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Observations From Titans Rookie Minicamp on Saturday

dez-fitzpatrick-practice

NASHVILLE – The Titans rookies took the field of Saturday at Saint Thomas Sports Park for the team's rookie minicamp.

Some observations from the day:

-A total of 24 players were listed on the official roster for the team's rookie camp. The group included the team's draft picks, undrafted players, and several other players who were eligible to take part because of their limited experience. Receiver Mason Kinsey, linebacker Jan Johnson, tackle Brandon Kemp, tight end Tommy Hudson and tackle Paul Adams all practiced with the rookies on Saturday.

-Because of limited numbers, the Titans spent most of the session working in individual periods and in walk-throughs and jog-throughs.

-First-round pick Caleb Farley, who continues to recover from back surgery, did not practice. On a video conference call after the practice session, the defensive back said he's been taking part in meetings and studying his playbook while rehabbing. Farley said he's trying to get in the best shape as possible so he'll be ready when he's healthy enough to practice.

-Second-round pick Dillon Radunz, outfitted in No.75, spent a good deal of time with offensive line coach Keith Carter, who preached hand placement and technique during drills. Radunz looked athletic, and he displayed nice footwork. He joked on a video conference call after practice he was enjoying getting a tan in sunny Nashville after spending so much time in Fargo, North Dakota, while at North Dakota State.

-Third-round pick Monty Rice, a linebacker from Georgia, worked with fellow linebacker Jan Johnson in individual drills during a good chunk of practice. He was in the middle of the three practice fields a good part of the day, so it was tough to see him up close. But at one point Titans head coach Mike Vrabel stopped by to offer instructions.

-Cornerback Elijah Molden, the team's other third-round pick, came out late and took part in the walk-through and 7-on-7 period. He's well built, and looks physical even without pads on. Vrabel said he would have been listed as limited if the team was required to put out an injury report.

-Receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, outfitted in No.10, also looks the part. He showed off some flexibility during the stretch period, and I was impressed with how he caught the ball with his hands during drills. His footwork was also very clean.

-Outside linebacker Rashad Weaver is wearing No.99, which has belonged to some pretty famous Titans in the past, including Jurrell Casey. Weaver is big, listed at 6-4, 259, and he has long arms. On a zoom call after practice, Vrabel said Weaver has been attentive since he's been here, and he's been a good teammate. Asked about accusations against him, Vrabel said the team understands the severity of the accusations, and said "we take them seriously." Vrabel said the organization is going to let the legal process play out.

-Receiver Racey McMath, selected in the sixth round out of LSU, looks like former Titans tight end Jonnu Smith in No.81. He's 6-3, 217 pounds, and he looked mostly comfortable in individual drills.

-Safety Brady Breeze, the team's other sixth round pick, communicated well during a walkthrough period early, and he got some direction from his coaches late.

-Defensive tackle Naquan Jones got a lot of extra attention since he was the only d-lineman taking part in camp. At one point, Jones had three coaches with him, but he spent most his day working with defensive line coach Terrell Williams and defensive line assistant Kenechi Udeze.

-Former Ohio State kicker Blake Haubeil, one of the team's undrafted free agents, worked on a side field most of the day. He's going to be a contender if he kicks the ball well in practices and preseason games.

-Shane Bowen, the team's outside linebacker coach last season, roamed the field and provided instruction to a number of positions as the team's new defensive coordinator.

-Todd Downing, the team's tight ends coach a year ago who was promoted to offensive coordinator earlier this offseason, was involved in several facets of practice as well.

-Titans senior defensive assistant Jim Schwartz was on the practice field. He spent some time before practice chatting with Dave McGinnis, a former Titans assistant who is now with Titans Radio.

-Memphis quarterback Brady White took part in the session on a tryout basis. White was accurate in the short-range passes he threw, but he didn't have a chance to really air it out. In the walkthroughs, after he made his reads, he eventually held onto the ball. After he failed to finish one drill properly early, he was teased about being "a rookie." He ran the drill a second time to perfection.

-Former Vanderbilt receiver Kalija Lipscomb also took part on a tryout basis. He appeared to suffer from cramps, which caused him to go inside before coming back out. Lipscomb struggled in one early drill, but he showed off some nice footwork and also made some catches.

-In addition to White and Lipscomb, Utah cornerback Josh Nurse and Central Florida running back Otis Anderson also took part in Saturday's session as tryout players.

-The visit to Saint Thomas Sports Park provided the first glimpse of the renovations in some time, and they're coming along nicely.

-Vrabel said the rookies will continue to work on their own next week before joining the veterans in offseason work on May 24.

The Best Photos from Tennessee Titans Rookie Minicamp. (Tennessee Titans)

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