NASHVILLE – And with that, the Titans offseason work together is now over.
The Titans wrapped up minicamp this week, and now the countdown until training camp is on.
The date for the first practice: July 23.
Lots of questions to be answered before the start of the season.
Let's get started in this weekend's mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Alex Hulshof from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Love what you do for the Titans community by answering our questions. When looking at the linebacker depth chart, it can be confidently said that Cody Barton would be one of the starters at MLB. On the depth chart on ESPN, they have Otis Reese IV as the 2nd starting linebacker. With Cedric Gray and James Williams behind Otis on the depth chart, I was gonna ask if any of those 3 players are looking like a solid starting linebacker so far in the offseason.
Jim: Appreciate you reading, Alex. I wouldn't pay much attention to the ESPN depth chart. The team hasn't put out a depth chart, because we're a long way from seeing who wins these battles. I think it's a competition between Gray and Williams for the job, and each guy provides a different skill set. I think Williams has emerged as a real contender, but Gray will have a chance to turn, or bang, heads in camp. Otis Reese has flashed during his time with the team, but I think he's probably competing more to help on special teams. Reese has missed time recently with an injury. When the pads come on, we'll get bigger clues on how things might play out. I've really liked the look of Cody Barton so far – he's picked off Cam Ward twice this offseason, and he plays fast.
Harry Prentiss from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Question: Jim I like many of the additions offensively and think we have great potential on that side of the ball. However my concern is where do we get any pass rush? Landry was our leading slacker last year and his departure there's a huge drop off from a unit that wasn't great even with him. Do you see it being an internal process or are here any June 1 free agents that could come to Nashville? Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.
Jim: Hey Harry. This is the big question for me, too. It's going to have to come from a combination of guys. Arden Key, Dre'Mont Jones and Femi Oladejo are the top three. Jaylen Harrell, Lorenzo Carter and others who will also be competing for snaps. The team will also count on getting a push inside, while creating pressure with blitzes. I do think there's a chance this is an area where the team could make an addition via the waiver wire.
Roy Wright from Smyrna, Tennessee
Question: Colton Dowell local titan was making a name as a Gunner b4 his injury wonder how he has looked since his return along with WR duties.
Jim: Hey Roy. I really like Colton. He's a great kid, a hard worker, and he has played well when given a chance. But he's still working his way back from injury, and there are a lot of new receivers in the mix. He's going to have his work cut out for him to make the team.
Jae Jones from Washington, D.C
Question: Hey What's Up Jim. It's been awhile (since last season), but you no being an out of towner, I always appreciate the work you and Turron Davenport do (Tell him Jae said what's up if you can).
I know it's a lot excitement around camp with the incoming rookie class, some returning vets and new coaches on the staff.
My question is, with all the competition around camp, I'm surprised we haven't heard any competition for Joey Slye? Are we sure he's the one to replace Nick Folk? Are we looking to bring someone in to atleast challenge Slye during OTA's? He Wasn't Bad Here In DC, however he had some accuracy issues..
As always I appreciate everything you do for us Out Of Town Titans Fans ! #TitanUp
Jim: Hey Jae! Slye has been solid. I've charted all his kicks, and he's been accurate, and he's shown a lot of leg strength. He nailed a 60-yarder in practice the other day. You're right in the fact there is usually competition, or at least a "training camp leg." But Slye hasn't really given the team much reason to look around so far. I appreciate you following along from D.C.
Quinn Lefkovitz from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim this is Quinn from Brentwood Tennessee and I am 12 years old. I'm wondering overall other than cam ward which rookies are doing (well?). Oluwafemi oladejo is also probably going to be a starter and beast at his position. Kevin Winston jr is on IR but when he comes back he is sure to be a starter. Elic ayommanor is personally my favorite player of this draft class so I hope he is a starter. So who is your favorite rookie on are team and who impressed you the most. My second question is, will Treylon Burks get any playing time to save his career. I have been a fan of Burks since day one of us drafting him in the first round of the NFL draft. I was so excited that I got a jersey of him for my birthday that year. I still think he has superstar potential and if he can get healthy and stay healthy then he will be a spectacular NFL wide receiver. Do you think he will be able to get any playing time because I think he has comeback player of the year potential. Thank you Jim for making this offseason amazing and TITAN UP everyone.
Jim: Hey Quinn. This makes two in here from Brentwood, which is where I live, in this mailbag. Cam has stood out. I think you nailed some of your opinions, and Ayomanor and Chimere Dike have really impressed me as well. I'm looking forward to seeing Winston, who sure looks the part. Femi has great tools, and energy. Helm has flashed, and Mullings returned to practice this week. All these guys, including a few I didn't mention, will be fun to watch in camp. As for Treylon, he has his work cut out for him to stick. A bunch of new, talented guys are in the room, and he's playing catch-up while recovering from his ACL injury. Treylon is a great guy who has had bad luck, and I know he's not going to give up the fight. Have a great summer, Quinn, and maybe I'll see you at Blaze Pizza.
Jeff Leiphardt from Goleta, California
Question: I hear Tennessee needs a punter. What about Wishnowsky?
Jim: Hey Jeff. You're referring to Australian punter Mitchell Wishnowsky, who was recently released by the 49ers. The thing is, the Titans have a punter: Johnny Hekker.
Audrey Kidd from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim, can you clear up a couple of things once and for all? We did NOT trade Derrick Henry. We did NOT "let NWI go." And Cam Ward did NOT "quit on his team in a bowl game." It drives me crazy to hear fans complain about this stuff. Maybe they'll hear you if you set the record straight…again. Thanks for being the bearer of truth and the voice of reason!
Jim: Thanks, Audrey. And, you're pretty much right on all three of those things! Derrick Henry was not traded. The team made NWI an offer, and he elected to sign with the Dolphins. Could they have made him a competitive offer he couldn't refuse? Yes, but technically he left because he liked Miami's offer, and opportunity, better. And, Cam is no quitter, that's for sure. I give him credit for playing at all in that meaningless bowl game.
Have a great weekend everyone!
