Top rookie highlights key position group during Titans OTAs
While much of the news surrounding the Tennessee Titans since the draft has been worrisome or pessimistic, the Titans secondary gave everyone something to celebrate on Wednesday. So, if you have been searching for a nugget of news or a silver lining to get fired up for the 2022 Titans, this is it: The secondary […]
While much of the news surrounding the Tennessee Titans since the draft has been worrisome or pessimistic, the Titans secondary gave everyone something to celebrate on Wednesday. So, if you have been searching for a nugget of news or a silver lining to get fired up for the 2022 Titans, this is it:
The secondary looks dangerous.
Wednesday marked the second time this offseason that team OTA’s have been opened up to the media, and this time, it was not just one player, but an entire unit that jumped out during practice.
It starts with the vets, and it's been all good news regarding the returning players. Caleb Farley has been on the field, looking like he is progressing well from his torn ACL. Kristian Fulton does not seem to be having issues with his shoulder following his February surgery. Amani Hooker continues to be the playmaker he is, and Kevin Byard is back in the building, already becoming a huge role model for the rookies.
The rookies are coming along quickly, as well. Roger McCreary has been a versatile defender, lining up on both sides of the field, and doing a nice job in 1-on-1 matchups. McCreary plays hard, through the whistle, and is not afraid of anything. Mike Vrabel has described McCreary as having a “cool defensive back demeanor.” Theo Jackson has been sharp in open-field tackling and held his own in matchups against tight ends, specifically Austin Hooper, who he went against in 7-on-7 drills.
Even the Titans’ depth pieces have been impressive. Safety A.J. Moore Jr. caused a turnover during 7-on-7, punching the ball out and recovering a fumble from TE Thomas Odukoya, and DB Shyheim Carter had multiple pass breakups and a pick-six of QB Logan Woodside.
On nearly evert live 7-on-7 rep, the secondary was around the football and causing disruption. From top to bottom, the Titans depth chart is filled with playmakers that prioritize creating turnovers. To make it all even sweeter, the active defensive backs on the roster have an average age of just 24.7.
Following practice on Wednesday, I spoke with second round draft pick and rookie cornerback Roger McCreary about the aggressive mindset across the defense, his comfort level as a rookie, and the young core the Titans are building around.
“The vets already set the standard high. It’s about making turnovers. We gotta make turnovers for our offense. So, that’s all we focus on. Making turnovers and executing every play,” McCreary said. “We’re a young group, but I’m just trying to learn from them (Farley and Fulton). They’ve got like two years, one year under their belt, so I’m just learning from them and we learn from KB (Byard) and Amani. I’m trying to prove myself and get on their level.”
If proving himself is the goal, McCreary is off to a real good start. Today alone, the rookie drew praise from head coach Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard:
"I SEE THEM OUT THERE JUST COMPETING. pLAYING HARD."
– Kevin byard on what he sees from roger mccreary
In what has been a rather hectic news cycle for the Tennessee Titans, this is a real silver lining. We already know what the front seven are capable of on the big stage. This young, energetic, and deep secondary looking even more improved bodes really well for the defense this season. I cannot wait to continue watching this unit go to work as camp progresses.
Get excited, Titans fans. You deserve it.
Image via George Walker IV – USA TODAY NETWORK
