If you are planning on attending Titans training camp this weekend or in the coming weeks, here’s what to watch for during your time at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Mariota’s health
After an offseason of rehabbing his way back from a broken fibula, Marcus Mariota will finally be able to practice full speed. Mariota said on Tuesday he will be “good to go with everything,” once he takes the field on Saturday afternoon.
The young quarterback, who threw for 3,426 yards and 26 touchdowns before his season was shortened in week 16, participated in all ten OTA’s practices and mini-camp. However, he was limited in team drills and did not run full speed.
Only when Mariota puts on the pads and experiences pressure in the pocket during camp, will we truly know if he is completely healed. Running play action and throwing on the run will be the next step in the process.
Improvement of the secondary
In the offseason, Titans GM Jon Robinson added cornerback Logan Ryan from the Patriots in free agency, acquired safety Jonathan Cyprien from Jacksonville and drafted corner Adoree’ Jackson in the first round.
While there were more athletic plays on the ball and enhanced speed during mini-camp and OTA’s, nothing can truly be determined on the improvement of the secondary until the pads go on. In camp, there will be more physicality at the line of scrimmage and a larger variety of coverages.
The battle to watch will be between Jackson and second-year corner Leshaun Sims. Head Coach Mike Mularkey has made it clear that he likes Sims length and experience from last season. But, Jackson has speed and ball skills, showing his playmaking ability during mini-camp. The secondary room will almost certainly be shuffling as camp progresses.
Decker’s impact
In 2015 with the New York Jets, Titans free agent acquisition Eric Decker caught 80 balls on 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns. If the veteran can match even half of that production, then the Titans wide receiver room is significantly better. But, it all depends on health.
Decker has not put on the pads since September 25, 2016, after undergoing surgeries on his shoulder and hip. However, he was practicing with the Jets before he was released.
Decker has a knack for catching touchdowns in the red zone. He is known for his physicality, precise route-running and veteran knowledge. He caught passes from Peyton Manning for years in Denver. So, he can also be a great mentor for Titans receivers.
Does he emerge as a popular target for Mariota? Can he stay healthy? Decker’s interaction with his new teammates, the role he plays in the wide receiver group and how he performs will all be important to note throughout camp.
Depth at Outside Linebacker
The Titans have their two edge rushers with outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan, who combined for 19.5 sacks last season. Yet, the depth behind the two stars is thin.
Second-round pick Kevin Dodd is still recovering from a foot injury that has held him out of action, since being placed on injured reserve on December 6, 2016. Coach Mularkey said during mini-camp that he expects the Clemson product to be ready by training camp. Dodd has posted workout videos on social media, so it will be fascinating to see if he is back to full speed on Saturday.
If Dodd is not ready to go, the Titans will have to rely on seventh-round rookie Josh Carraway and second-year player Aaron Wallace. Now, with the addition of free agent veteran linebacker Erik Walden, who had a career year with the Colts last season, it further adds more competition behind the two starters.
Keep an eye on the health and depth of the linebacker room during camp, as it will be pivotal to the success of Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense.
Playmaking Rookie Receivers
During OTA’s and mini-camp, if one player stood out on the offensive side of the ball, it was third-round wideout Taywan Taylor. The Western Kentucky University product showed blazing speed, reliable hands and playmaking ability throughout the beginning of the offseason program. Taylor looks the part of a speedy, slot receiver.
If there was a player who simply looked the part of an NFL starting receiver, it was fifth-overall pick Corey Davis. Although Davis was limited during most of the beginning of the offseason program because of an ankle injury, he practiced full speed during mini-camp. His height and ability to create space was noticed immediately.
Both rookie draft picks will be intriguing to watch once they put on pads. Will Taylor maintain the pace he brought through mini-camp? How will Corey Davis look after a full extra month of recovery from his ankle injury?
These are all questions that will be answered once they step onto the practice field Saturday afternoon.
