By Anna Glenn Grove and Christian Kaposy
The pads were popping as the Titans took the practice field for the first time in pads this training camp. Fans watched in excitement as the physicality got stronger and many receivers, old and new, got a chance to prove themselves.
Corey Davis has a Dominate Day
Davis had been the past couple of days and continued to be the target for Marcus Mariota in today’s practice. The play of the day was made by Davis towards the middle of team practice in a catch behind the back of Adoree Jackson for a large gain. His day also included another diving catch as well as a touchdown reception during red zone drills. Davis is off to a solid start in this year’s training camp and will be a huge target this season for Tennessee.
Receiving Core Continues to Draw Attention
Corey Davis making spectacular catches, Adam Humphries becoming a consistent target for Marcus Mariota, and Tajaé Sharpe, Cameron Batson, and Kalif Raymond all making plays throughout practice. There is plenty of buzz around the Titans receiving core and it’s understandable. The 7-on-7 periods have been full of highlight catches and the young receivers are performing. Keep your eye on this position group as training camp progresses.
Veterans Get Maintenance Day
Several veteran players were given the first padded practice off. Delanie Walker, Wesley Woodyard, Cameron Wake, and Rodger Saffold were all absent on the practice field at Saint Thomas Sports Park. All four players have played 10+ years in the NFL. Head Coach Mike Vrabel wants to keep the health of his players in mind throughout training camp.
“They know their bodies and they understand. A lot of these guys have played in big games. We’re just trying to do what’s best for the player and what’s best for the team each and every day,” said Vrabel after Sunday’s practice.
First Padded Practice
The first practice in pads allowed for a realistic evaluation of the offensive and defensive lines and the running game. Biggest hit of the day happened in one of the first team periods when linebacker Rashaan Evans met a running back in the hole. Maybe the best news from the first day in pads was the health of the team by the end of a physical practice. Dennis Kelly was the only Titan to leave early, but Vrabel did not seem to concerned.
Offensive Line Rotation
During the first two days of training camp, the first and second team offensive line stayed fairly the same. That changed on Day 3 of camp. With his suspension looming, Taylor Lewan had worked with the second team, until he was mixed in with the first team today. Kevin Pamphile worked at right guard the first two days, but was on the left side with the second team today. Aaron Stinnie got an opportunity to play with the first team, along with Jamil Douglas. This is a form of acknowledgement from Vrabel.
“If you tell a guy, ‘hey man, you’re getting better, you’re getting better’ but he’s still on the third team, then why would he believe me that he’s getting better because he hasn’t seen anything that translates to the field. When players are doing their job that we want to try to reward them and move them and give them other opportunities,” said Vrabel.
