NASHVILLE – Welcome to the last mailbag in June.
Soon, we'll be into July – and closer to Titans training camp.
Keep the questions coming and I'll continue to answer them during the break from football.
Let's get this one going…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Mike Southerland from Russellville, Kentucky
Question: Do you think the workload for Derrick Henry will be lowered this season especially with this new running back?
Jim: Hey Mike. Well, I think a lot depends on how Derrick performs – and how the rest of the running backs perform as well. If Derrick is having success, then he's going to get a lot of work. Now I think I'd be surprised if he gets the 378 carries like he did in 2020. Darrynton Evans never did enough to earn more opportunities, either because of injuries or a lack of production when he was healthy. I think backs like Dontrell Hilliard and Hassan Haskins could potentially be more capable, and earn more opportunities for themselves. Trenton Cannon also flashed in the offseason work as well. Time will tell on this one, but to me it does make some sense to ease Derrick's workload a bit.
Danette Pitts from Alamo, Tennessee
Question: On July 31st what time does the training camp begin that's open to the public?
Jim: Hi Danette. A schedule I've had a peek at says July 31 is an OFF day for camp. And, while we're on the topic, I feel like I need to continue to mention training camp is not going to be wide-open like it has it has in years past. I know I've probably mentioned this a half-dozen times in recent weeks, but I just don't want fans to be surprised and disappointed. Again, there will be days with fans in attendance, some days with selected groups, season ticket members, etc., but it's going to be very limited because of the parking issues and new construction. Anyone saying camp will be 'open to the public' is misleading the fans because it creates an expectation that's not going to be the reality. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
Ta'Quarius Hill from LaVerge, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, how are you? Hope you're having a very good day. Back again with another question. So in all honesty, do you think Treylon Burks is a good replacement and fit over AJ Brown? And. If so, do you think he will be able to bring a lot to the table for us on the offensive end this season?
Jim: Hi Ta'Quarius. I've never looked at Treylon as "A.J.s replacement." I've always viewed him as a guy who was picked to help the football team, and I think he's going to do that in time. It's hard for me to say what he's going to bring to the team this fall. Based on what I saw from him last year at Arkansas, I think he's very capable of making an impact. But I didn't see much from him in OTAs and the minicamp, so I need to see how things go in camp and the preseason before making any bold predictions.
Charles Glankler III from Alexander, Arkansas
Question: How serious is the offensive line situation and will the Titans be ready for the first game of the season?
Jim: It's very serious – the Titans need two guys to step up and start in place of left guard Rodger Saffold and right tackle David Quessenberry. It's Dillon Radunz's job to lose at right tackle, and I see Aaron Brewer and Jamarco Jones as the top two guys set to battle it out at left guard. The real competition won't start until the pads come on at training camp. If a spot isn't seized at one of those spots, then there will be other options available on the market when teams get down to 53 closer to the season.
Rob Pruitt from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, I think I read that the rookies were continuing to work for a couple weeks after mini-camp. What kind of work are they doing? Thanks.
Jim: Hey Rob. Yes, those guys will leave at the end of this week after sticking around after minicamp. This is what they've been doing, per head coach Mike Vrabel: "They'll finish the player engagement program, which is critical, that we offer, that Chic Ejiasi offers, and Mitch (James Mitchell) and Dr. Sheila. All those things that we think are critical to success for young players off the field. But most importantly, they'll train. They'll be in here and they'll train. Hopefully we can get some heat that these guys can train in and they can lift and run, and get them caught up a little bit. Remember they're a few weeks behind just from the draft and some of the other things. So just from an overall conditioning standpoint, we feel like that's critical."
Luis A. Linares Cubillas from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: Hola, Jim, es un gusto saludarte. ¿Cuál es tu pronóstico para la temporada 2022 para Titans? ¿Cuántos partidos crees que ganen? Y por último, ¿crees que la unidad defensiva de Titans mejorará y será el parámetro para saber hasta dónde llegan los Titanes?. Gracias, Jim, abrazos.
Jim: Hola Luis. Lo siento, no hago predicciones. Creo que los Titans volverán a ser buenos y creo que volverán a competir por el título de la AFC. Pero dejaré las predicciones para los llamados expertos. En cuanto a la línea d, sí, será clave. La buena noticia es que Jeffery Simmons y Denico Autry están de regreso, DeMarcus Walker ahora está en el redil y me gustan varios muchachos compitiendo por lugares y tiempo de juego.
Colton Wolfe from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Titans need to sign Emmanuel Sanders! 1 yr 5 mil!
Jim: I'll let the GM know.
Adam Finlan from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: I am a Down syndrome Jim about super bowl with MVP Derrick Henry and Treylon Burke go to super bowl at Arizona this year.
Jim: Sounds like a good plan, Adam!
Cainen Rosales from Sliver City, New Mexico
Question: When will we see the return of the Oilers uniforms?
Jim: 2023.
Have a great week everyone!
