First Down And Tenn: Tennessee Titans And More….
By Les Bailey
The news coming out of the Tennessee Titans camp has been lean for the past couple of days, so let’s take a look around the NFL for some stories. Most of the news surrounding the Titans continues to center around Marcus Mariota, so we will kick things off this morning with some Marcus Mariota content from the Tennessean.
Marcus Mariota already carrying load for Titans – David Climer The Tennessean
Several of his new teammates have spoken aboutMarcus Mariota‘s attitude and work ethic when he enters the weight room.
"“He kind of blends in and gets right down to work,” said linebacker Derrick Morgan. “You don’t think, ‘Hey, that guy’s the new quarterback.’ He’s in there working hard like everybody else.”"
It is time well spent. Mariota needs all the strength he can get. Based on what we’ve seen in the six weeks since he was drafted, he’s expected to carry the Titans franchise.
We’re down to 12 draft picks without their rookie contracts Darin Gantt – ProFootballTalk
In the old days of the previous CBA, draft picks signing didn’t begin in earnest until the Fourth of July. Legendary Giants General Manager George Young pushed it back, saying he didn’t worry about unsigned picks until Bastille Day.
This year, we’re close to having them wrapped up by Flag Day.
Tyler Lockett is making a positive impression – Terry Blount ESPN
Note: I really liked this kid, and had him on going to the Titans in one of my Mock drafts!
Seattle Seahawks special teams coach Brian Schneider likes what he sees in rookie returner Tyler Lockett.
"“Excellent, more than I expected in terms of him being able to track the ball and field the ball,” Schneider said. “His work ethic is unbelievable. So he’s everything you’re looking for and we’re just excited to see him go.”"
Lockett, a wide receiver from Kansas State, was a third-round draft choice by the Seahawks. He was widely viewed as the best kick and punt returner available in the 2015 draft.
Eagles’ overhaul was massive, but in Chip I trust – Gil Brandt NFL.com
I can’t remember the last time a head coach made over a team like Chip Kelly has with the Eagles. Gone are quarterback Nick Foles (whose passer rating of 119.2 in 2013 ranks as the third-highest in NFL history among players with 100 or more pass attempts in a season), receivers DeSean Jackson (1,332 yards, nine touchdowns in 2013) and Jeremy Maclin (1,318 yards, 10 touchdowns in 2014) and running back LeSean McCoy (2926 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over the past two seasons). And Kelly made those changes despite winning 20 games since arriving in Philly two years ago.
Predicting the Winners of the QB Competitions Around the League – Jimmie Kaylor Cheatsheet
The spotlight always shines the brightest on quarterbacks. When a team wins, the quarterback almost always gets most of the credit. Likewise, when a team loses, their quarterback shoulders most of the blame. Given the importance teams place on the position, it should come as no surprise that quarterbacks are among the highest paid professional athletes in the world. In fact, we would be willing to bet that most football fans would find it easier to name all 32 starting NFL quarterbacks than it would be to name the five offensive lineman who were named first-team All-Pro in 2014.
Next: Bishop Sankey's Second Chance