NASHVILLE – The offseason workouts, including nine OTAs and a two-day minicamp, are officially in the books for the Titans.
Seven of the workouts were open for coverage, and they provided a glimpse of what the Titans could be about in 2026.
But in t-shirts and shorts, there's only so much you can tell.
Heading into the break before training camp, here's a look at 10 thoughts about the offseason workouts, while looking ahead to training camp:
-Quarterback Cam Ward wasn't as bad as some made him out to be during OTAs, and his bounce back during this week's minicamp was probably exaggerated, too. It is safe to say Ward ended the offseason on a high note, but with room for improvement. Getting used to a new offense, a new offensive coordinator, and new players around him, takes time to adjust to for any QB. I never expected smooth sailing, and we saw ups and downs in May and June. Training camp, joint practices, and preseason games will give us a better clue on how things might go early in the season for Ward and the offense.
-One thing that improved during the course of the offseason was the chemistry between Ward and receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. In OTAs, it didn't look like these two were always on the same page, as too many throws to Robinson fell incomplete. But Wednesday's minicamp practice showed they've come a long way, as Robinson caught eight passes from Ward, including some darts across the middle in traffic.
-When the Titans signed center Austin Schlottmann back in March, I figured the starting job was his to lose. Nothing has changed my mind over the course of the last few months, when Schlottmann used his knowledge of the system and smarts to make a good impression on those around him.
-No one caught more passes than receiver Xavier Restrepo during the open workouts. I counted 26 catches for Restrepo over the course of the seven open practices, and the next closest guy was five catches behind. A year ago, I suspected some folks were afraid Ward might rely on Restrepo too much if they were both out there at the same time. It's been obvious to me Restrepo makes plays no matter who is at QB. The competition at the WR spot is fierce, and I'm still skeptical about Restrepo's chances of being in the top five or six, and on the 53. But when I watch him consistently make plays, he's a guy I'd sure like to have around.
-Cornerback Alontae Taylor is part of a new-look secondary, and fans are going to love his scrappy play and feistiness. Taylor was around the football a lot in the two-day minicamp, and he's going to bring an edge to the secondary.
-Receiver Carnell Tate started the offseason on fire, and while he was quieter in recent practices, his good days provided reasons for optimism. Tate catches the ball effortlessly, and he's smooth with the ball in his hands.
-Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton reminds me of former Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn, and it's no surprise since Whitecotton calls Washburn one of his mentors. I ended up watching the defensive line drills a lot more this offseason than in the past, because the group is relentless in its approach and Whitecotton's style is entertaining to watch. The Titans have a bunch of new guys here, and some really good returners. One thing is guaranteed: This group is going to get after it.
-Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky missed a few OTAs early following the birth of his daughter, but he came back firing. I was really impressed by Trubisky's command and accuracy in his five practices with the team. By my count, he completed 80.4 percent of his passes in the 7-on-7 and team drills, he and looked very capable as the team's No.2 QB.
-I know safety Kevin Winston Jr. is counting the days until the pads come on. Winston flew around during offseason workouts, occasionally colliding with offensive players with his aggressive approach. Winston looks confident and healthy on the field, and he's no longer held back by injuries.
-Receiver Chimere Dike is best known for his work as a returner, but he's a pretty good receiver, too. Dike ended the offseason with a lot of momentum, and his 21 catches in the seven practices trailed only Restrepo.
