NASHVILLE – The Titans wrapped up their offseason work last week.
After six OTAs, three minicamp practices and a bunch of time in the weight room and on the field, the Titans are now taking a break.
Players are scheduled to report for training camp on July 22, and the first practice is set for July 23.
Here's a look at 10 Titans who impressed during the offseason:
QB Cam Ward
So far, I've liked everything I've seen from the rookie quarterback, from his play to his maturity to his leadership. Has he been perfect? No – he threw three interceptions in the five open practices, and he occasionally drops in a few f-bombs in interviews (he won't offend me). But Ward has been consistently good. I charted every one of his throws in those practices and he went 65-of-96 (67.7%) in the 7-on-7 and team drills combined, and looks to be on a track to start in Week 1.
RT JC Latham
The second-year tackle changed his diet, his body, and his hairdo. And, he's been the team's best offensive lineman this offseason, per offensive coordinator Nick Holz. Latham is down over 30 pounds compared to a year ago, and he's look even more athletic, and comfortable, now back at right tackle. LT Dan Moore made a nice first impression as well.
LB Cody Barton
Barton was signed to bring leadership and productivity to the linebacking corps. He's been even better than the team expected with the way he has embraced his role. Barton intercepted Ward twice during the offseason, and he has helped show some of the young players the way.
The Rookie Receivers
OK, I'm cheating here. But I'm counting Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor and Xavier Restrepo as one because they've all flashed in their own way. I think Ayomanor and Dike are going to help the team this fall, and I'm not ruling out Restrepo being in the mix in some fashion either, whether it's WR6 or WR7, or starting out on the practice squad. Ayomonor and Dike each had seven catches in the open practices, while Restrepo had 11, which led all receivers in the open practices. Can these guys pick up where they left off when camp begins?
Safety Amani Hooker
At this point of his career, Hooker knows how to get himself ready for an NFL season. It's hard to believe this is year seven for Hooker, but it is, and he's looked very comfortable and ready during the offseason.
TE Chig Okonkwo
In the five open practices, no player caught more passes than Okonkwo, who tallied 13. Okonkwo looks fast, and he appears to have good chemistry already with Ward.
DL Jeffery Simmons
Some might think Simmons doesn't belong on this list, because he wasn't around for most of the offseason. But in the three days Simmons was here for minicamp, he reminded everyone he's the best player on the defense. He's now 20 pounds lighter, and he looks ready to produce.
RB Tyjae Spears
Spears looked explosive on the field this offseason, when he got plenty of work. While Tony Pollard got the bulk of the work last fall, Spears showed flashes at different times. If he can stay healthy, he seems poised to be a consistent playmaker in 2025.
WR Calvin Ridley
In his second season with the Titans, Ridley seems like he's really bought in. Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying Ridley wasn't on board last year. But from my perspective it seems like he's even more eager to work, and to embrace helping Ward, and the rookies around him. Ridley should benefit from having more skilled players around him this fall.
Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel
Since I've actually named a dozen players already, I'm going to recognize Fassel, in part because it allows me to name a few more guys. Fassel has brought command, and a great personality, to the special teams unit, and staff. And his guys – kicker Joey Slye, punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper Morgan Cox – have all been good.
