The Tennessee Titans have brought on Pat Coogan, a sixth-round draft pick, as a potential new center, stirring conversations about his ability to follow in the footsteps of NFL great Jason Kelce. Kelce, also a sixth-round selection, overcame a less-than-stellar pre-draft assessment to become a Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate. Coogan's college coaches and the Titans' assistant GM highlight his exceptional leadership qualities and relentless work ethic, suggesting he possesses the intangible traits necessary to thrive despite initial projections. His journey from Notre Dame to Indiana, marked by leadership and a commitment to improvement, points to a player ready to challenge expectations for the Titans' offensive line.
Jason Kelce's professional narrative serves as a powerful precedent for Pat Coogan. Drafted 191st overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, Kelce's scouting report famously underestimated his potential, citing concerns about his size and power. Yet, he quickly established himself as a starter, eventually accumulating numerous Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl ring. His career trajectory demonstrates that draft position is not always indicative of a player's ultimate impact. This history now looms large for Coogan, who was picked 194th by the Titans, remarkably close to Kelce's original slot.
Coogan's collegiate career is marked by a clear evolution. After two years on the bench at Notre Dame, he stepped into a starting left guard role in 2023. A subsequent positional shift due to a teammate's injury saw him take over as center, a position where he truly shone. His coaches at Notre Dame and Indiana, including offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, laud his “All-Pro-level leadership traits” and his ability to inspire teammates. Notably, Coogan earned Rose Bowl MVP honors after a dominant performance with Indiana, underscoring his on-field impact and leadership presence.
The Titans' decision to draft Coogan comes at a critical juncture, as they seek to fill a void at the center position left by the departures of Lloyd Cushenberry III and Corey Levin. While veteran Austin Schlottmann has been signed, his track record doesn't guarantee a starting role, opening the door for Coogan to compete immediately. Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler emphasized the organization's high value on offensive linemen who display "grit, toughness, and the want-to to finish," attributes he believes Coogan embodies. This sentiment, combined with Coogan's own expressed desire to simply "come in and get to work" and compete fiercely, paints a promising picture for his future with the team.
Pat Coogan's arrival in Tennessee signals a new chapter for both the player and the team. With a vacant starting center spot and a team seeking a strong anchor for QB Cam Ward, Coogan has a clear path to make an early impact. His humble yet determined approach, coupled with a collegiate career defined by overcoming challenges and demonstrating natural leadership, suggests he is well-equipped to meet the demands of the NFL. The opportunity to defy pre-draft expectations, much like Jason Kelce before him, is now firmly within Coogan's grasp, making him a compelling player to watch as the Titans' season unfolds.
