NASHVILLE – Three OTAs down, three more to go.
Then, the three-day Titans minicamp.
The offseason is flying by, and, starting tomorrow we'll be able to say training camp begins … next month.
Hard to believe, huh?
This weekend's Titans mailbag is here…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Joseph Carney from Anchorage, Alaska
Question: Jim! Exciting times, eh?! So quick observation/question - looking at the current roster on the official Titans site, JC Latham appears slimmer (face only) and I thought he was heavier than his listed weight of 342. So! Are the players re-weighed during this time of year? Just curious. Thank you, Jim!
Jim: Hey Joseph. I actually wrote a story about JC this week – he is listed at 342 pounds, but he's now down to 337 pounds, from the peak of 370 he weighed at the end of last season. CLICK HERE to read the story about his transformation, and position switch. All these guys get an offseason plan, and target weight, from the training staff, coaches, and team nutritionist, Lauren Silvio. They'll have a target weight for when they return for training camp in July. JC looks great for sure. He's a motivated young man who put in the work.
Edward McKinney from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim! I have a question about Cody Barton. As I read about his performances over the last three years, I was surprised to see that he is one of only five MLBs in the NFL to post 100+ tackles each season. That is very impressive! I thought it was odd that he had those types of numbers but has been on multiple teams over three years and that he was readily available in free agency (Denver didn't try to keep him). How would you describe his skill set (run defender, pass defender, or both)? What do you think he will bring to the Titan's MLB room? Do you think the Titan organization has solved their MLB issues, given we have Cody, along with Cedric Gray, Otis Reese, and James Williams.
Jim: Hey Edward. Cody has been highly productive, and the Titans went out and got him because they see him as a three-down linebacker who can tackle, cover, and call the defense, and lead. One of the biggest questions I have heading into the season is who plays next to him. All those guys who mentioned are in the mix.
William Merriweather from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I know the first 2 phases were without pads but what rookies or rookies stood out most to you and why?
Jim: Is it cheating to say Cam Ward? 😊
Edge rusher Femi Oladejo and receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike are the other rookies who have stood out to me so far, through three OTA practices. Oladejo is a high energy guy who is physically impressive, and I've seen Ayomanor make some tough catches already. I've also noticed Dike in every OTA so far. He had a great catch on a bullet from Ward in traffic on Friday. Dike and Ayomanor are some impressive rookies.
Kameron Elfrink from Spokane Valley, Washington
Question: Hey Jim! Hope you're having a great week! I grew up a Tulane fan and loved seeing Tyjae and Jha'Quan on the team together a wholesome little college duo like restrepo and cam. I've seen a few photos from OTAs and was wondering if you knew if Jha'Quan Jackson might be returning to that kick or punt returner roll? As last year he was benched supposedly due to fumbling issues. High hopes for the guy this year
Jim: Hey Kameron. It's been a good week, thanks. Well, Jha'Quan is in the mix at returner again this offseason, but he has company -Jha'Quan, Xavier Restrepo, TJ Sheffield, James Proche II and Dike have been catching punts in OTAs, and I'm sure more will be added to the mix at some point. Jha'Quan really came on in camp last year, and he's going to need to do that again this year as well. He's a really good guy, like Tyjae. I'm pulling for his success.
Ed Pierce from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim. Great questions and answers over the weekend. Glad to see the Irish fans. Great country, good people. Glad some like the other form of football! My question, coming from a guy who never played on a field or a court with a team (golf and track guy), what is the deal about the long away game stretch? They have to play away games. I know the travel crowd or locals that are at the field are limited but does that really have an emotional, motivational effect on the players? It seems how they do is what gets their jazz going. Looking forward to more of your OTA reports. Good stuff. Ed
Jim: Hi Ed. It has been cool to see the Titans fans from Ireland in here. I was actually on the “Irish NFL Show” podcast this week, talking about the Titans and the partnership. The three-game stretch isn't going to be easy, going from Houston to Arizona to Las Vegas. It's going to be a lot of travel (it's my understanding the team has no plans to spend a week out west like they did with Mike Mularkey), so guys are going to be challenged. The good news is the team won't leave Nashville from November 2 until December 7 (four home games and a bye in between), so there will be an opportunity to settle in and build some momentum in the second half of the season.
McKeeg Russell from Elkhart, Texas
Question: I hope all is well with you, Jim. Well.. another off-season and another year of expectations. I am one of the holdouts who hasn't already started crowning Ward as the rookie MVP. I see big potential but think he is a project as much as most rookies are. My biggest concern is still whether or not Callahan learned from his slew of mistakes and has improved. I was really hoping we would see a true OC as his play calling and game management were suspect all season long. I guess my questions are, 1) Does Callahan get another season pass? Last year it was "rookie HC with a bad roster", will this year be "rookie QB with a young roster" or will he be held accountable if it goes bad? 2) Is there actually a competition for QB? I know Levis was bad last year but I also know it was his first full season starting and he regressed under Callahan. I would rather see yr 2.5 Levis than a not ready Ward. Also, anytime Miss Amy is ready to move the Oilers home, I'll help pack the van. The Houston Replacements can move to San Antonio or something.
