NASHVILLE – The offseason program is in the books.
Now, the start of a long break before the Titans report for training camp on July 23.
On the first weekend of the break, let's dive into the latest mailbag.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! I think we're all pretty fired up to see how the competition turns out on the right side of the line during this summer. Do you feel like there are leaders in the clubhouse right now for the right guard and right tackle positions? From what I'm gathering, it appears to be a three-way man race at RG with Radunz, Charles, and Brunskill, and also a three-man race between NPF, Watson, and Duncan for RT? Also, do you think the team views Daniel Brunskill as the guy in terms of backup center? I'm excited to hopefully get a chance to catch Bill Callahan coach the guys up during training camp sometime this summer and form some opinions of my own. Thanks as always!
Jim: Hey Joe. Hope all is well, and that you're keeping Preston out of trouble. I'm excited to see how the competition plays out as well. It was tough to gauge during the offseason, in shorts and jerseys, with several guys missing extended time. I know you love your o-linemen, so I fully expected this to be an o-line question. As for what I think will happen at right guard and right tackle, I'm going with Saahdiq Charles at guard, and Nicholas Petit-Frere at tackle. But … there's a lot to be determined, especially because of health. We hardly saw NPF this offseason, but I'm making him the favorite because of his experience and what I think coaches think he's capable of. But it's all about competition, and everyone is going to get a fair shake, including Leroy Watson and Jaelyn Duncan at tackle. Now Geron Christian, added this week, is in the mix as well. Charles is a tank, and a tough-minded guy who will have to beat out guys like Dillon Radunz and Brunskill, who I think makes this team as a center-guard option. But Charles is certainly capable of winning the job. I wouldn't want to describe NPF as the leader in the clubhouse because he hasn't done much this offseason, but Charles posted a pretty nice round.
Kenneth Bassett from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: Hello Mr. Jim! I, like most Titans fans, have been super excited to see our two new BIG draft picks, Latham and Sweat, hit the field and take over the NFL (fingers crossed)! Something I want to know more about is our later picks. I've heard a lot of good things about Cedric Gray but what have you seen of him? Has he or any of the others stood out to you at practice as someone who can make an immediate impact?
Jim: Hi Kenneth. I like what I've seen from Cedric Gray, and he is definitely getting better, adjusting to the NFL. I think he'll have a role this fall, even if it's not as a starter. JC Latham has been the most impressive rookie so far – he seems like a veteran – while guys like Gray, Jarvis Brownlee, Jha'Quan Jackson, James Williams and Jaylen Harrell have all flashed. Will know a lot more when the pads come on.
Gabe Abraham from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: Any words on when the team store will open up? Or when it will have jerseys for new players?
Jim: Hi Gabe. Been told the target date is Saturday, July 27. They will be able to press any jersey then. But stay tuned on this, as that's not a confirmed date yet.
Anton Hoogakker from Opheusden, Netherlands
Question: Hi Jim, as a Dutch NFL enthusiast, of course i'm following Thomas Odukoya closely.
With the signing of Nick Vannett in mind, how big do you think Thomas' chances are to make the final roster this year?
Jim: Hi Anton. Thomas has gotten so much better since he's been here. He's a great pro, coaches love him. I think he's going to have hard time making the 53-man roster, though, with Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle and Nick Vannett ahead of him on the depth chart. It wouldn't surprise me if he's back on the practice squad, however.
Robert Beck from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I understand that Ryan Tannehill hasn't been signed by another NFL team at this point. Is there any desire by the current Titans staff & ownership to sign him @ the league minimum? He could provide continuity that the Titans need at this point in their development. Thanks!
Jim: Hi Robert. Ryan Tannehill isn't coming back to the Titans.
George Fadule from Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Question: Hey I know I shouldn't ask but I found a Titans bus at the Holiday Inn on June 10th I was wondering am I missing anything? Also it was awesome to see my team charter bus in my town.
Jim: Two folks from Poplar Bluff asked me this question. It's on a secret mission. 😉
Seriously, I don't know.
Have a great weekend everyone!
