While things certainly haven’t been quiet for the Tennessee Titans in the last few days, we are in what I call the dog days of the NFL offseason, when teams are on break in between the offseason program and training camp.
The Titans completed their offseason program on June 15, when the team held its final practices of OTAs. Prior to that, Tennessee held mandatory minicamp, which was the first time this year we saw several players, including veteran safety Kevin Byard.
Various players on both sides of the ball made standout plays in practice, but for the purpose of picking winners from the offseason program, we’re mainly looking at guys who routinely stood out, while also factoring in other things.
Without further ado, a look at the biggest winners from the Titans’ offseason program, a group that is carrying a little extra momentum ahead of training camp, which begins on July 25.
QB Malik Willis
After a rough rookie campaign, Willis has looked better so far this offseason and, more importantly for him, has been outperforming fellow quarterback and 2023 second-round pick, Will Levis, who he’s competing with for the Titans’ No. 2 job.
“I’ve seen improvement from [Willis] this off-season,” Jim Wyatt of the team’s official site wrote. “I mentioned in Thursday’s minicamp observations he’s been more decisive this offseason, and he’s getting the ball out quicker as a result…. Malik is still working through some inconsistencies, and his technique. But he’s making progress.”
“Malik has grown a lot,” Ryan Tannehill said, per Wyatt. “He put a lot of work throughout the offseason. I was able to throw with him a few times during the offseason before we started here and saw his growth, saw him pushing himself.
“He has only continued that as we’ve gotten out here,” Tannehill added. “I’m proud of him and the work he’s put in, and it’s fun to see a guy grow, and see his hard work pay off.”
“I thought he continued to get better,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “His attitude, his demeanor, making little coaching points with him and seeing that immediately translate… He is very receptive [to coaching].”
Granted, nobody is saying Willis has turned a corner or anything, and OTAs and mandatory minicamp are never rock-solid evidence of anything. But Willis needed at least a small victory this offseason, and he got it.
Now, Willis has to keep this going through training camp and the preseason if he wants to force the Titans to keep a third quarterback, something the team hasn’t done in recent years.
RB Tyjae Spears
Spears was regularly mentioned as a standout during the offseason program, and he displayed his impressive work ethic by staying after practice on multiple occasions to work on his hands.
20 minutes after practice and Tyjae Spears is still getting work on the jugs machine. pic.twitter.com/MzT4GHTGja
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 14, 2023
“Another practice meant another day of standing out for Spears, who is regularly one of the most active – and noticeable – players,” Jim Wyatt wrote.
Spears was already in line to have a fairly significant role, especially in the passing game, but if this offseason showing continues and Hassan Haskins’ legal trouble gets him cut, the rookie could have an even bigger role than expected.
WR Treylon Burks
At this time last year, it’s safe to say there some panic surrounding Treylon Burks, who battled asthma and conditioning issues during his first offseason, leading to his not being able to finish or even take part in practices.
However, things have changed drastically this year, with Burks looking more comfortable, and he’s in better shape, also. ESPN’s Turron Davenport recently listed Burks as an offseason standout.
“There’s a different swagger with Burks, who reported to the facility with a noticeably leaner build,” Davenport wrote. “The 2022 first-round pick is playing at a different speed from his rookie season. Burks said the difference this season is he is in better shape, and the numerous plays he has made during OTAs/minicamp are evidence. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has faith to throw Burks’ way regardless of whether he is wide open or in tight coverage.”
If the Titans land DeAndre Hopkins, Burks will have some of the weight on his shoulders lifted, but no matter what he’s going to be heavily relied upon this year. So far, he looks the part of a guy who will thrive in that situation.
K Trey Wolff
The Titans are set to have a training camp battle for the starting kicker job between Caleb Shudak and UDFA Trey Wolff, with the former being the favorite by default after being on the team last season.
According to Jim Wyatt, Wolff missed three of his 39 field goal attempts this offseason, while Shudak also missed three. However, Shudak had a smaller sample size, at least in the open portions of practice.
“Kicker Caleb Shudak was 6-of-8 in a kicking period, and I charted him at 20-of-23 in the open periods this offseason,” Wyatt wrote. “Kicker Trey Wolff, an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, was a perfect 7-of-7 on Wednesday, and I charted him at 36-of-39 during the open periods this offseason.”
Wolff needed to at least match Shudak in order to remain in this competition when training camp rolls around, and he did just that, even with a bigger sample size.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say Wolff is safe and the Titans won’t bring in a veteran before camp, but under the circumstances, this is about the best the rookie could’ve hoped for.
RB Jonathan Ward
Ward was another running back who has been mentioned as a standout in multiple practices this offseason. Here’s what Jim Wyatt wrote about him following Day 3 of mandatory minicamp:
“I’ve mentioned Ward in these observation pieces numerous times, because he keeps showing up,” Wyatt wrote.
Ward is very much on the bubble this offseason, but if he can keep this up he’ll no doubt improve his chances of making the cut. Adding to that, if Tennessee ends up cutting Haskins, Ward will be the favorite among the Titans’ backs not named Spears and Derrick Henry to land a roster spot.
DB Elijah Molden
Molden did not participate in practice early on in the offseason program after an injury-plagued 2022, but he eventually returned to the field and was able to take part.
He also managed to make some plays that got him mentions by beat writers.
First INTs of #Titans OTAs in front of the media today.
DB Elijah Molden and CB Alonzo Davis pick off rookie QB Will Levis on back-to-back plays.
Rashad Weaver also with an interception on Levis after pass was knocked in the air by Peevy.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) June 14, 2023
On top of that, Molden has been getting reps at safety this offseason, something that will give him added opportunity to see the field should Tennessee decide to deploy Roger McCreary primarily in the slot.
