NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Titans general manager Ruston Webster is keeping a close eye on the developments in training camp, and preseason games.
In the coming weeks, he knows some tough roster decisions will need to be made.
This week, I sat down with Webster to discuss some topics.
His responses:
**
Titans players take the field for training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
On what's stood out so far in camp**
Webster: "From a practice standpoint, our practices have been probably as physical as I've ever seen them since I have been here. I like the way our running game is coming around. I think our quarterbacks have all stood out, all four of them, and that has been real positive. There's several things, but those are the things that come to mind."
Lingering questions on the team/roster
Webster: "I think the biggest thing to me, some questions – our depth on defense, especially at outside linebacker, I think that is still sorting itself out. Some lingering questions are in the secondary. Some of that is due to injuries, and some of it is due to the fact that, let's say outside linebacker, we haven't had anybody step up and take control from a depth standpoint. We are still waiting to see that."
Impressions of Marcus Mariota
**
Webster:** "It's been good. Everything has been real positive with Marcus, the way he has handled the whole situation, the way he has practiced, the way he has played. I think we feel good at where he is at this point and time. He just has to keep doing what he is doing, getting better. He is a quick study and when he makes mistakes he learns from them the first time, and that is a real positive thing. And I think he'll continue to do that."
Most competitive positions on roster
Webster: "I would say receiver, offensive line, maybe defensive line. It always sorts itself out. Almost every year it looks really tough and you'll have some hard decisions, but typically by the end of the preseason it has sorted itself out."
Thoughts on linebacker Brian Orakpo
Webster: "He has been great. He really worked hard this offseason, and he brings a lot of leadership and ability. The thing I like about Brian is he is equally as good against the run as he is rushing the passer, and those guys are hard to find. I love what he brings to our team in terms of his physical nature and work ethic and his toughness."
On rookies who've stood out so far in camp
**
Marcus Mariota, Dorial Green-Beckham and David Cobb pose for photos during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. (AP Photos)
Webster:** "Obviously Marcus. But DGB (Dorial Green-Beckham) continues to improve every day. David Cobb has kind of shown what we saw from him at the Senior Bowl and in college, his ability to run the football, his vision and his feet. If he continues along that path he can help us. I like what I have seen from our fourth-rounders, Angelo Blackson and Jalston Fowler have done well. I think all of them have shown what we saw coming out to differing degrees of success, so they just need to continue to improve."
On what you'd like to see in preseason Game No.2 vs the Rams
Webster: "Just improvement all the way around. I'd like to see us come out a little stronger early, and play a little better from the start. Defensively, I'd like to see us play a little better all the way around, and just avoid mistakes that put you in a hole. We just need to continue to improve."
On Dick LeBeau's impact
Webster: "I love talking to him. We were talking on the field the other day, and he's very insightful, and that experience goes a long way. I think he is getting a better feel for our team every day. I do think the players have bought in to all of our coaches, not just defense, not just Dick, but offense and special teams, too. I love the way they are trying to do what they are coached to do, and I think our coaches are doing a great job overall. I definitely think Dick has had a positive influence on us."
