NASHVILLE – The Titans rookies are in town, and I'll give my early observations on the group here later today following the group's second practice (the first one was closed).
The entire team will be on the field for offseason work next week, before the first week of OTAs in just over a week.
It's an exciting time.
Let's discuss some of the current events in the latest edition of the mailbag.
Here we go …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
David Hayakaswa from Honolulu, Hawaii
Question: Jim, Aloha from Hawaii. Thanks for the constant updates. Been a fan since I first saw Earl Campbell rumbling into the end zone on MNF and reignited when we drafted Marcus. My question: I get why everyone wanted us to draft a WR and/or to sign a big-name free agent WR, but why all the online hate or maybe I'll call it "disregard" of Chris Moore. I get he is not a WR1, but he has produced more than NWI and Phillips (and Burks), is a solid vet, moves the chains, has a reasonable contract and I have to believe he will get some solid reps. What do you think? TitanUp.
Jim: Aloha David. I've liked the looks of Chris Moore from what I've seen in the offseason program. And, everyone should Google him and watch his highlights vs the Cowboys last year. He had a great game that day (10 catches, 124 yards), and it's a glimpse of what he's capable of. I think he's going to help. But I'm not going to sit here and say the team is set at receiver either, or that he's the next A.J. Brown because he's wearing No.11. I understand the pleas from the fans wanting more at the position, and I suspect we'll see some more additions at some point. It's just a matter of who and when. But I do think Chris Moore is going to be a factor.
Jeffery Raney from Pittsburg, Texas
Question: Hi Jim, my question is in regards to Caleb Farley and whether or not he is healthy and ready to be the player he was drafted to be?
Jim: Hello Jeffery. Well, I don't think Caleb is completely healthy yet. But I do think he'll be recovered, and in a position to compete, by training camp, if not by later this offseason. Caleb is due for some good luck.
John Domes from Antioch, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim, first off thank you for what you do and giving us a chance to ask questions about the Titans. Exciting times coming with the new stadium. I do have a question about it though. Is there a reason for waiting until 2024? I see that the Bills are starting right away with theirs. Again thank you and Titan Up.
Jim: I wish it could get done sooner myself, John. The plan now is for it to be ready in time for the 2027 season. I know you've seen some of the early designs, but blueprints need to be completed, pre-construction prep work needs to be done, utility relocation is needed, along with other work that has to be completed before groundbreaking. I don't think true stadium construction will begin until early-mid 2024.
Sean Labbe from Warren, Ohio
Question: I truly hope u respond. I see an 80's 49ers team w what we have now. The best back in the league in Henry, with Levis.... Hungry!!!! I believe if this season n game plan was right!!! We could take the Bowl w what we truly have now.
Jim: This is one of the most optimistic takes I've seen in a while, Sean.
Luis Macouzet from Victoria, Mexico
Question: Hello Jim, I want you to know that I am a great admirer of your section, unlike some who call themselves fans, I cannot be a fan of a team when it is good and stop being one when things go bad, we have to support our team in everything. Kind regards.
Jim: Hola Luis. Gracias!
Trey Twog from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: So... I'll have to admit that I wasn't very happy with the Titans picking Will Levis- maybe that's an understatement. I was really mad with Ran and Mike picking Will Levis. I mean, the guy basically singlehandedly lost to Vanderbilt, and I've seen Vanderbilt lose to ETSU! Of course, I hope I'm wrong and he because the greatest steal in NFL history, but I wouldn't bet on it. On the other hand, I'm happy with them going all offense, but it would have been nice to get a receiver like Josh Downs or Jalin Hyatt. What do the Titan's expect to get out of the UDFAs? Thanks, Jim
Jim: Hey Trey. I'll say this: Will Levis didn't single-handedly lose to Vandy, just like he didn't single-handedly lose to Tennessee. That Kentucky team last year was overhyped, and it underachieved for a number of reasons. As for the undrafted guys, here's the complete list of 14 guys the team put out yesterday. CLICK HERE. I think some roster contenders are in the mix. I saw some of the guys on Friday and let's just say some of them made a good first impression.
