NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field for their first practice of training camp on Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-Receiver DeAndre Hopkins, decked out in No.10, practiced with the team for the first time. It didn't take long for Hopkins to get involved, as he caught an early Ryan Tannehill pass on the sideline. Hopkins caught three passes on the day – all from Tannehill – and he had one sail behind him. Hopkins also had a mini-collision with an aggressive Kristian Fulton after making one short grab. Hopkins left practice more than halfway through to catch a flight – Coach Mike Vrabel said on Tuesday Hopkins would miss a day or two early in camp to take care of some personal business. But it was good to see Hopkins in the flow right out of the gate. He's going to make watching practices even more fun.
-Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sharp from the get-go. Tannehill connected on 4 of his first 5 passes, and was 9 of 10 on the day.
-Quarterback Malik Willis was good on Day 1 as well. Willis threw some bullets early, and was 4-of-4 in the opening period. He completed his first six passes before a pair of incompletions, and finished the day 6-of-8. Willis also tucked the ball and turned in some nice runs.
-Quarterback Will Levis also got off to a nice start, connecting on all six of his pass attempts. It was an all-around good day for the QBs.
-It was also good to see linebacker Harold Landry back on the field for the first time since last year's training camp, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Landry was all smiles during the stretch period and he looked good in individual drills as well. When Landry took the field with the defense on the first play of a team period, Titans safety Kevin Byard could be heard saying: "Welcome back Harold."
-Something else that was heard loud and clear during on the first play of a team period: Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons yelling "This s*%t too easy" as he beat his man off the snap. Yes, football is back.
-Outside linebacker Arden Key flashed on several plays, and he busted into the backfield and got close to Tannehill on one impressive rep.
-Receiver Kyle Philips made a number of nice catches, and he seems poised to remind everyone of his potential. Philips, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, was among the team's training camp standouts a year ago.
-Tight end Chig Okonkwo had the catch of the day, a juggling grab on a ball thrown by Levis. The pass was actually a little behind Okonkwo, but he managed to get a hand on the football, and he hauled it in as he fell to the ground.
-Tight end Trevon Wesco made a nice grab in the middle of the field himself on a ball thrown by Tannehill.
-I mentioned Fulton's collision with Hopkins early. Fulton showed up around the football on several plays, and while he didn't get the ball out, he was right there, in a position to make the play. His timing should only improve in camp.
-How did I wait this late to mention running back Derrick Henry? The big back was easy to spot, and he looks ready to go for camp. See for yourself in the video below.
-Receiver Treylon Burks was struggling this time a year ago, but he also looks ready for camp. He made a nice grab on a ball thrown by Tannehill. After practice, he talked about how cool it is to now be teammates with Hopkins.
-Linebacker Chance Campbell was responsible for one of the incompletions by Willis, as he batted a pass down while rushing the passer. Cornerback Tre Avery was in good coverage on a ball intended for Reggie Roberson Jr. on the other Willis incompletion on Wednesday.
-The kickers got off to a good start. Caleb Shudak was a perfect 6-of-6 from 33, 36, 41, 44 and 46 yards, and when Trey Wolff got his chance, he was perfect as well. Jared Stillman of 102.5 The Game, decked out in a red shirt and khaki shorts, served as the official on the FG attempts, raising his arms in the air to signal "good." It's good to see he got something right. Just kidding, Jared. 😊
-Tight end Josh Whyle did not practice on Wednesday.
-Defensive back A.J. Moore, signed by the team earlier in the day, practiced in No. 20. Moore wore No.33 in his stint with the Titans a year ago, but that number now belongs to defensive back Eric Garror.
-Right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere is practicing in camp, and he looks to be in great shape. Petit-Frere has been suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league's gambling policy. Petit-Frere owned up to his mistake, and apologized to everyone in his corner. See below.
-Running back Hassan Haskins, involved in an off-field incident this offseason, also addressed questions from reporters. See below.
-Vrabel announced the Offseason Award winners after practice: QB Ryan Tannehill, TE Thomas Odukoya, OL Corey Levin, DL Jayden Peevy, LB Jack Gibbens, OLB Arden Key.
-With Hopkins now in No.10, receiver Kearis Jackson has switched to No.5.
Next open practice: Friday, 9:15-11:15.
