New Titans GM Mike Borgonzi Could Make Huge Splash by Attracting Former Vols Star to Fix a Desperate Need in Tennessee

As the Tennessee Titans begin a new chapter with Mike Borgonzi at the helm as the team’s General Manager, the eyes of the NFL community are focused on the direction the franchise will take under his leadership. Borgonzi, who took over the role after the departure of Jon Robinson, has big shoes to fill. Robinson’s tenure was marked by a mix of success and struggle, with some notable draft picks and free-agent acquisitions, but also with critical shortcomings in other areas. One glaring area of need that has haunted the Titans in recent seasons is their offensive line, particularly at the left tackle position. In a league where the value of a sturdy offensive line cannot be overstated, this issue has become an Achilles’ heel for the Titans, especially as quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s window for contention narrows.

There is a clear opportunity for Borgonzi to make an immediate impact, and one path that could offer substantial rewards involves pursuing a former Tennessee Vols star—one with the talent, experience, and potential to shore up this critical need for the Titans: left tackle Darnell Wright.

The Titans’ Offensive Line Woes: A Desperate Need for Stability

To fully grasp the importance of adding a high-caliber left tackle, it is necessary to understand the context surrounding the Titans’ offensive line struggles. In the NFL, protecting the quarterback is paramount. The quarterback’s success often hinges not just on the quality of their play, but also on the strength and reliability of the offensive line. For the Titans, the lack of stability and protection on the offensive line has been one of their most pressing issues over the past few seasons.

While the team has a promising running back in Derrick Henry, the offensive line struggles have severely hindered their offensive potential. At left tackle, the Titans have yet to find a long-term solution to protect Tannehill’s blindside. While there have been multiple attempts to address this need through the draft and free agency, none have truly panned out. Inconsistent play from left tackle, combined with injuries, has resulted in Tannehill being under pressure far too often, leading to sacks, hurries, and a diminished ability to perform at a high level.

For any GM looking to build a championship-contending team, it’s essential to solidify the offensive line, particularly the left tackle position. The left tackle is often the most important position on the offensive line, and when that position is solidified, it allows the rest of the offense to function much more smoothly.

Darnell Wright: The Former Vol Who Could Revitalize the Titans’ O-Line

Darnell Wright, a star left tackle for the Tennessee Volunteers, offers the Titans a perfect solution to their woes. A dominant force at the collegiate level, Wright has been a mainstay for the Vols at left tackle and played a crucial role in the team’s resurgence during his time in Knoxville. With his blend of size, strength, agility, and experience against top-tier SEC talent, Wright is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL. The Titans would be wise to target him as a foundational piece to rebuild their offensive line and protect Tannehill for the next phase of their window to contend.

Wright’s skillset is tailored for the NFL. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing around 330 pounds, Wright has the prototypical size for an NFL tackle. He’s also equipped with remarkable agility, which is especially valuable in both pass protection and the run game. What sets Wright apart from other offensive linemen is his balance of power and technique. His power allows him to control defenders in the trenches, while his footwork and hand placement show a polished technique that is rare for a player at his level of experience.

In his final season with the Vols, Wright earned significant recognition for his play. He was consistently matched up against some of the best pass rushers in college football, including a number of potential first-round draft picks, and more than held his own. His ability to keep defenders at bay while providing ample time for his quarterback to throw is a testament to his NFL-ready potential.

Not only did Wright excel as a pass protector, but his ability to create running lanes for Tennessee’s running backs helped elevate the Vols’ offense to new heights. As the Titans look to keep their ground game potent with Henry running behind him, Wright’s run-blocking prowess would immediately fit into the team’s philosophy of dominating the line of scrimmage.

The Fit in Tennessee: A Perfect Match for Borgonzi’s Vision

When Borgonzi takes over as GM of the Titans, one of his first orders of business will be determining the direction of the roster and which players he can add to create a stronger, more balanced team. From the moment Borgonzi steps in, he will have to decide whether he believes in the current iteration of the team, or if changes are needed to ensure the franchise is positioned for success in the long term.

Wright’s inclusion would allow Borgonzi to build a line around a highly skilled and dependable left tackle, which is essential to stabilizing the offense. Borgonzi has a reputation for being an intelligent evaluator of talent, having spent many years working in the Kansas City Chiefs’ front office, where he contributed to building a roster that included elite offensive linemen like Orlando Brown Jr. and Creed Humphrey. Borgonzi knows what it takes to build a sustainable offensive line, and Wright would be an ideal player to add to the roster to form a more formidable offensive unit.

The connection to the Tennessee Volunteers program also adds a layer of familiarity and intrigue for Titans fans. Wright is not just a talented player but a player with deep ties to the state of Tennessee. He’s a local hero in the eyes of many Tennessee football fans, and his success at the college level endeared him to a passionate fan base. Bringing Wright back to Nashville would not only fix a desperate need for the Titans, but it would also energize the fanbase and make a significant splash on the team’s brand.

The Road to a Potential Draft Selection

As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans are in a prime position to potentially draft Wright, especially if they remain within striking distance of a top pick. The draft is often unpredictable, but it is clear that Wright is one of the top offensive linemen in his class, and his value could be too great to pass up. Teams with high picks that have a dire need at left tackle will likely have Wright on their radar, and the Titans are no exception.

For Borgonzi, the path to acquiring Wright might come down to smart maneuvering in the draft. If the Titans are able to position themselves to select Wright, or perhaps even trade up to secure him, it would be a bold and impactful move. With his addition, the Titans would immediately get an upgrade at the left tackle position, a player who could be the cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.

The Future of the Titans

In the coming years, the Titans will have to make critical decisions about their roster as they continue to contend in the competitive AFC South. With key pieces like Tannehill and Henry aging, the franchise will need to build around a strong offensive line, which means investing in young talent like Darnell Wright. Borgonzi’s ability to identify and secure impactful talent will define his tenure as GM, and selecting a player like Wright could go down as one of the most significant decisions he makes during his early years with the team.

If Wright can continue to develop and adjust to the NFL’s elite competition, the Titans’ offensive line could become a force in both the run game and pass protection. Given the Titans’ long-term need for a reliable left tackle and the impending decline of veteran players at other positions, Borgonzi’s ability to draft Wright and solidify the left tackle spot could set the foundation for sustained success.