The Tennessee Titans held their first training camp practice of the 2024 campaign on Wednesday afternoon. Nearly every player was available to head coach Brian Callahan. Veteran safety Jamal Adams made his Titans debut and swiftly made an impact on defense.
Adams forced a turnover during a team period against the second-team offense, according to Paul Kuharsky. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph completed a pass to tight end Nick Vannett. Rookie seventh-round pick Jaylen Harrell jarred the football loose, and Adams was well-positioned to recover the fumble.
Turnover: Rudolph to Vannett, Harrell jarred it loose, Adams recovered.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 24, 2024
Soon after: Willis to Bryce Oliver, Otis Reese forced fumble, Oliver recovered. #Titans
That wasn't Adams' lone notable moment at Wednesday's practice. Sam Phalen of A to Z Sports was impressed while observing him. Adams recorded a "sack" (non-contact) of quarterback Will Levis after slicing through the offensive line untouched on a designed blitz. The three-time Pro Bowler also reportedly showcased some ability in coverage as a nickel defender throughout a team period.
Jamal Adams impressed me today at #Titans camp. Looked as fast as advertised.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) July 24, 2024
Has a “sack” of Levis after cutting through the line untouched on a blitz. Showed some coverage ability as the nickel in team period.
It sounds like Adams enjoyed a strong debut practice with the Titans. That's fantastic news for defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson as he continues sorting through his depth chart at safety. Adams signed a one-year contract worth little more than the veteran minimum with the Titans. The financial commitment guarantees him little, so he'll have to earn playing time via impressive practices like this one.
Adams is attempting to position himself as the starting safety opposite Amani Hooker. His biggest contender is Elijah Molden, who has been more of a rotational and hybrid defender. If Adams continues enjoying practices like the one he did on Wednesday, he could easily outlast Molden in their perceived position battle.
The Titans have still been connected to free-agent safeties Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs despite signing Adams. On Wednesday, general manager Ran Carthon said, "I was asked yesterday about signing another safety. We will if we need to. You can never have too many good football players," during a morning appearance on the Ramon, Kayla, and Will show.
Adams also spoke with the media following his impressive practice on Wednesday.
"I think so," Adams responded in this clip captured by Kuharsky when asked if he's the same player before suffering what he categorized as a two-year injury. "I think it's the process of getting back ," Adams said. "It's a process of learning about my body. I'm knowing my assignments, coming out here and flying around the ball. We're timing up different blitzes and things of that nature. I'm excited for the opportunity to get back. We'll see."
Adams sounds like he's having fun at Titans practice.