The bigger story than who was on the field today was who wasn’t out there. To go along with the players injured prior to training camp, Brian Orakpo was a non-participant as well as Rashaan Evans after he departed practice early yesterday. After an impressive first few days of camp, Corey Davis was not on the field today but coach Vrabel said it was in order to make sure he is good to go tomorrow in a more “simulated scrimmage” style of practice. The newest addition to the Titans, defensive lineman Claude Pelon got banged up and had to be walked off the field during one of the middle periods of practice. Linebacker Nate Palmer also looked to be a bit shaken up at one point, but returned and finished practice. Rookie Nico Falah walked off the field early as well. In the early stages of practice, tight ends Luke Stocker and Jonnu Smith both exited the practice field under their own power and would not return to action. Another tight end, Delanie Walker was also slow to get up after a hit on a deep pass completion from Marcus Mariota. Walker wanted to return to the field following the hit, but the coaching staff decided to keep the 33 year old who just signed a contract extension on the sideline for the short remainder of practice.
With different position groups getting banged up, we got to see an extra dose of some players. Rookie draft pick Harold Landry got in on some reps with the first team. Also with three tight ends being out by the end of practice, we were able to get a better glimpse of Anthony Firkser and Ethan Wolf.
A couple guys earning more reps without injuries in front of them were rookies Matt Dickerson and Dane Cruikshank. Dickerson, who we have primarily seen on the third team, was mixed in with the second unit on a lot of team periods today and showed some upside being able to apply pressure on 2nd string QB Blaine Gabbert. Cruikshank found himself getting time with the ones and having to test his ability covering some quicker tight ends.
While the wide receivers made some great grabs today, the overall winner of the day had to be the defense. Time and again the defensive front was able to collapse the pocket and either get a sack or force the quarterback to scramble. Darren Bates, among other linebackers, was excellent in coverage today.
In the absence of Corey Davis, some younger receivers were able to step up. Deontay Burnett continued his strong start to camp with another solid day. His route running really stood out today, and it was quick, crisp, and allowed him to create separation in 5 or 6 steps.
Darius Jennings is another receiver who stood out. Jennings is a guy who you can tell REALLY wants to make the team, just based off his effort. On the flip side, it feels like the team really wants to make a spot for him as well. He’s started work on special teams, which is a good sign for players battling for a spot. The more places you can make an impact, the better your chances are. On the field today, he looked great. During team drills, he made a great diving catch on the sidelines. He wasn’t done yet, and had yet another great diving catch over the top on a connection from Mariota. Vrabel described his route running as “decisive”, and noted that the quarterbacks are getting more comfortable with him. Moving forward, Jennings has a chance to turn some heads, and building consistency is going to be the biggest key for him to stick around.
