NASHVILLE – The Titans were back on the field on Thursday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park for Day 3 of this week's three-day minicamp.
Here's a look at what stood:
-The offense showed some bounce-back on Thursday after some scrappy play from the defense during the first few days of this week's minicamp. And, it might've been the best practice this offseason for quarterback Malik Willis. (More on that coming up).
-Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw behind tight end Chig Okonkwo during an early team red zone period, and a pass to rookie tight end Josh Whyle sailed high with defensive back Elijah Molden on his hip in the same period. But Tannehill connected with running back Jonathan Ward on a swing pass for a score, and he threw another touchdown pass in the later team period.
-I've mentioned Ward in these observation pieces numerous times, because he keeps showing up.
-Another guy who keeps showing up is running back Tyjae Spears, and he's the guy who caught Tannehill's second TD pass of the day – a bullet across the middle – late in practice. Center Aaron Brewer lifted Spears into the air after that score, as players on offense celebrated.
-I touched on Willis in the opening, and I'll get into more detail now. Willis has been more decisive this offseason, and he's getting the ball out quicker as a result. Willis connected with receivers Reggie Roberson Jr. and Tre'Shaun Harrison for touchdowns in the first team period of practice, and he also threw a completion to receiver Racey McMath, who later let a catchable ball from Willis go off his hands. Willis tucked the football and ran it in for a score late, which sparked another celebration.
-Quarterback Will Levis found Whyle open for a touchdown, and he connected with Roberson, who made a nifty catch on the final play of practice, for another score. He connected with receiver Kearis Jackson with two defenders lurking as well.
-Titans safety Kevin Byard spoke to reporters for the first time this offseason. Here's a link to that story: CLICK HERE.
-Outside linebacker Arden Key showed off a nice spin move to get into the backfield in a team period.
-Defensive lineman Denico Autry received a nice compliment from Coach Mike Vrabel before practice, and then showed up with a nice rush in a team drill.
-Defensive lineman Naquan Jones showed some hussle in chasing Willis to the boundary.
-Defensive back LJ Davis was around the football, breaking up one pass intended for Roberson late.
-Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk attended today's minicamp for the third day in a row.
-Kicker Caleb Shudak made all seven of his field goals in a kicking period, from 33, 39, 45, 50, 42, 38 and 52 yards. He was 14 of 15 in this week's minicamp. Kicker Trey Wolff, an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, was 6-of-7 on Thursday, his only miss from 42 yards, and he's now 29-of-32 during the open periods this offseason.
-Not spotted at Thursday's session: CB Caleb Farley, CB Kristian Fulton, CB Josh Thompson, OLB Harold Landry, DL Sam Okuayinonu, OL Dillon Radunz, TE Trevon Wesco and DL Teair Tart.
-Vrabel said OL Dillon Radunz is recovering from knee surgery, but he doesn't anticipate him being ready for the start of training camp at the end of next month.
-Vrabel said DB Kristian Fulton has been in town for this week's minicamp, and is working. He anticipates him being ready for training camp.
-Vrabel said DB Caleb Farley continues to make progress following his back procedure, and is lifting weights.
-Former Titans safety Blaine Bishop, now with 104.5-FM, attended today's practice.
-Former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason, most recently with Oklahoma State, was also on hand for practice. I talked to Mason after practice and he said he's taking the fall off from football, and plans to get back into coaching in 2024.
-The Titans will return to the practice field for OTA No. 7 next Monday, and that session is closed to the media. The next open session is next Wednesday.
