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Three Quick Hits from OTAs

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** The Titans just wrapped up their sixth session of organized team activities on Thursday.

Today's session was closed to media, but that's OK.

I had a few notes leftover to produce another version of quick hits…

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Poutasi improving**

Offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi was thrown into the fire during his rookie season, and as he'd probably admit, there were times he got burned.

A third-round pick out of Utah, Poutasi began the year as the team's starting right tackle. He had his moments, both good and bad. Poutasi was replaced in some games, and eventually in the starting lineup. Later in the season, the Titans moved Poutasi to guard. He didn't play in five games down the stretch, and was used primarily on special teams when he played.

"I learned a lot from last year, just the rollercoaster we went on last year,'' Poutasi said. "But I know what to expect, I know how to handle certain situations. … I learned a lot from it."

During OTAs, Poutasi has been in the competition at guard with players like Quinton Spain, Sebastian Tretola and Josue Matias. Chance Warmack has worked exclusively at right guard, and is on track to start again this fall.

Mularkey said he's liked what he's seen from Poutasi so far. The team is rotating several players at both guard positions.

"He is doing better,'' Mularkey said of Poutasi. "He is more comfortable inside (and) you can tell he is more comfortable. He is playing faster, because he is at one spot I know he is confident in. He had a very good day (on Tuesday). I think he is getting better, but it is hard without pads on truly, fairly evaluate them."

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Dodd update**

The Titans are still counting on big things from rookie outside linebacker Kevin Dodd this season, despite his recent foot surgery.

Right now, the Titans want the second-round pick from Clemson to be patient.

"(He needs to) stay off of his foot,'' Mularkey said of Dodd. "He is supposed to be not weight-bearing. I've seen him in the hallways, and he is a little anxious to get back. Just listen to what the doctors are telling him to do.

"Stay in the meetings and make sure he is paying attention. Not being able to be out here right now, he has to be really attentive in the meetings."

Cleaning up the penalties

The Titans were one of the NFL's most disciplined teams after Mularkey took over for Ken Whisenhunt in the middle of last season.

Mularkey wants to make sure his team doesn't slip in that department this season. Officials have been at practices since the start of OTAs, and he's reminded his team on a regular basis they need to clean up mistakes.

"It's been a little up and down with the penalties,'' Mularkey said. "We talk about the penalties after every practice, what we've got to do. Because we're not going to be one of those teams that beats itself on Sunday. So we're going to just keep addressing it. I've got a chart to show them at the beginning of the week."

After penalties in practice, players can oftentimes be seen running on the side.

"We ask them, 'What are you going to do when you (get) a penalty?,''' Mularkey said. "Is it running? Is it up-downs? Is it push-ups? Is it gassers? You've got to do something. If you don't do something, then it's like you're endorsing it, that it's OK. It's not OK."

Titans veterans and rookies take the field for Day 5 of OTAs at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn, AP)

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