NASHVILLE – The Titans kicked off rookie minicamp on Friday.
On Saturday, the rookies will be on the field for Day 2.
Meanwhile, the questions and comments keep flying into the Titans mailbag.
Let's open another batch.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Brad Smith from Kent Island, Maryland
Question: Hey Jim. First off, thanks for all you do all these years, keeping us informed. Not really a question but just a comment or 2., I don't know why but it has been bugging me since that gentleman from Mexico who says he has been a fan since 1972 said we have had 24 starting QBs, yet only 5 QB's with winning seasons since George Blanda. He said they were Moon, McNair, Young, Tannehill & Hasselbeck, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Dan Pastorini led us to 2 AFC Title games back to back in 1978 & 1979. Kerry Collins started out 10-0 in 2008 (13-3) and Marcus Mariota also led us to the playoffs where we upset the Chiefs in 2017. Just needed to get that off my chest. One thing I am very, very proud of though is we are the only team in NFL history to have two 2,000 yard rushers in a season with Henry and CJ2K and almost a 3rd when Campbell ran for 1,934.
We also have the first and only African American QB in the Hall Of Fame and I would say McNair may be the next best eligible except for maybe McNabb in my opinion. He has better numbers than Randall Cunningham, Cam Newton and Vick.
Just a major correction I had to make along with some fun facts about our team. Looking forward to a much better season this year and more to come. I do hope they make it a QB competition this year being that Levis, even though he had some bone head decisions, hadn't played a ton of starts and deserves a chance to compete. The O line didn't do him any favors either. We know Ward is very possibly our future and we couldn't pass up the move drafting him, but Levis does deserve one more chance to at least be competitive and for them to push each other instead of handing the team over right away. Thanks for everything, Jim TITAN UP!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time to chime in Brad. Despite not having a Vince Lombardi Trophy, the organization has had a lot of successful seasons, players, and yes, quarterbacks. We'll see if Cam Ward is the next one. And, we'll also have to wait and see how Will Levis fits into the puzzle moving forward. The hope is Cam settles in and has early success. It's why the team picked him first overall. But Levis isn't going to stop competing, and having watched him in practices over the past two years, I know he's talented. So, for now, they'll battle it out.
Rich Davidson from Paducah, Kentucky
Question: I like this year's draft class and also many of our offseason moves. However, the offensive line still scares me to death. If it's not any better than last season, then Ward will have a difficult rookie year. What do you think of this year's offensive line and are any more additions a possibility?
Jim: I think the offensive line will be better than last season. Dan Moore has started a ton of games at left tackle, and JC Latham returns to what's a more comfortable spot for him, right tackle. Kevin Zeitler is a proven veteran at one of the guard spots, and Peter Skoronski, in Year 3, should be even better. Lloyd Cushenberry, assuming he's healthy and ready to go, is solid in the middle of the line. The depth should be better. If the o-line is not better this fall, then some folks will have some explaining to do.
Oliver Wade from Raleigh, North Carolina
Question: Hey Jim. I feel like we did a good job with the draft but how do you feel about the signing of the undrafted free agents? Especially Des Evans since we are short at defensive end?
Jim: Seems like a solid group, from receiver Xavier Restrepo to offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson to defensive lineman Cam Horsley to running back Micah Bernard to cornerbacks Jalen Kimber and Jermari Harris to Evans, who played in 55 games, and produced some nice stats, over five seasons at North Carolina. We'll see if any of them, or others, can stick.
Jose Arelleno from Guadalajara, Mexico
Question: Buenas tardes, tendremos un equipo mas competitivo que el del año pasado? nos podemos ilusionar en ver muy pronto a este equipo en un super bowl?
Jim: Hola José. La competencia debería ser buena en todos los ámbitos. Pero no voy a predecir el Super Bowl pronto, no después de una temporada de 3-14. Este equipo tendrá que ganarse el respeto.
Jeremy Jones from Waterboro, Maine
Question: Hey Jim, hope you were able to catch your breath and have some down time after the draft, seems like this was the busiest one that the organization has ever had. Excited to finally see the players on the field and just get back to football. Do you think the team will look to add another Veteran piece at edge rusher? Still seems we are pretty thin there and could use some more talent before the season starts.
Jim: Hey Jeremy. I'll be honest, it hasn't slowed down much on my end. But it's all good, because we're closing in on the season. I got this question in here recently, so I'll answer it the same way here: It wouldn't surprise me. But whether that comes via a waiver claim or by signing a free agent off the street remains to be seen. I look at the edge rusher spot and see some guys who have done it, some who still have something to prove, and some youngsters who will need to establish themselves. I think the GM will be looking to upgrade there, along with several other positions. But I suspect the personnel guys will want to see how guys do during offseason work, including OTAs and minicamp, too. Hope all is well.
Anthony Anthamatten from Springfield, Illinois
Question: I enjoyed reading Xavier Woods comments. As a sixth-round draft pick nobody expected much from. Entering his nineth year in the league at 30 years old, that is quite an accomplishment. Welcome to the Titans Xavier. May this be your best year. Show those young bucks how it's done.
Jim: Thanks Anthony. Here's the story on Xavier Woods for those who missed it: CLICK HERE.
KD Thompson from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. First time writing in and I really think CAM WARD is our future! That being said, I'm afraid he'll win the QB competition and start the first game of his rookie season. To help my peace of mind, do you have any examples of rookie QB's starting the first game of their rookie season while also EVENTUALLY going on to win a Super Bowl with that team, even if the Super Bowl was seasons later?
Jim: Hey KD. Well, it's my understanding no rookie QB has ever made it to the Super Bowl. But, Jayden Daniels came close last season. Ben Roethlisberger won Super Bowl XL with the Steelers in his second season, after starting in the conference championship game as a rookie. The goal for Cam is to be as good as possible as fast as possible, and him winning the competition isn't something you should root against.
David Hierholzer from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Why keep Levis? He does not seem to have any peripheral vision. I recorded many games last year and several times, at around a 45 angle away opposition rushing in about 8 ft away he would cock his arm, unbelievevable, yes, he can make all throws but with that happening, they will not win games with him as backup. I would rather see Ryan Tannehill back for back up or competition.
Jim: I like Levis more than you do, David. With that said, if he's the back-up, not sure how that's going to impact how many games the team wins, unless the starter is hurt for an extended time.
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is well. I was reading a little about Tyler Lockett and man, he is great! I tell people that he is the type of guy you put on the team not for production but to build a locker room. He is doing all the right things and representing the team in all the right ways. He is setting an example for all these players to follow. I see what Borgonzi saw in him!
Jim: Tyler Lockett made a great first impression on me, and a lot of folks. He was definitely a nice addition.
Travis Lewis from LaVergne, Tennessee
Question: Do you know if the titans will hold an open practice at Nissan stadium like they did last year where all fans are able to come?
Jim: Check back with me closer to July on this one, Travis.
Have a great weekend everyone!
