NASHVILLE – The Titans hit the field at Saint Thomas Sports Park on Thursday for their third day of organized team activities this week.
Thursday's session was open to media, so I was able to jot down some notes, and now I'm sharing them.
Some observations ….
-We're not doing a roll call here, since the OTAs are voluntary, not mandatory. Spoiler alert: The majority of the starters weren't present. Between 50 and 60 players were on the field on Thursday, however, and more were inside or on a side field rehabbing injuries. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said other players are taking part in the virtual meetings, but not the on-field work. I suspect more veterans will join those practicing next month, leading up to the mandatory minicamp from June 15-17.
-Running back Darrynton Evans worked with the receivers during individual drills, and he looked good doing so, whether it was on the ladder drill or catching passes coming out of his break. Said Vrabel: "Darrynton has been a versatile player. ... We try to get him some cross training work." Evans also lined up at running back, and he looked quick on his runs into space.
-Quarterbacks Logan Woodside and DeShone Kizer took turns throwing to receivers in 7-on-7 and team drills. Woodside made some nice throws, most of them short to mid-range tosses.
-Rogers made a really nice catch in individual drills, and he had a few nice grabs on the day. He also had a drop.
-Defensive lineman Teair Tart, listed at 6-2, 304 pounds, looked to be in better shape, with more definition, compared to his rookie season a year ago.
-Running back Brian Hill, previously with the Falcons, looks like a natural catching the football out of the backfield. He made several nice grabs on Thursday while in motion.
-The busiest pass catcher on Thursday was probably tight end Anthony Firkser. I counted four catches from him during a quick stretch, including back-to-back snags during a team period.
-Receiver Cody Hollister was also especially busy. He had at least five catches on the day, in team and 7-on-7 drills combined.
-You can't help but notice rookie edge rusher Rashad Weaver, in part because he's wearing No.99, but also because of his size and athleticism.
-Linebacker David Long Jr. was in the right spot on a throw across the middle to former Alabama tight end Miller Forristal.
-I thought things looked pretty crisp considering there were a lot of inexperienced players on the field, but there was some sloppiness as well. There were at least two low snaps that resulted in plays being stopped. (Plus, I heard Vrabel raise his voice more than once).
-Tight end Tommy Hudson went down with a back injury when he landed hard midway through practice, but he showed some guts coming back and making a nice catch later in the session.
-I didn't see rookie defensive backs Caleb Farley and Elijah Molden, who were either out (Farley) or limited (Molden) during rookie camp with injuries.
-One guy I was looking forward to seeing was former Vanderbilt and Atlanta Falcons tight end Jared Pinkney, because I've been thinking he found a real opportunity with the Titans. But the only Commodores on the field were fullback Khari Blasingame and receiver Kalija Lipscomb, who was signed to the roster after a tryout during rookie camp. There's a spot to be had at tight end alongside Firkser and Geoff Swaim, but I'm not sure that guy is currently on the roster. Maybe one of the young guys will surprise me.
-Punter Brett Kern, heading into his 14th NFL season, was among those present. On the way off the field he stopped to give fist bumps to Dave McGinnis and Rhett Bryan of Titans Radio.
-Vrabel said on the zoom call with reporters on Thursday the Titans plan to hold joint practices with the Buccaneers in Tampa leading up to the August 21 preseason game between the two teams.
-The Titans are scheduled to be on the field for three days of OTA next week, including a session that's open to media next Thursday.
