NASHVILLE – At the NFL owners meetings last week, I had a chance to visit with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for about 10 minutes after his media availability.
I've already used quotes from Vrabel discussing the new overtime rule, the competition at back-up quarterback, and his current thoughts on the offensive line.
But listening to my tape recorder, I had a few more nuggets/topics I wanted to share in a notebook-style post.
So, let's roll them out …
Newcomers: Vrabel has discussed free agent acquisitions Robert Woods, Austin Hooper and Jamarco Jones. He also offered his thoughts on former 49ers running back/returner Trenton Cannon and former Texans defensive back A.J. Moore, signed by the Titans early in free agency.
"Both of those guys wanted to be with us, wanted to be a part of our football team," Vrabel said. "Clearly A.J.'s special teams resume speaks for itself. We talked to him about creating a role on defense.
"Trenton, with his ability to play gunner and to cover kicks, and his ability to impact the game on special teams with his speed, and his disruption. We'll give him an opportunity as well to work at running back as a change of pace."
Adeniyi's role: The Titans signed linebacker Ola Adeniyi to a one-year deal last month.
Vrabel said Adeniyi will continue to work on special teams while competing on defense.
Signed by the Titans last offseason after playing his first three NFL seasons with the Steelers, Adeniyi played in 16 games in 2021. Adeniyi finished the year with 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 20 quarterback pressures and two tackles for a loss while also contributing with 10 stops on special teams.
"Ola did a nice job, and he took advantage of his opportunity," Vrabel said. "He impacted games, and did a nice job, whether that was Seattle or Indy. His first job will be as a leader, and a large presence on our special teams unit. But we want him to have a defensive role as well for us, and he wants that."
Tyler Vrabel: After starting three years on Boston College's offensive line, Tyler Vrabel is now preparing for the NFL Draft.
Vrabel said he wants to support his son through the process any way he can.
Vrabel said he opted not to attend Boston College's Pro Day because he wanted it to be Tyler's day.
"I try to be a dad, and I probably have not been a dad the entire time," Vrabel said of how he'll handle the pre-draft process with his son. "With him growing up, I probably was too much coach sometimes. I think I have done a better job recently of trying to be there to support him and not critique him or correct him. I want to try and support him.
"I am excited for him, and hopefully he can have a future in this league and have an opportunity in this league. … I am excited for his new opportunity."
SubAir System: A SubAir System is currently being installed on one of the three practice field at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
The surface, on the "third field" located farthest from the parking lot, is expected to be completed by training camp.
"We made an investment to do the SubAir System, a drainage system that will really allow for those fields to take root," Vrabel said. "You know how often we change the turf. Sometimes that's because of the root system.
"So, we're hoping this system will allow for these roots and now a better turf and a better product to practice on."
