NASHVILLE – The Titans hit the field for the first day of Phase 3 on Tuesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
What that means is organized team activities (OTAs) will officially begin.
Today's session is closed to media, but tomorrow's practice is open.
Here's a look at 10 things I'll be looking at the start of OTAs.
Competition: In Phase Two, everything was individual and unit-centered, in position groups. The players didn't compete against one another. Starting today, the offense can compete against the defense, and vice versa. While players won't be decked out in pads, coaches will at least be able to see how they're adjusting to the schemes, and how they execute against one another. Phase 3 will provide the best gauge yet.
Cam Ward: The last time the rookie quarterback was on display for cameras was at rookie minicamp, just weeks after being taken first overall in the NFL Draft. Ward has since had several weeks to get settled in, and adjust to the NFL, and his new teammates. It's going to be a process for Ward to get comfortable. At this point, coaches just want to see Ward and others make progress. Another hurdle awaits in Phase 3.
Will Levis: Coach Brian Callahan has said multiple times this offseason the team plans to let Levis compete for the starting job. In the offseason program, Ward and Levis, along with veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle, have gone through drills together, competing. In Year 3, Levis will try to make a case for himself.
Attendance: I've had a chance to watch the majority of the organized workouts to this point. While there hasn't been 100 percent attendance this offseason, it's been well attended, and Callahan said he's been pleased. Remember, it's a voluntary program. Still, you can be sure folks will be taking roll.
Health: Just like every offseason, some players spend part of the offseason program recovering from post-season procedures, or surgeries from in-season. Center Lloyd Cushenberry is working his way back from an Achilles injury, receiver Treylon Burks is recovering from last year's torn ACL, and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed is rehabbing quad and knee injuries. Draft picks Kevin Winston Jr. and Kalel Mullings are working their way back from procedures as well. Who else might be working on a side field, or inside?
JC Latham: Callahan has raved about the physical appearance of right tackle JC Latham, who has lost weight and looks leaner heading into his second NFL season. Latham is also sporting a new haircut. He's certain to draw some attention on Wednesday when the first offseason practice opens.
John Fassell: New special teams coordinator John Fassel is known for his energetic style, and creativity. Everyone got a sneak peek at Fassel during rookie camp, but now the competition has increased, so I'm anticipating we'll hear him even better beginning this week.
New faces: By my count the Titans have signed 19 free agents, drafted nine players, and claimed five new players off waivers in the past few months. Plus, the team added a big batch of undrafted free agents. The team is going to look a lot different this fall, and it's finally time to see some of these guys in competitive situations.
Receivers: Some of the biggest additions have come at the receiver position, where veterans Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett were signed in free agency, and Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor were added via the draft. The team also went out and signed Xavier Restrepo after the draft. The Titans currently have 13 receivers on the roster, so the competition will be fun to watch.
The rookies: I've already touched on Ward, Dike, Ayomanor, Winston and Restrepo in here. All those guys are intriguing to me. But I'm also looking forward to seeing how draft picks like edge Oluwafemi Oladejo, tight end Gunnar Helm, guard Jackson Slater and cornerback Marcus Harris, along with some of the other undrafted free agents, look with the veterans.
