One of the biggest topics of conversation this offseason has been cornerback Kristian Fulton, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal after being taken in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Fulton, who has battled injuries during his career, was not in town for the voluntary portion of the offseason program and did not take part in mandatory minicamp, although he was in the building for the latter.
During the final session of OTAs on Wednesday, Fulton made his first appearance this offseason, albeit only for team stretch.
The LSU product was down in Miami training during the voluntary portion after deciding that was the best approach for him this offseason, according to Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky.
“The season I had last year, I had analyzed it, assessed it and me and my team and some of the coaching staff here, we talked about what would be best for me to stay on the field and we made some changes and we’ve all been on the same page about that,” Fulton said. “I feel confident about the plan that I had put in place before the offseason even started for me. The coaches feel confident about what I have done.”
When on the field, Fulton has been a difference-maker and the team’s No. 1 cornerback. However, availability has been a problem for the 24-year-old, which makes it understandable for him to switch things up.
“I feel like I’ve been able to perform when I’m on the field, so obviously just the main thing is staying on the field,” Fulton said. “Just building each week, building that confidence and putting it out there why I feel like I am one of the top guys.”
As far as his not taking part in mandatory minicamp is concerned, Fulton said his absence was not injury-related and he will be a full go for training camp, which begins on July 25.
“Just staying inside,” Fulton said, per Kayla Anderson of 104.5 The Zone. “Just wanting to get some extra work in the weight room and that’s what the coaches allowed me to do.”
Fulton said he’ll be full go for training camp https://t.co/YWpGb0p3Rb
— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) June 14, 2023
Following last season, Fulton was one of the players called out by head coach Mike Vrabel as a repeat offender with soft-tissue injuries, along with linebacker David Long, who is now in Miami (and injured).
Fulton said he wasn’t bothered by the comment and that he and Vrabel are on the same page.
“I’m cool with what coach says,” Fulton said, per Kuharsky. “Obviously, we’re on the same page, we’re in great spirits with each other. But I just have to take care of my part… At the end of the day, I know I just have to do my part to stay on the field, and that comes with me doing what I have to do.”
When asked about Fulton’s new offseason approach, Vrabel said only time will tell if it’s the right one.
“I think that will all be determined by how training camp goes and how he performs on the field,” Vrabel said.
Our Shaun Calderon recently listed Fulton as one of the Titans who are in a make-or-break year, which is a very accurate assessment.
If he is plagued by injuries again, Fulton will have a tough time landing the lucrative deal he’s seeking. If he can stay healthy and perform at the level we’ve seen him play at, he should get a nice payday in 2024.
