NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Titans just wrapped up their first training camp practice on Saturday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here's a look at what stood out…
**
The Wright stuff**
Receiver Kendall Wright made the play of the day on Day One.
Wright got behind the defense and hauled in a beautiful one-handed catch before heading into the end zone. The ball, thrown by quarterback Marcus Mariota, initially looked like it would sail over his head. But Wright pulled it in.
Some in the crowd began to chant: "Kendall, Kendall, Kendall."
It was part of a great start for Wright, who was on the receiving end of a number of balls from quarterback Marcus Mariota.
"I just try and go out there and catch everything, and keep trying to help lead my guys and be a leader for him,'' Wright said. "I just plan to keep working and keep making plays like that."
**
Titans players take the field for Day 1 of training camp at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Donn Jones Photography.com)
DGB A-OK**
Second-year receiver Dorial Green-Beckham impressed the Titans when he came in at 228 pounds to start camp. As a result, Green-Beckham looked faster on the field on Saturday, coach Mike Mularkey said after practice.
Green-Beckham said in the locker room he hasn't been so light since his freshman year in college.
"He looks quicker,'' Mularkey said of DGB. "We had a walk-through this morning and just his initial first burst off the ball, he looks a little quicker than he has been."
Lineup check
Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe worked with the first group at the receiver position, with Wright in the slot.
The first-team offensive line also remained the same from OTAs – LT Taylor Lewan, LG Quinton Spain, C Ben Jones, RG Chance Warmack and RT Jack Conklin. DeMarco Murray lined up at running back, Delanie Walker at tight end and Marcus Mariota at quarterback.
On defense, the starting group remained the same with linemen DaQuan Jones, Al Woods and Jurrell Casey, and linebackers Brian Orakpo, Avery Williamson, Wesley Woodyard and Derrick Morgan. Cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Brice McCain split time opposite cornerback Jason McCourty, while Rashad Johnson and Da'Norris Searcy lined up at safety.
Mularkey said the plan is to rotate players like McCain and Cox in drills.
Some practice highlights:
New receiver Andre Johnson made a number of nice catches, and also ran well. He talked to reporters after practice (Story coming soon here at Titans Online) … Running back DeMarco Murray shown burst early. He exploded up the middle and into the clear on is first handoff in practice. … Mariota made quick decisions in practice, something Mularkey talked about afterward … McCourty broke up a pass intended for Rishard Matthews in team drills. … Receiver Justin Hunter went up high to make several nice grabs. … Tight end Delanie Walker fought for the football on a play across the middle, and came away with it … Cornerback Cody Riggs made a nice play when he broke up a pass … Cornerback B.W. Webb nearly picked off Mariota … Rookie Kevin Byard had a nice breakup.
Titans tidbits
· Defensive end Terrell Lathan was placed on Reserve/Did Not Report list.
· Several players experienced cramping on a hot day at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
· An estimated crowd of 2,300 turned out or the team's first practice.
Andre Johnson (#81) warms up for his first training camp practice with the Titans. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
