NASHVILLE – Welcome to another edition of the Titans mailbag.
We're now just a week away from the start of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Already there's plenty of buzz leading up to the NFL Draft.
Let's dive right in…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE
Jim Williams from Lubbock, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. What do you think the tight end situation will be five months from now? All three guys on the roster now are scheduled to become free agents. Pruitt has to overcome a serious injury, Firkser isn't as good a blocker as Swaim, and Swaim is slow. But, Swaim is good around the goal line and caught 75% of his targets in 2021. The tight end wasn't involved in the game plan much this year, and that allowed the defense to concentrate on the wideouts and shut them down quite often. There has been speculation that the T-Men will use the first-round pick on a TE. Also, it's been mentioned that they may be interested in Miami free agent tight end Mike Gesicki, but he seems more of a short pass catching slot receiver than a tight end. It won't really matter what they do if the tight end continues to be just another blocker when the offense is on the field. What do you foresee at this position a few months from now?
Jim: Hey Jim. Well, I suspect it will look different. You're right – all those guys are unrestricted free agents. My thinking is the team will address the position both in free agency and the draft. And, I could see the team bringing back at least one of the three from Firkser, Swaim and Pruitt, if not more. It's going to be a while before Pruitt is healthy, so his status may remain undecided for a bit. Stay tuned.
Connie Bunio from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Where will the Titans play during the renovation or rebuilding of the stadium?
Jim: Hi Connie. There's a whole lot to be determined here. When the Dolphins renovated Hard Rock Stadium, they continued playing while the stadium went through different stages of construction. But the Titans are also exploring the possibility of a new stadium, which would be built in the parking lots next to Nissan Stadium. So, if that's the scenario that plays out down the road, then the team could continue playing at Nissan Stadium in the meantime. I'm curious to see what's going to happen here myself.
John Grasso from Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
Question: Racey McMath had a good early training camp and then was hurt early in the season. I still have high expectations for Racey as his size and speed are coveted assets. Will he be ready for training camp? How is his health?
Jim: Hey John. Racey is good to go. He made it back for the end of the 2021 season. I expect him to be back and ready to go this offseason, and in training camp.
Chris Richardson from England, United Kingdom
Question: Hi there from the UK. I'm a phins fan, but a Tannehill fan as well so Tennessee is my second team. I can get both games live sometimes!! Shame the games ended as they did for Tenneseee this season. I feel bad for the players since they have to deal with it. Fan bases can be very fickle. I found that opinions change faster on players week by week. In his dolphins days, there was always the hashtag "blametannehill" has that followed him? Hope he is doing well. I'm writing this from my hospital bed where I'm beating cancer at 37. I have a signed Tannehill football from his Miami days at home. Is there any chance of a Tannehill titans Jersey? With Kindest Regards,
Jim: Hi Chris. Keep up the fight! I wish I could make this happen for you. I'll keep my ears open.
Joni Daniels from Antioch, Tennessee
Question: Good Morning, Jim! I admit I don't really understand all that cap space stuff. My comment and question is about the defensive line. I would imagine that the organization would want to keep our defensive line as intact as they possibly can. I don't want to believe they would let any of them go. What will it take to keep them all?
Jim: Hi Joni. The good news is Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry will be back – they're under contract. And so is Larrell Murchison, along with Naquan Jones. Teair Tart is an exclusive rights free agent. Kyle Peko is an unrestricted free agent. So keeping all of them is doable. But I also expect the team to make some additions here, potentially in free agency and the draft.
Charles Burba from Greenbrier, Tennessee
Question: Honest question: How could I try out for the team? I've always had speed and quickness. Great hands. Hope to hear a reply. Thank you!
Jim: Hey Charles. The team doesn't have open tryouts, but some players are invited to minicamps on occasion. If you have an agent, he/she could help with the process.
Jackson Weber from Irvine, California
Question: Hey Jim, I'm interested to see what the team does this off-season. What moves do you expect us to do?
TE, Resigning players? Love your work Jim! Enjoy your off-season!
Jim: Hey Jackson. A lot is going to happen, from cuts to additions in free agency and the draft. The activity will start in the coming weeks.
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Time to start thinking about the draft. We'll know more at the combine but for now I've got my favorites.
First, we need more weapons for Ryan Tannehill. He needs another quality WR. Look no further than Drake London from USC. He's a 6'5 Jump Ball expert with great YAC who reminds me of AJ Brown. We haven't had an offensive weapon TE since Delanie Walker. Solution is Jalen Wydermyer from Texas A&M. He's an every down TE, a good blocker and a real weapon on the field. Take those 2 guys and the draft is a success.
Jim: Good suggestions, Jack. Have a big day.
Have a great week everyone!
