The most important thing to look for at Tennessee Titans OTAs
NASHVILLE — Phase 3 of the NFL's offseason is officially on our doorsteps. What awaits the Tennessee Titans 2022 rookie class is their first real crash course. Head on a swivel, kids. Since their season came to a crashing halt this January, Tennessee has seen a ton of tumult in the last four months. Heightened pressure […]
NASHVILLE — Phase 3 of the NFL's offseason is officially on our doorsteps. What awaits the Tennessee Titans 2022 rookie class is their first real crash course.
Head on a swivel, kids.
Since their season came to a crashing halt this January, Tennessee has seen a ton of tumult in the last four months. Heightened pressure on quarterback Ryan Tannehill and trading away top receiver A.J. Brown correlate with the scrutiny directed towards the newest Titans. Mike Vrabel values how much skill work Phase 2 allows him to get with his team. Now, it is time to test it.
The 10 organized team activities began on Monday and run through June 9.
All eyes on Titans new weapons
It is unclear how much of Tennessee's starting offense will be in attendance for OTAs, but their developing chemistry with Tannehill will be the story of season.
Five new starters, at minimum, will look to rejuvenate a unit that suffered mightily from attrition, a change in play-caller and a vastly less efficient version of quarterback than the Titans had in two previous Tannehill seasons. Trade acquisition Robert Woods' progress in his ACL recovery is on-track, but when he will be medically cleared to participate remains unknown. Newcomers at wide receiver and tight end will all have ample opportunity to compete.
The wildcards to watch in this group are sophomore receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, veteran Josh Malone and former undrafted free agent Mason Kinsey. All posses varying degrees on NFL experience and are presently the best depth options on the roster. Their successes or failures this offseason will dictate how much the Titans explore the remaining wide out market.
Who will make up Tennessee's offensive line?
It is one of the most important questions for Vrabel's team entering 2022.
Tennessee has been chasing the right tackle spot for the last two seasons to no avail. 2021 second-round pick Dylan Radunz may yet be an asset for the Titans up front, but it is still unclear where. Drafting Nicholas Petit-Frere out of Ohio State last month makes Radunz position even less certain. Tennessee needs both to make progress at left guard and right tackle respectively, and fast.
"No, I don't think we've had those conversations," said Vrabel of Petit-Frere's presence meaning Radunz would slot in at guard. "I think Nick (Petit-Frere) does have flexibility. He does have versatility. He has played a lot of snaps in the Big Ten. I'm very familiar with the program that he is coming from. He has a really good frame, great build, and we'll figure out where guys start to go."
At the time, Vrabel's team had yet to take the field. Now, he and his staff can start to make those determinations.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
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