NASHVILLE – Welcome to May.
The Titans will ramp things up this month, with rookie minicamp scheduled for next weekend and then a round of OTAs.
We'll get to see the new players on the field here soon, which is exciting.
For now, we're back in this mailbag with your questions and comments.
Let's go…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Joe White from Kingsport, Tennessee
Question: I just want to say that I really like this year's draft! Not that my opinion means much but I think Ward is going to be a large upgrade at the QB position. I really like Ayomanor and Helm as targets for Ward and signing Restrepo seems like a very smart move too. With the new offensive line, I'm hoping for a much better season. If Oladejo and Winston turn into stars the team could be really improved for 2025. I'm just confused as to why some fans who trashed Levis last year, now wanted to trade back and keep him as the starter. I don't think the Titans were as bad as their record last season. The first two games should have been wins and when winnable games slip away a team can slip into the Quicksand pretty fast. So finally, my question. Do you feel the Titans addressed the WR issue or should they have taken a wideout in round three? Thanks for all you do!!
Jim: Hey Joe. Appreciate your take. I think the Titans created some great competition this offseason, and I feel like a solid receiving corps can come from this group. Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson are three solid veterans, and the addition of Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor add size and speed. Not sure what's going to happen with Treylon Burks as he works his way back from his ACL injury. I do know guys like Mason Kinsey, Bryce Oliver, Colton Dowell, Jha'Quan Jackson and James Proche II are going to bust it to stick some fashion, along with Tay Martin. Not all these guys will make it, of course. It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out.
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hey Jim! I must admit that I like the selections in this draft more than any other draft the Titans have done (with the exception of the year they drafted D. Henry). I know that it remains to be seen how they perform on the field, but what do you think of all of the selections?
Jim: I like the group, Raymond, starting with Cam Ward. Nice additions at positions of need, and some interesting prospects. I mentioned the receivers when talking to Joe. Guys like Oladejo and Winston and Helm were solid picks, too, and I think Slater, Harris and Mullings all have a great chance to stick, too.
Beau Siddens from Covington, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim, hope you had a great time in Green Bay. That was an exciting weekend. Not only did Borgonzi and Co. make the best selections they could, they scored big with the UDFAs as well! Now that we are all in on Ward, I can finally stop advocating for Levis. I do believe he has a bright future.
There should be some interesting roster battles this year. I can't wait to see it all play out. Outside of Ward, who do you see being the next biggest contributor on the Offense this season?
Thank you in advance for the time and energy you are about to endure this Summer.
Jim: Hey Beau. You've probably noticed we haven't announced the undrafted free agents. We'll do those at the end of the coming week, once these guys get into town and pass physicals. As for immediate contributors, hard for me to predict without seeing them on the field first. The rookie minicamp is set for next weekend, then these guys will join the veterans for on-field work, and we'll be able to see how they fit it at the start.
Braulio Cardenas Cantu from Saltillo, Mexico
Question: Hola Jim!! I hope you and yours are well. I send you greetings from Saltillo, Mexico.
I've been a Titans fan since 1972 and an avid reader of your section.
Analyzing the starting QBs the franchise has had since George Blanda, there have been around 24, but to my surprise, only 5 have achieved winning seasons! Warren Moon (7), Steve McNair (4), Vince Young (3), Ryan Tannehill (3), and Matt Hasselbeck (1).
Of course, a winning season doesn't depend exclusively on the QB; there's also the GM, the head coach (and their coordinators and coaching staff), and the players. However, the position that has the most impact is the QB.
That said, I think the decision to take a QB in the first round instead of the "best prospect at the time" was the right one.
Now, I've read the "experts'" analysis of our GM's choices, and one repetitive comment that stands out is: "Character and love for the game played a significant role in the decision." What's your take on this?
Jim: Hello Braulio. I appreciate you reading all these years from Mexico. Gracias!
I do think the front office focused on these characteristics, and judging from my first impression on all nine of these draft picks, I think they'll fit in well. A lot of captains, and leaders from their college days, are in the mix. Now the rookies have to adapt to the NFL, and find their way in the locker room. Changing culture – and results – takes time. But it's clearly a priority for Chad Brinker, Mike Borgonzi and Brian Callahan.
Neil Carr from Bingley, United Kingdom
Question: Hi Jim. The million dollar question is...which of the players selected were on your radar before the draft took place (is Cam Ward too obvious an answer here?) that you are particularly happy to now see in a Titans uniform?
I am excited about the 2/3 WRs (if you include the Restrepo) and the TE we selected (all I think have a chance to contribute if they evolve and develop as hoped). I was hoping we would throw offensive pieces at Ward for him to play with...let's now hope 1 or 2 of them work out successfully.
I'd love to know if your draft board worked out or not! Cheers
Jim: Hey Neil. I'm really intrigued by Elic Ayomanor, especially after watching highlights from his game against Colorado and Travis Hunter. If you haven't watched, Google it. You'll be impressed, I promise.