Dan Adams from New Orleans, Louisiana
Question: 3 questions that get progressively more serious...
1) With Peter Skoronski watching the draft from a pizzeria that his family is invested in, do you think the nickname "Petey Pizza" would stick? I think that would be a beautiful marketing opportunity for him.
2) When will the rookies be assigned numbers?
3) If Malik Willis can't beat out Will for the #2 spot on the depth chart, what are the odds Willis stays on the team by season opener?
Jim: Hey Dan. Petey Pizza? Sounds a little cheesy…
Here's a list of the numbers for the draft picks: CLICK HERE.
Great question on Willis. I think it depends on how he performs, and how much progress he makes, this offseason. It's hard to keep three QBs on the 53.
Glen Butler from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Could the reason more WRs were not drafted indicate how the offense may change this season? It would seem having plays with multiple TEs that block well and are also athletic enough to get downfield to catch passes would help our running game as well as open up the deep balls for Treylon? It would seem the offense will be better with an improved OL and TE depth, even with the receivers already on the roster. This doesn't mean WRs won't be added but, with less predictable play calling, and better blocking good things will surely happen. I feel like there have been NFL teams that have won with less talented players that overachieve. I will be the first to admit that I do not have the football savvy of the armchair quarterbacks that have been writing in. Nonetheless, I'm a Titans fan so I look forward to the season; win, lose, or draw.
Jim: Hey Glen. The offense is going to be different, with changes. And, an improved o-line should help everyone. But I do believe more help is needed at receiver. Appreciate you weighing in.
Luther Green Jr. from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim I hope that you and your family are doing great and our titan fans.i believe in our team and let's give the new draftees a chance.jim who would you like to see the Titans get as a wide receiver if a veteran player comes available during the summer to All titan fans don't give up on our team yet titan up . let's get behind our gm and coach.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Luther.
Bob Dehler from Big Sandy, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim! Transplanted St. Louis Rams season ticket holder here. I was done with the NFL and have started to take an interest in it again with the Titans. St. Louis supported the Rams until Kroenke torpedoed the team in order to move. I see the Titans as a team with an owner who truly wants to win. An organization that is trying and that is all you can ask for. Believe me, I've seen the exact opposite in St. Louis with two teams, the Cardinals and the Rams not caring to win and snubbing their nose at the fans. Tennessee is lucky to have an NFL team. I know it's frustrating, but the alternative is the XFL. Give the new GM a chance. He wasn't going to rebuild the team with 6 picks. JMHO.
Jim: Preach Bob!
Hunter Johnson from McMinnville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, Hunter Johnson here. I'm 12 years old and I am a HUGE fan of the titans. Quick question, I saw something that said that said Derrick Henry was getting a contract extension. Is that true?
Jim: Good to hear from you, Hunter. As for Derrick and an extension, that hasn't happened this offseason.
Vince Allelo from Penfield, New York
Question: First time question...but actually just some common sense comments on Ryan Tannehill. For all the haters, lets remember what he did in 2019 and 2020. I know for some of you it seems like a long time ago. Since then in 2021 we lose the King for half the year and we lose our top TE Jonnu Smith that year, the injury bug with Lewan begin, oh and lest we forget we also lose a pretty good #2 almost 1000 yard receiver in Corey Davis. No worries, because even I was exited for the Julio Jones signing not knowing he would not return to his prior glory....wait...wait how can we forget the offensive coordinator change to Todd not even a HS offense Downing...sorry Todd I'm sure your a good guy but you are No Aurther Smith! 2022 - A revolving door would have put up more resistance than Dennis Daley, but wait there's more another year of Todd Downing and the best Tannehill crippling move ever...lets trade our #1 Receiver ...one of the best in the league in A.J. Brown. The Titans owe it to R.T to put some tallent around him and King Henry as well. If not, then trade him to the Falcons where he will be respected and can win a SB. As for the haters pray... that your company doesn't set you up to fail like they did Ryan. Still love the Titans but man stop the hate game fans your blaming the wrong person.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Vince.
Have a great week everyone!
