NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Rookie Kevin Byard wants to go out with a bang.
The Titans kick off a three-day minicamp on Tuesday, and the former MTSU star knows it's a chance to end the offseason on a high note heading into a long stretch away from Saint Thomas Sports Park.
"It is about momentum going into training camp,'' Byard said. "You don't want to end on a bad note and have that bad taste in your mouth. You want to end on a high note, and that's what I hope to do."
Two months after starting the team's offseason program on April 18, ten days of organized team activities are in the books. Now the Titans – veterans and rookies – are set to begin a mandatory three-day minicamp that ends on Thursday.
After this week, players won't be back on the field until the end of July, when training camp begins. The first preseason game is set for August 13 against the Chargers at Nissan Stadium.
Like the OTAs, the Titans won't be practicing in pads during the minicamp. They'll be working in helmets, jerseys and shorts.
"It's going to be like OTA No. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, but it's starting over again,'' coach Mike Mularkey said. "(The difference) is you get more time on the field. The time clock doesn't start until coaches start coaching. Right now, the clock starts when players walk on the field. So now, they'll actually have more time to come out before practice and do things on their own, which they've been trying to do.
"And then they can stay after and spend more time working their fundamentals and techniques, which they haven't been able to do because the time allowed is not there."
Players know they need to make best of their time this week.
It's their last time together for a while.
"So far, it has been a smooth transition,'' rookie running back Derrick Henry said. "Obviously I'm making mistakes here and there, but I'm trying to correct them and studying every night. I'm doing my best to play fast and make plays. And the more work you get, the better off you'll be."