Gregory Smith from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: It's A New Year,A good Upcoming Season, A New Era in Titans Football History!!!! I believe this a way better team than last Season's with Cameron Ward, the rest of our Draft Class, especially undrafted Free Agent Rookie Receiver Xavier Restrepo who was Cam's #1'at Miami, The Free Agency like Dan Moore,a better Offensive line, improved Secondary, Special Teams and new Special Teams Coordinator Coach, New General Manager Mike Bogonzi has definitely improved this Organization and President Burke Nihhill will put the 2025 Roster together in time of The Season, when training camp,& Preseason is over!!! This is a way better team than last Season's, I hope Coach Brian Callahan is ready to do better as well especially at Play Calling on Offense, the O-line is better than last Season's, the secondary has improved and its time to Work ,off season Work outs,mini camp, and then Training Camp and The Preseason to get ready for the Season,the AFC South Division is Wide Open for grabs,a New Stadium will be ready in 2027,it's already making progress since last year!!! I'M READY TO TITAN UP AND REALLY LOOKING FORWARD FOR CAM WARD TO START AND SEE HIM PLAY GOOD SOLID FOOTBALL, WIN GAMES, DIVISIONS,WINNING SEASONS,PLAYOFFS AND HOPEFULLY A TRIP TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!" What do you think Jim? I had a million dollar and accidentally restart,but We want to see the Old Glory days when they first came, from Houston, TX to Nashville, TN, from Oilers to the Titans when went to our only Super Bowl in 1999 especially the Music City Miracle play in our first Home Playoff wild card game against the Bills, the 2000,2001,2002,2003,2008,2017 sort of,2019,2020& 2021!!!! No one will ever replace Steve McNair but I hope can get back there to the promise of excellency!! Eddie George to Chris Johnson CJ2K to Derrick Henry the King, who do you think will have him in the run game? Will Treylon Burks be ready in time of the Season or he'll be traded or waived? What about Will Levis and Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle? If somehow don't make playoffs this season,but I know we will, finished 9-10 or 11-13 wins this season if Everything goes or anything goes wrong. What you think? Titans Fans Nationwide Titan Up!!!!
Jim: I think I like the enthusiasm, Gregory!
William Woods from Pembroke, Ontario
Question: What a draft from the Titans we got pieces on the Defense and offense, edge help, and WR depth. After the draft what would you say was your favorite pick the Titans made outside of Cam Ward? For me it was Elic Ayomanor and not because he is a fellow Canadian but because of the spot we got him late in the fourth round, a lot of mock drafts had him going in the second round and early too. I would rate this draft an A- or a B+ as we drafted pieces of need and not the best available. How would you rate this draft from the Titans? Do you think this team has what it takes to bounce back from last year and at least be a wild card team? Thanks for your time. #TITANUP.
Jim: You made a good pick in Elic. And, I admit, I compile and look at the draft grades, but kind of think they're silly. The reality is it's not fair to grade these guys, or teams, until a few years from now.
Richard Stepien from McMinnville, Tennessee
Question: Do you think Cameron Ward will be the starter? Really looking forward to watching the Titans this year! Thanks for keeping us informed.
Jim: Yes, I think Cam Ward will be the starter. But he's going to have to earn it.
Bobby Negley from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Dear Jim. Does Cam Ward look a little, sound a little, and hopefully play as great as Steve McNair or is it my imagination? What a down to earth mature young man he seems to be. I think the Titans got themselves a winner. What do you think?
Jim: Early on in the process I heard folks say Cam reminds them of Steve McNair. I actually asked him about it at his Pro Day. The two are similar in that they're no-nonsense guys who love football.
Tommy Henley from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, well first a for most thanks for all you do for us fans a the Titans organization. You're greatly appreciated. So it's finally over an I truly hope the staff,coaches, and scouts done there jobs, I pray we got the players that'll make a difference, I was questionable about the edge rusher outta UCLA, I was kindly hoping for Green outta Marshall, effectively they see something I didn't but I have faith, so the real question, and I hope you no the answer I was hyped when I seen they got Xzavier, you think Cam might of said something to Ms Amy or the Coach about this kid cuz I've watched em play alot last season, and him an Cam was like peanut butter an jelly lol !! I always like to watch highlights about the players they've picked, so did anyone of em stand out to you Jim? Besides Cam I think everyone kinda knew he was coming to Tennessee, but when I seen they got Xavier I was glad. Thanks Jim an hope I hear your opinions on my question and thoughts and tell em Jim. Congratulations from all of us fans, So LETS Go!!
Jim: Appreciate it, Tommy. I mentioned Elic earlier. But I'm really looking forward to seeing all these guys.
Jackson Weber from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim I think that was a pretty successful draft. Do you know any word when training camp starts up? Can't wait to see your content this year!
Jim: No official date on training camp yet, but it will be late July. Some other dates are set:
Rookie minicamp: May 9-10.
OTAs: May 27-28, 30. June 2-3, 5.
Minicamp: June 10-12.
Matthew Dowdy from Union Grove, Alabama
Question: Do you think Tennessee will make the playoffs this year?
Jim: Coming off a 3-14 season, no way I'm predicting this is May.
Abel Johnson from Malone, New York
Question: What's ur plan with cam ward and how long do u wanna keep him as a titan?
Jim: If all goes well, Abel, Cam will outlast me with the team. And, I'm not planning to retire any time soon.
Have a great weekend everyone!
