NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As the Tennessee Titans sort out their offensive line, we're focused on the first five.

Last season showed off just how important depth is, as the Titans' top six linemen combined to miss 26 games.

Young, versatile developmental players who can step in and play well if needed are vital. Too often in recent years this team has lacked guys who fit the category.

Maybe they have one now in Will Poehls (pronounced pales), who joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2014 out of Montana. The 6-foot-8, 335-pound lineman spent all of his first year on the practice squad.

"We've asked guys to really come out and play with fire and he's done that, I think he's put some really good stuff on film," offensive line coach Bob Bostad said. "He's shown some versatility playing guard and tackle for us and I think he knows the system. I like his size, I like his length.

"Not a lot of guys can go in there at guard with those kind of dimensions and move around in there, and he did that in college, so he has a background in it. That's probably his best position right now."

You can call Poehls "Montana," as many of his teammates do, despite the fact he's actually from Phoenix. You can call him "Big Cowboy," his nickname with tight end coach Mike Mularkey and the tight ends. You can go with "Buckets," as Andy Levitre does. Or "Road Kill," which is Taylor Lewan's favorite.

"I refuse to call him Cowboy, because that's too cool of a nickname," Lewan said. "My personal favorite is Road Kill. Montana is a big, strong individual. His work ethic really keeps him going. He really plays through the whistle and does what these coaches ask him to do. I think as he continues to do what he needs to, he'll be very successful."

Poehls said in his second year he understands the offense better and can play quicker. He got some first-team reps one day this week when Chance Warmack was out recovering from a toe procedure.

Last preseason, Poehls played tackle, but then worked a lot at guard for the scout team. He was a right guard for all four years of college. He's been predominantly at guard since the Titans started camp.

With Levitre demoted and possibly getting cut, the starting guards would be Byron Bell and Warmack. The top interior backup isn't an obvious choice. Jamon Meredith has experience and has played tackle and guard, and Poehls is likely next in line.

"There is always room for work, always time to get better, I'm far from close to being elite or even good at all," Poehls said. "I'm happy with the progress I've made since last year, but I'm not happy to be where I am, if that makes any sense.

"I want to continue to get better and my goal is to be one of the best. I don't know if that's an attainable goal, but it's my goal."