The first day of the mandatory portion of the offseason program took place on Tuesday, and it was open to the media, giving us an inside look into Tennessee’s players taking part in their latest practice.
One of the biggest pieces of news of the day was the arrival of safety Kevin Byard, who along with defensive lineman Denico Autry took part in his first session after not participating during organized team activities.
Byard’s absence was notable because it was a departure from recent years, and because it came on the heels of his reported refusal to take a pay cut earlier this offseason.
It remains unclear if that was behind his absence, or if there is any issues between Byard and the Titans at all. The veteran safety was not one of the players who spoke to the media on Tuesday.
Byard and Autry taking part was just one of the biggest takeaways from Tuesday. Here are the rest.
Landry, Fulton, Molden among absences
Not spotted at Titans minicamp on Tue:
—Farley, Molden, Fulton, Thompson, Landry, Sam O., Radunz, Wesco.— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 6, 2023
Kevin Byard, Denico Autry participate
Kevin Byard and Denico Autry back and practicing at minicamp today. Byard will not be talking to media today.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 6, 2023
DL Denico Autry at @Titans minicamp. pic.twitter.com/QhCXwRqR9D
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 6, 2023
.@KevinByard back on the field on Tuesday for @Titans minicamp. pic.twitter.com/FbbQsbnbyQ
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 6, 2023
Defense shines
“The Titans defense looked like it won the day, as it broke up a number of passes while also generating some pressure,” Jim Wyatt of Titans Online wrote.
Defense was better for the most part today.
Highlight: Kevin Byard breakup of Ryan Tannehill pass for Chig Okonkwo over middle. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 6, 2023
The kicker competition
“Kicker Trey Wolff, an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, was 7-of-9 in a field goal period, making kicks from 34, 42, 36, 49, 46, 34 and 55 yards while misfiring on kicks from 44 (hit the right goalpost) and 55 (sailed wide right),” Wyatt revealed. “I’ve been charting Wolff during the open periods this offseason and he’s now 23-of-25. Kicker Caleb Shudak hasn’t kicked field goals in the open practices.”
Tyjae Spears stands out
“Another practice meant another day of standing out for Spears, who is regularly one of the most active – and noticeable – players,” Wyatt wrote.
“Spears said he catches balls after practice until he gets tired,” Paul Kuharsky wrote. “Tuesday that was 100-plus.”
.@tyjae22 was the last player on the field for the #Titans after the first practice of minicamp. pic.twitter.com/kam9YaaTib
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 6, 2023
Derrick Henry reveals why he arrived early
Derrick Henry says the new offense is one of the reasons why he joined Titans offseason program earlier than in previous years. Says not much has changed in terms of the emphasis on running the ball, just the terminology. pic.twitter.com/5yrQ3HktJX
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 6, 2023
An up-and-down day for Tannehill
“Tannehill had his ups and downs,” Wyatt wrote. “He threw a strike to Burks early, and he connected on a number of other throws. But he also was wide on a throw to Burks, and there appeared to be miscommunication on a pass intended for receiver Kyle Philips.”
#Titans defense definitely won the day. Best play on offense I saw: a 30-yard TD strike from Ryan Tannehill to Chig Okonkwo in an early team drill. Mason Kinsey also had a really impressing grab coming out of a short out route. #Titans
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) June 6, 2023
Year 2 Loading…
█▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ pic.twitter.com/32j644wFEx— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) June 6, 2023
Nuggets on Levis, Willis
“Quarterback Will Levis connected with tight end Alize Mack on a throw, but he was off target on a pair of throws as well,” Wyatt said. “Levis chatted with Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk at the end of the session.”
“Quarterback Malik Willis connected with Tre’Shaun Harrison, Racey McMath, Mason Kinsey (twice) on throws, but he was off target on a throw to Colton Dowell and another to Harrison,” Wyatt wrote.
