NASHVILLE – Welcome to the final mailbag of May.
The next Titans mailbag will be in June, and we'll be able to say training camp starts the following month.
Man, the offseason is starting to fly by.
Let's not waste any more time and jump right in to this one…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Quinn Lefkovitz from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, my name is Quinn and I am a 13-year-old from Brentwood. my question today is about the Titans draft class. What rookies do you think are doing the best in OTAs. Carnell Tate will catch every ball thrown at him and will be a number 1 WR for cam ward. Kendric Faulk is sure to be a beast and I can't wait to watch him play. Anthony hill jr will be a stud LB. Fernando Carmona jr and pat coogan are going to be amazing rookie guards and will be pancaking people left and right. Nick Singleton and Jeren Kanak will be more weapons for cam. Jackie Marshall will be a force to be reckoned with. Which player do you think is doing the best? Also what UDFAs are your favorites? My personal favorite is Hank Beatty because I watched some of Illinois games last season and I noticed that he looked elite. Thank you Jim for making this offseason amazing!!!!! TITAN UP!!!!!
Jim: Hey Quinn. Thanks for jumping in here. We might be nearby neighbors – I live in Brentwood myself. I've liked the looks of Tate. He catches the ball so effortlessly. As a rookie, he has a lot to learn, and he's going to go through some growing pains. But he's off to a great start, with a team-high 10 catches in the first two open OTAs. There's no doubt he's talented. Faulk looks the part, and he practices hard. But it's hard to tell without pads on, to be honest. Anthony Hill jumps out because of his athleticism, and that was on display in the first open OTA when he had an interception. Carmona and Coogan are finding their way behind the veterans, and I think they're easing in Nick Singleton to some degree. Singleton did more in Friday's OTA, so he's coming on. Kanak and Marshall are settling in as well. You mentioned Beatty, and I must admit he's caught my eye as well. He had four catches in the first open practice, which trailed only Tate (6). I can't see him sticking on the 53, so he's contending with a lot of others for a spot on the practice squad.
James Essary from Memphis Tennessee
Question: I would like start by saying I was not surprised by the Tate pick. I was saying the whole time there is no way they can pass up Tate unless you needed a QB. Even if Love is there Spears and Pollard gonna be just fine. With the FA pickups edge is gonna be good. So, when he took his 30 visit and they didn't say another word about him I knew something was up. So my question is: From what u have seen do u think we could surprise the NFL this year?
Jim: Hey James. I'm not going to rain on the Carnell Tate parade. We've had enough rain in Nashville already. But I feel like I need to hit the chill button, because I've noticed folks have been overly excited about his fast start to the OTAs, in t-shirts and shorts. Don't get me wrong: I like Tate, and think he's going to be really good. But I've see a lot of guys, including guys like Tyrone Calico, Justin Hunter, Biren Ealy and even Eddie Berlin, light it up during the offseason. This is just another way of saying it's too early to say Tate is going to be one of the NFL's surprise players. I think he's different than all those guys I've mentioned. I think he's different than a lot of talented rookies I've seen around here. But he's going to have to prove it in padded practices, and in games, and he's going to have to prove it against fierce competition. Again, I think he's talented, and capable. But I'm not going to crown anyone in May.
Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Question: How goes it Jim?!! I have been reading and watching some clips of the QBs… I said it when Daboll was hired, Levis is going to make camp very interesting! He has talent and an arm. With the right coach, he will be what we all thought he would be. I know Cam is the starter, but I don't see Levis making that an easy decision. Hope you have a great week!! As always TITAN UP!!
Jim: Hey Jeremy. Hope all is well. I've said in here many times I like Will, think he's talented, acknowledge he's had a tough draw, and I think he's worth more than a sixth or seventh round pick. With all that said, make no mistake, Cam Ward will be the team's starting quarterback in 2026, barring injury. And, to be honest, I think it will be an pretty easy decision. Heck, I think the decision has been made – right now it's all about getting him ready for the fall. If Will is going to make things interesting, it would be for the No. 2 spot, and even that's going to be tough because of Mitchell Trubisky's experience. Personally, I hope Will makes the 53-man roster, because I think he's a valuable asset. But this is Cam's team right now.