Jim: Hey McKeeg. Not a fan of the first question, insinuating Callahan got a "pass." He inherited a bad team that went 6-18 in the previous 24 games. He had a QB who made careless turnovers at inopportune times. The bad team finished 3-14. The Titans should be better this year, but the team is going to need Cam (assuming he's the starter) to play well. Yes, it's on Callahan and Co. to get him ready. Question No.2, yes there's a competition at QB. I expect Cam to win it, but they're not going to hand it over to him if he doesn't earn it. Again, my expectation is he'll be the starter.
Paul Jones from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. I've got a couple questions on the L'Jarius Sneed situation. 1. Why are the titans so hesitant to show him on camera all of a sudden. 2. If the lawsuit comes back and proves Sneed guilty, does that mean we will cut him. 3. What are the odds that he is cut this offseason, my kids love him and want meet him, so I want to know if he will still be here. Thanks Jim
Jim: Hey Paul. No one is hesitant to put L'Jarius on camera. The team had one day of media availability this past week, and L'Jarius wasn't on the field because he's rehabbing. I've seen him around. Of the 91 players on the team, 14 guys spoke after Wednesday's session, which means L'Jarius was one of 77 who didn't. I'm not going to speculate about his lawsuit. I will speculate about his media availability, and my hunch is he'll talk at some point in the future. And, judging from the way his HC and DC have talked about him recently, I expect him to be on the team and playing a key role in 2025.
Tommy Henley from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: Always thankful for what you do for fans an the organization, but my question is , just how polished is Xavier? Guess I'm kinda comparing him from Mason Kinsey, or Kyle Phillips whom I think is gone , but I love this kid I really think he's gonna be a 3 down chain mover I have hi hopes for him, an the Lb/edge rusher from what I've seen this guy has a motor an motivation for not only his self, but his teammates, I'm hoping Brian and his dad has got the right guys up front to give our QB to go through his progressions, because to me that front line doesn't get enough media attention especially when they block there ass off for their team so let me no wat u think Jim an thanks again GO Titans Baby!!
Jim: Hey Tommy. Xavier has looked smooth to me. But he's going to have to show he can get open, and produce, when padded practices and competition cranks up. I've seen a lot of receivers flash in the offseason, from Biren Ealy to Eddie Berlin to Tyrone Calico to Joshua Malone to Kyle Philips. I could list others. The point is Xavier is going to have to stay healthy and prove himself again. Based on his career path so far, I'm not going to doubt him … I like the looks of Femi myself. … The o-line should definitely be better.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. I hope life is treating you and your loved ones well. Thank you for the tireless work you do keeping the fans informed and up to date on everything Titans!! I had a couple questions on the 2 remaining unsigned draft picks. 1st- is there any news or movement on "Femi" and Dike' contract signing their respective rookie deals? Sportrac is reporting some numbers, but being a fan of your work we should all know unless Jim Wyatt announces it, then it's NOT official due to the ownership/front office rules or requests of how news is reported/ released. 2nd- Is it normal for the number 1 overall or even a teams 1st round pick to sign a deal before the second round/ second pick or even a fourth rounder? I'm sure if I researched it I would find times this has happened (maybe quite often). But I believe you over Google, and I'm sure with all the sports sites, reporters, etc. out there, I'd get lost and confused. Thanks again for all you do.
JimWyatt>Google TitanUp
Jim: I appreciate it, Jason. Oladejo and Dike are the only two players from the nine-man draft class who haven't signed. It'll happen at some point, and I wouldn't sweat it. It sounds like most of the second round is unsigned, and these things usually happen in a flurry.
Jason Knight from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I hope all is well. Just a couple of simple questions. I know the team lost a lot of leadership before the start of last year and some this year. I also saw where Callahan has split the team into 8 groups, I think it said. Does this seem to be helping? If so, who do you think will be leaders besides Simmons and the other veterans. If you don't mind, I would like to say that I pray all those that don't know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their personal savior come to know him before it's everlasting too late. GOD Bless you and you're family Jim, and thank you for all you do. One last thing I know it's gonna take another year or two, but I do believe we have the right front office people, and the team looks to be on the right track
Jim: Back-to-back Jasons! I think the energy has been great. And, I do think this team is developing leaders. But the true test will come when the team faces some adversity. That's when leadership presents itself.
Have a great weekend everyone!
