a sack or pressure, nor was he whistled for a penalty.
The majority of Watson’s snaps occurred in Cleveland’s Week 18 regular season finale versus the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s worth noting that new Titans head coach Brian Callahan had a front-row seat as Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator. Watson played 45 total snaps in that game.
Watson rotated in for both James Hudson III and Geron Christian at left and right tackle versus the Bengals. PFF charted 27 pass-blocking opportunities for Watson throughout that contest. As previously mentioned, he did not allow a single pressure.
Watson obviously impressed Bill Callahan throughout his tenure with the Browns. It’s possible that Brian Callahan was also impressed with Watson after re-watching the tape of Cincinnati’s Week 18 game versus Cleveland. The Titans still need to add premium tackle(s) via the 2024 NFL Draft, but Watson could contend for a 53-man roster spot.