Evalyn Lake from Dunedin, Florida
Question: Hi Jim. Longtime, first time here! I have a question about our UDFAs. A respected sports media outlet spotlighted OT Aamil Wagner today as our "most exciting UDFA." What's your take? Thank you for all you do for Titans Fans!
Jim: Hi Evalyn. You're referring to the former Notre Dame tackle, of course. Wagner did arrive with impressive credentials, a team captain who started all 12 games at right tackle in 2025 for the Irish, where he was a Jason Witten Collegiate Player of the Year finalist. Wagner allowed three career sacks in 886 pass-blocking sets, according to Pro Football Focus, and he made all 28 starts in his final two years. I've watched Aamil some in practices, even shot a video of him during rookie camp. At 6-6, 306 pounds, he looks the part. But, in reality, I won't have a great feel about how he's doing until the pads come on – that's when o-linemen show what they're made of. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
Eli Decko from Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. Just got done with my post draft film study of our picks. Tate is far and away the absolute best player we drafted. Definitely knew he was going to be once they picked him. Keldric Faulk. Funny they likened him to Armstead. I really found that funny and hoped it wasn't accurate. His physical body is identical to Aldon Smith. BTW, Smith was a flash in the pan sack monster, but had off field issues. Faulk is nowhere near Smith, just physically identical. He is a pretty solid run defender/support player. He benefitted from some massive dudes next to him at Auburn. But that was also a 3-4. His "pass rush" is absolutely a weakness of his and they better pray to our Lord and Savior that Kearse helps him unlock something. Right now he reminds me of William Hayes at best. You remember him? I do. They were so high on him, not 1st round high but Fisher was a beast at drafting defensive lineman. Hill, the LB from Texas, he reminds me a lot and I mean A LOT of a guy who you know I loved but nobody else seemed to. Rashaan Evans. Moves exactly like him. Instincts exactly like him. How he was used in Texas exactly like Evans at Bama. They are like the same exact size too. What I did not see from him at Texas was consistent play vs the big dogs. In the first OSU game he did absolutely nothing. Sure in the Cotton Bowl he played better. Just one example but it was a trend. VS lesser teams he was really nice. But watching every single snap is what concerned me. Missed tackles too. Lots. Carmona from Arkansas played a lot, but that means nothing considering he was not very good and was on a bad team. He prolly takes coaching well, but it sure didn't look like it translated. Ability to learn and then implement it are different skills. I feel he is limited. Decent in the run game though for sure. Not a good leverage player. Like, don't know how scouts missed that but ok. Singleton man. Oh Singleton. Look, is PSU had any idea how to coach, yes they lost a lot, James Franklin got fired yadda yadda yadda. But in relief, they did nothing good for their players. This kid should have been the second back taken had PSU not failed him miserably. Jim. For real he needs to be the starter. Pollard is bye bye. No reason to keep him on the roster. The "veteran leader" thing is a wash. Singleton is the guy. They cannot do him the same way they did King Henry. Considering they are paying Pollard way too much for only 10 touchdowns in 2 years that is a formula for being cut. Singleton will be instant upgrade. The kid from Baylor, Marshall, surprisingly consistent run stopper. I mean he was a linebacker at one point. How is his knee going to hold up at this level? Are they just seeing his size and saying "mini Jeff Simmons"? Cuz they are the same height and within 10lbs of each other. It is interesting how "this is a pass first league, QB driven league" yet they draft a 3-4 end and a run stopping DT, a run stopping linebacker, who is eh decent in coverage. Decent is an over statement BTW, he is just a quicker than fast LB. I really think Evans was faster tbh. Anyways. Coogan from Indiana. Well, he won a Natty, cool. But he was not who they should have drafted at Center. Look at the Colts,Texans, and Jags defensive lines. Specifically their DT's. Not a single one of them are even close to being weak. None of them get thrown around. This