As the baby steps of off season phase two leads into phase three, rookie mini camp began today in Nashville.
It’s just the first time that all Titans draftees, undrafted rookie free agents and several tryouts got together on the practice field to show what they have in front of the coaching staff and GM Jon Robinson. It’s that first little ping signal that tells us another Titans season is just around the corner. With that in mind here are some day 1 rookie minicamp observations.
When Jon Robinson and the Tennessee Titans ended their draft weekend a couple weeks ago, one common theme was found in their draft class: playmakers.
Those playmakers were finally out on the field in day one of rookie minicamp.
Speed as Advertised
Third-round wide-receiver Taywan Taylor came out of the gate right away showing bursts of quickness in route-running drills. The Western Kentucky University product made a few good cuts and displayed his agility in a few other periods. He caught the ball well, with only one drop after slipping coming out of a break.
After running a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at his University of California Pro Day, Khalfani Muhammad was buzzing down the sideline at Saint Thomas Sports Park. The young running back stood out with his speed and quickness but also showed some lateral agility that is worth watching. The seventh-round pick was not afraid to lower his shoulder and make contact after a few plays either.
Another speedster, first round pick Adoree Jackson, looked to have no nerves in his first minicamp after leaping into the air to snag the first ball thrown in the defensive back period. He sprinted the ball back to Secondary Coach Deshea Townsend with his teammates ahead of him.
Davis is raring to go
Fifth-overall pick wide receiver Corey Davis was held out of team periods of his first NFL practice.
The all-time college football receiving yards leader participated in individual portions making a few leaping grabs but was limited.
“It is pretty hard. I am not going to lie,” Davis said about being limited in his first practice. “Because, you know I am a competitor, I like to compete that is no surprise. But I trust the coaches and I trust what they are doing.”
Even though he was held out of most portions of practice, he loved seeing his new teammates in this draft class go at it.
“This team is special in particular because of the players that we have. Just everything that they preach… what they look for in a player, team first and I feel like that is definitely what we have here.”
Learning from a Hall of Famer
The defensive draft picks have been digesting the playbook since the draft, but applying Coach LeBeau’s 3-4 and learning from the former Hall of Fame defensive back on the field is different. First-round pick cornerback Adoree’ Jackson said his defensive coordinator’s experience translates through everything he teaches.
“It’s an honor and a blessing,” said Jackson of learning from Coach LeBeau. “62 interceptions (in his NFL career), so he knows what its like to dissect a defense and be able to help me when I am out there scheme wise and put me in the right positions.
“Just to be there and learn from him and all the things that he is teaching us. Just letting us be able to play ball and play within ourselves. It is great to have coaches like that.”
As for any positive feedback from Coach LeBeau on day one, Jackson said, “I got a high-five, that’s it.”
One player to watch for
Former Minnesota wide-receiver KJ Maye stood out among his fellow rookies. The 5’8,” 194 lb undrafted free agent made play after play in his first NFL practice.
The speedy wideout showed off his hands making two diving plays along the sideline, along with a few contested catches in traffic. He was showing off his speed and motor after each catch as well. Maye may be one to look out for in making the 90-man training camp roster.
