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NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** Corey Davis has his locker, his Titans helmet and uniform, and now, his first NFL practice under his belt.
Davis, the fifth overall pick of the NFL Draft, practiced with the Titans for the first time on Friday. The big and athletic receiver was limited because of an ankle injury, but it was a start.
"I am just here to do my job to help this team," Davis said. "It is hard (being limited) because I am a competitor and I like to compete, that's no surprise. But I trust the coaches.
"There were a lot of different emotions (today), a lot of excitement and nerves. But it is good to get that first one under my belt and have fun."
Davis said his new teammates have been welcoming, including quarterback Marcus Mariota. The two met for the first time on Friday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
"It was smooth,'' Davis said of the conversation. "We talked about his road to recovery and how he is doing a lot better. And we talked about the future, and how we are both excited.
"I am still a big fan (of his). He is a great guy, very humble."
Davis caught 97 balls for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns last season at Western Michigan. His 5,285 career receiving yards is an FBS record, and he ranks second in NCAA history in career receiving touchdowns with 52.
The Titans liked Davis so much they made him the first receiver picked in the draft.
Coach Mike Mularkey said the Titans plan to be patient with Davis, who has dealt with a lingering ankle injury during the course of the offseason.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound Davis participated in the walk-through on Friday morning, and took part in individual drills. He caught passes during the afternoon practice session during individual work, but was a spectator during the latter stages of practice.
"He is a good-looking athlete," Mularkey said of Davis. "We are monitoring what we are doing with him right now, still making sure that he is recovering from his injury. He is on schedule. So this was always our plan. He is itching to play and practice. It is hard for me to hold him back, but that's the way it is. We are going to be smart with him."
Davis said on Friday he plans to play with a chip on his shoulder in the NFL, knowing doubters are out there because of his MAC background. He wants to contribute in his first season and said he'll use the extra time while he nears 100 percent and "full speed" working with coaches and on the JUGS machine catching passes.
"I am happy to be here," Davis said. "I am happy to do whatever they need me to do. My job is to get open and catch the ball."
Titans rookies hit the field for the start of a three-day rookie minicamp at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Donn Jones Gary Glenn)
