Tennessee Titans training camp is underway in Nashville, Tennessee, and while many questions surrounded the team heading into camp, we’re starting to see things sort themselves out.
Marcus Mariota
Namely, it’s so far, so good with Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. Everyone was awaiting his camp debut with bated breath, but it looks like it’s all systems go. He looks good, and Titans fans will be elated to hear reports of his developing chemistry with Eric Decker. But, throwing mechanics are one thing. Complete mobility is another. Don’t worry – several reported a successful full-speed run on Mariota’s first attempt to tuck it and run.
Mariota first footwork of camp. #titans pic.twitter.com/nyYcRbJ6UZ
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 29, 2017
I’m not sure why the quarterbacks are dancing, but hey – it’s 2017. Who am I to judge? I’m no coach. Wait – am I the only one who thinks this looks like the quarterbacks are dancing?
The Running Backs
No one is going to be surprised to read that DeMarco Murray is looking good so far, but it’s Derrick Henry that is creating headlines. The former Heisman winner out of Alabama has shown up to camp in great shape and is playing much more comfortably. His coaches and the sports writers alike are saying he has improved dramatically…or is it dramastically? I don’t know.
Also, how long is it reasonable to call a player a “former Heisman winner?”
Kevin Byard Has People Buzzing
The second-year safety out of MTSU looks confident and poised. According to Rhett Bryan, his head coach is pretty high on him, too:
This guy @KB31_Era, has been putting in the work & his Head Coach says “He looks like a longtime vet the way he makes his calls” #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/8H7ByycAWW
— Rhett Bryan (@rhettbtennessee) August 1, 2017
Obviously, the arrow is going to be pointing up on everyone at this time of the year, but Byard really does have a lot of potential. He could become one of the league’s elite, and maybe we shouldn’t be surprised if that happens within the next couple of seasons. Let’s hope it translates to game days.
Mularkey’s Awards
So, Mike Mularkey gives out awards each year to those players who generally “win” the offseason – one to a big guy (Jurrell Casey), one to a medium guy (Delanie Walker), and one to a little guy. This sounds like a bunch of morale-building, motivating mumbo jumbo to me, but the recipient of this year’s ‘little guy’ award is pretty telling.
It went to LeShaun Sims. I’ve been in on Sims since he finished last season hot, and graded out as one of the best Titans defenders (according to Pro Football Focus). The Titans drafted Adoree Jackson, and immediately, fans declared him the incumbent to Jason McCourty.
Sims is good! I still think he’s starting opposite Logan Ryan against the Oakland Raiders, barring an injury. And, that’s certainly not a bad thing. It’s obvious Mularkey and his staff are still high on Sims, too.
Adoree Jackson Showin’ Out
Speaking of Jackson, his speed and ball skills have been on display so far. He’s in a good situation, too. The former USC standout won’t have to come in and cover elite NFL receivers right away. Still, we’re seeing flashes of why the Titans loved him so much – great player with an electric personality that rubs off on people.
The Wide Receivers
The Titans finally agreed to terms with first round pick Corey Davis, which saw him take the field on Sunday. While the chemistry is still developing, he’s shown everything the Titans said they drafted him for. I’ve already mentioned Decker is looking good so far, and no one should be surprised that Rishard Matthews is looking as reliable as ever. Rookie third-rounder Taywan Taylor is getting plenty of work as well, and so far, he’s holding his own. This is going to be a good unit.
Parting Thoughts
Finally, who turned the damn sprinkler on?
Wait for it…Wait for it….
Sorry, Mike. I swear it wasn’t me! pic.twitter.com/a2tEppbU22
— Amie Wells (@TitansAmie) July 31, 2017
That’s Titans royalty you’re messing with.
The 4th practice of camp is going on as I type this, but I’ll be sure to catch you guys up later this week. Titan up.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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