NASHVILLE – We're now just 10 days away from players reporting to training camp.
The offseason, as usual, has flown by.
Let's keep the discussion going in this weekend's Titans mailbag.
And we'll keep the position-by-position roster previews coming next week.
Let's go…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Evan Tatum from Portland, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. I'm here to ask about CB Kristian Fulton. He's going into a contract season and while he's been a solid player in my opinion, his health has been a concern since he entered the league. I really feel like this is a Corey Davis type scenario, where we're gonna need a year 4 breakout if he wants a shot to earn another contract. Obviously that's two different positions, but you understand what I'm saying. I'm not taking anything away from him as a player. Thank you for reading, and have a great weekend, Jim.
Jim: Hi Evan. I like Kristian. He's a really nice young man, and a good player. The biggest thing for him is he needs to stay healthy, and give himself a chance to compete. He wasn't in town for most of the offseason, so it's hard to gauge what kind of progress he's made. I trust he's been working. I've seen his workout photos on social media, and it looks like he's been working. I do expect him to be on the field at the start of training camp, doing his part to earn a starting role once again. The team needs him to be good.
Rob Gleason from Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Question: Hi Jim. I'm concerned about how the Titans offensive firepower. Aside from King Henry I'm fearful of lots of mediocre playmakers roaming the field. I'm hopeful Burks can grow into another AJ Brown. Outside of Burks and Henry, who should be our surprises on the offensive end?
Jim: Hi Rob. The team definitely needs some guys to step up. Some other guys on offense who I think will make a leap: Tight end Chig Okonkwo and receiver Kyle Philips. And, I'm expecting rookie running back Tyjae Spears to make an impact right out of the gate.
Raymond Farrar from Saint Louis, Missouri
Question: Hello Jim. I'm going to spare you any questions about D-Hop. What I would like to know, based on what you've witnessed so far, do you see the Titans being interested in any other free agents out there?
Jim: I'm waiting to see what happens with D-Hop. And, aside from that, I anticipate the team going into camp wanting to see what it has through competition.
Anthony Hamm from Atlanta, Georgia
Question: Why aren't people really giving Malik Willis a chance? The media and fans come up with all types of negative narratives about Malik but says Tannehill a sure lock but he's not even top 10 at his position despite the analytics and Levis a sure lock on the roster simply because of his draft selection and Levis wasn't even top 4 in his conference! Sounds like entitlement to me if Malik is outperforming Levis but YOU Jim feel he automatically gets a spot cause he's a second rounder how is Willis still battling for a roster spot?
Jim: Chill, Anthony. The team was on the field for nine OTA practices, and three days of minicamp. What's coming up in training camp, joint practices and preseason games is far more important than anything that's happened so far in shorts and jerseys this offseason. Malik Willis is going to get his chance. And, yes, Levis is getting a roster spot. Common sense should tell you that.
McKeeg Russell from San Luis Valley, Colorado
Question: Hey there Jim!! Hope all is well. Not a question, but just want everyone to take a moment (even the post move fans) to appreciate the return of the BEST uniform in the history of the NFL. I have been (not so) patiently waiting for this and to get to see Henry in my beloved Oilers jersey will be a sweet day indeed. Also this year I will be starting a petition to the NFL to change the name of the Lamar Hunt Trophy to the Hunt-Adams Trophy. Because the decades of ignoring Bud's contributions to making today's NFL what it is should be over. To Amy, thank you for keeping the Adams family name alive with our beloved franchise and in the NFL!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, McKeeg.
Clay Bryan from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: I am liking the potential of the defense this year. In a seemingly pass first league, I think the pass rush has more potential than ever & the secondary has less question marks than they have in years. Granted they all stay healthy, I see them being the best defense in the division if not one of the best in the AFC. What do you see as the reason they notoriously cause trouble for offenses like Kansas City? Is it more their talent on that side of the ball, or their "scrappy" play style under Shane Bowen & Mike Vrabel?
Jim: Hey Clay. I'd say it's a combination of a number of things, from scheme to coaching to players making plays. The key moving forward is to be consistent. I'd say there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the defense for 2023.
Bud Stein from Jacksonville, Florida
Question: Hi Jim. Bud in jaguar bragging country LOL . Hope all is well. Forgetting the hype around jacksnonville that its a slam dunk for the Jaguars to win the AFC south. I think the AFC south is wide open and for the taking. Jaguars had a good year and Titans not so much, Jaguars players and fans seem to forget the jags were 1 play away from losing the last game when dobbs fumbled. Do you see the Titans winning 8 9 10 games this year with all healthy bodies. My crystal ball says Titans can go can go at least 10 and 7. What does your crystal ball say? Stay well Sir Respectfully Bud.
Jim: Hey Bud. Folks in here know I don't do predictions. Working for the team now, if I predicted 12-5, I'd be called a homer, and if I predicted 5-12 folks would say: Heck, this guy thinks they'll stink and he works for the team. The Titans have a lot of question marks that need to be answered.
Have a great weekend everyone!