dude may have really good feet and decent leverage, but he is going to get absolutely mauled by those 3 teams for 6 times a year. I'm sure you know first hand how easily Buckner can toss a guy around, he used to make light work of Ben Jones and Jones was no slouch. We currently do not have a center on the team who can match up with any of the DTs in our division. So why didn't we draft Logan Jones? Talk about a powerhouse. Talk about a guy who is gonna look like and play like an ALL PRO from day one? Oh back to Marshall I forgot to mention this vs Utah he completely forgot how to play football. They had 400 yards man. He had 1 tackle and 1 assist and the solo tackle me made was an absolute prayer. That game really stood out to me. Cuz I watched the games before I looked at stats. Cuz a box score can not tell the tale of the tape ya know what I mean? Cuz that game as far as their QB played, they should have won if you just looked at Box Score. Kanak, from Oklahoma. This is a guy who has basically no film. As a linebacker he was absolutely mid. Like as underwhelming as it gets. Then he goes to TE and has a solid-ish season. Only 1 drop credited but I swear I saw 3, but maybe the drop rule is different in college but if it touches your hands and it hits the ground or goes through them to me that is a drop. Anyways. No touchdowns on 57 targets and I think it was 45 catches. Eh... what is the plan with him? Is he going to be a TE in the league? Then why have Helm? Helm is a mid blocker and upper mid receiver. Yes he has good hands but his routes are like moving a statue down the field ngl, he is not impressive in that regard. Kanak does move well though not gonna sugar coat that at all. He seemed very willing to get hit going for a pass which is nice. He plays through contact too. But why draft players we really didn't need? I think this draft leaves the Team still very incomplete. Tate, Hill, and if they are smart Singleton, will contribute day one. But that offensive line is well, offensive. Revolving Door Moore has got to go. He is only slightly better than Andre Dillard was. The back up Center from NYG was a bad signing to begin with, Corey Levin should have been handed that job on a gold platter instead he is allowed to walk. No RG and Latham has not proven to be pro ready at all. Pretty sure he had 13 or 14 penalties for almost 100 yards by himself and like 6 false starts that pushed us back before the ball got off and then his holding penalties well, we all saw what those did. If the defense is better, which they had better be or Saleh is what I have always said he is, then the offense is still going to just put them back on the field in 3 plays anyways. Anyways Jim, after extensive and I mean extensive no fast forwarding or skipping plays, I give this draft a C- . Fans will hate on me for it, but I know for a fact they didn't do what I just did and watch every single snap of every single game of all these young men's college careers. With confidence I can say this. If Smith wasn't at OSU Tate would have easily had 90 balls for 1700 yards and prolly 15-18 touchdowns. Smith will be the first pick in the draft next year if Arthur Smith doesn't ruin my Buckeyes offense. He is prolly gonna learn college football does not care who your dad is, the boosters care about production. But if whoever our QB is can stay upright, he has a true #1 to throw to in Carnell Tate. Have a good one Jim and #titanup
Jim: Appreciate the scouting report, Eli.
Ed Pierce from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I am still suspicious that our GM has an after June 1 Free Agent trade in mind for the Offensive Line needs. Doesn't the June 1 date change the financial impact on teams with players they want to let go or not take up their extensions? Are there players out there that might be someone that the GM could buy or trade Levis for advantageously??
Jim: Hey Ed. I think the June 1 date is overblown for a lot of reasons, tbh. Do I think the team could still make some acquisitions, especially on the offensive line? Yes. But that could happen in June, in July before camp, or after final roster cuts in late August, following the last preseason game. There will be a boatload of players available after final cuts, and I suspect the team is eyeing guys currently on other rosters, anticipating players who could be available.
Have a great weekend everyone!
