NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans on Thursday drafted Michigan offensive tackle
Taylor Lewan
in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 11th overall pick.
Lewan became the fourth straight offensive player selected by the Titans in the first round and second straight offensive lineman, joining guard Chance Warmack in 2013, receiver Kendall Wright in 2012 and quarterback Jake Locker in 2011. Lewan is the first offensive tackle drafted by the Titans since sixth-rounder Byron Stingily in 2011, and is the first tackle drafted by the franchise in the first round since the Houston Oilers selected Brad Hopkins with the 13th overall pick in 1993.
Lewan started 48 of 50 games, including: 13 at left tackle in 2013 when he was named a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten; 13 at LT in 2012 when he was first-team All-American and All-Big Ten; and 13 in 2011 when he was second-team All-Big Ten. He started nine of the 11 games he played as a freshman in 2010 after redshirting in 2009. In 2012, a fumble recovery led to Lewan becoming the first Michigan offensive lineman to score a touchdown since 1948. He played offensive line for the first time as a senior in high school after previously playing defensive end.
Lewan instantly adds depth at the position to longtime mainstay Michael Roos, a 2005 draft pick by Tennessee, and Michael Oher, who signed a multi-year contract as a free agent this offseason.
