Notes from second week of Tennessee Titans OTAs

The Tennessee Titans finished their second week of OTAs, and specific players are beginning to stand out with more work under their belts.

The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their first round of OTAs and some standouts were a pair of rookies. Wide receiver Taywan Taylor and linebacker Jayon Brown have been doing their jobs in practice and have impressed Titans coaches and players. While early reports don’t always translate to success on the field, good performances in practice from rookies is always noteworthy.

Rookies are usually the ones who draw the headlines, mostly because the team hasn’t seen them in person and practicing against other players, but veteran players can sometimes earn rave reviews. One Titans veteran who has stood out during the second round of OTAs has been Nate Palmer, who re-signed with the team this offseason after a solid 2016.

According to Jim Wyatt, “Linebacker Nate Palmer has been noticeable in workouts this offseason. In practices, he looks lighter, and faster. He’s regularly been around the football.”

Within Wyatt’s “things that stood out” is Derrick Henry, who is in line for a bigger workload in 2017 after a stellar, uber-efficient rookie season.

"“Henry showed up for the offseason program last month in great shape, and he’s been impressive in practices. While veteran DeMarco Murray remains the team’s top back, Henry is picking up momentum for himself heading into Year 2. He showed some burst when he got into the open field on several occasions, and his work has earned him some nice reviews from his coaches.” – Wyatt"

Rookie tight end Jonnu Smith has made a good first impression on the coaches, with head coach Mike Mularkey dubbing Wednesday as Smith’s best day of OTAs. His attitude and bravado has impressed Wyatt.

"“Something else I like about Smith is his confidence. He’s been respectful to the veterans around him, but there’s no disguising the fact he believes he belongs and plans to prove it.” – Wyatt"

In terms of the quarterback situation now that Matt Cassel is out for an extended period of time, Wyatt notes that Marcus Mariota has improved steadily in practices as he increases his workload in his return from a fractured fibula. Alex Tanney, the 29-year-old veteran who has been with the team for a total of three years, “has looked good”. As our own Luke Worsham explored just a few days ago, though, newcomer Tyler Ferguson could give Tanney some friendly competition in OTAs.

All in all, OTAs have gone as expected for the Titans. Mariota and Corey Davis have been gradually increasing their involvement as they work back from injuries, the rookies look good and the team has a good vibe surrounding it. Let’s make it through OTAs healthy until the real games begin.