NASHVILLE – We're now just under a week into training camp.
On Tuesday, the Titans will practice in pads for the first time.
I'm ready to hear those pads popping.
During a short break, how about a quick mailbag?
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Roger Wilson from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, hope everything is going well with you. I just had a quick question about Malik Willis at this point in camp. I've heard from various sources including you that Malik has been working hard and showing improvement. I must say after seeing him on Saturday at Nissan Stadium he looks sooo much better. His throws are crisp and he seems to be much more comfortable. I know he's battling for the backup spot but where do you see him ending up. I would hate to give up on him just as he seems to be getting better. Thanks for your coverage and for answering the fans questions.
Jim: Hey Roger. Malik has worked hard, and he has looked good so far in camp. I've charted him at 18-of-24 in 7-on-7 and team drills combined so far, including a good day on Saturday in the scrimmage at Nissan Stadium. But my opinion on where I see him being in 2024 remains unchanged – I suspect he'll make the 53-man roster, as the team's No.3 quarterback behind Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, who has been impressive himself. Malik just needs to keep working, and keep getting better. He's made significant strides since first walking in the door a few years ago.
Wes White from Montana
Question: Hey Jim! Howdy from the fiery West. Hope all is well and as always thanks for what you do.
I'm gonna keep it short here. I love what's going on with the team and look forward to the season.
Just read we picked up Shane Ray at LB. Obviously that's still a position in development for the D. I've said this before, but I'm just gonna throw it out there again, CB (chief beast) 45 Alexander Johnson is available still as far as I know(?). May be worth bringing him home. I remember the days at UT when he used to "3rd down for what!" in the middle of Neyland Stadium and bring the 100k plus crowd to a roar.
Just a thought to pass along and maybe light some fires there in the office at Nissan.
Cheers my friend!
Jim: Hey Wes. I spent some time in Montana this offseason – Whitefish, to be exact. It was our home base for Glacier National Park. What a beautiful place! God willing, I'll be back.
And, as you mentioned, Shane Ray is back. He was here most recently during a tryout back in May, and the team decided to sign him at the end of last week. I think he's looked good in his first few days on the job. Haven't heard of more additions coming at the position. Harold Landry should be back on the field on Tuesday, so numbers are improving.
Edward McKinney from Antioch, Tennessee
Question: Given our starting CB Chidobe is out several weeks with a calf injury, how is Caleb Farley looking so far in camp? Does he have a realistic chance to hold down that CB spot until Chidobe returns? Also, how is Brownlee and the rookie CB from UTK looking since the pads have come on?
Jim: Hey Edward. Caleb is getting work. The guy who has benefited the most from Chidobe being out is Tre Avery, who has been getting extra reps, and he's made the most of his opportunities. He intercepted Levis in Saturday's work, and he's been solid overall. Caleb is getting work like everyone else, but this is a position that's pretty deep. He has his work cut out for him to make the roster. I've liked the looks of Jarvis Brownlee Jr. as well.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: I think one of my biggest takeaways from Saturday was not only the involvement but the improvement from Josh Whyle. I thought he looked incredibly fluid in and out of breaks for such a large human.
I have to think he'll be far more involved than he was last year based on what we saw. However, it's pretty wildly known that we're going to an offensive scheme that leans less on tight ends than perhaps we're used to here in Nashville. Do you think Whyle and Chig will both be heavily involved in the offense or is it more likely we'll see one play far more than the other?
Jim: Man, Joe, I'm shocked this isn't a question about the offensive line. As for Chig and Josh, I think they'll both be involved, but hard to say how much right now. Depends on how teams defend the Titans. But I've seen improvement from both, and both look more confident. By the way, I noticed you left Preston unsupervised on Saturday.
Chris Berry from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: My son (Paxton) and I had a great time at the open training camp day. Our Cathon-Callahan 2024 presidential poster seemed to land us on a lot of media accounts including yours. My question is related to our other poster and a fun moment. The poster said "Wrecking Crew" and listed Big Jeff, Landry III, and T'Vondre on it to try and get those guys signatures. We landed everyone except Landry. The fun moment was TK McClendon coming over and adding himself to the list. I knew he was in the mix, but do you expect him to be a significant contributing piece to our D-Line this year?
Jim: That was well done, Chris. Hope you guys had a great time! TK is competing again. I liked what I saw from him at the end of last season. We'll find out more about a lot of guys starting today, when the pads come on.
Have a great week everyone!
