The Tennessee Titans took part in their final session of organized team activities on Wednesday, apparently ending things one day earlier than originally planned, at least according to the original offseason schedule.
Nevertheless, with OTAs in the books, the Titans will get a long break between now and training camp, which head coach Mike Vrabel revealed would begin on July 25, the date when players have to report.
In what was no doubt the biggest occurrence of the day, cornerback Kristian Fulton, who didn’t report until mandatory minicamp, was on the field, although he only took part on a limited basis.
Fulton said his lack of participation in minicamp was not injury-related but rather him getting in some extra work in the training room. He also says he’ll be a full go for training camp.
#Titans CB KristianFulton on the off-season work, being in a contract year:@RamonKaylaWill pic.twitter.com/90qmRGSxxC
— Kayla Anderson ✨ (@KaylaAndersonTV) June 14, 2023
Fulton’s showing was just one of many takeaways from Wednesday’s voluntary practice. Here’s a look at the rest of them.
Wesco, Fulton return, but lengthy absence list
#Titans had Kristian Fulton back for part of practice at OTAs.
No sign of Treylon Burks, Derrick Henry, Daniel Brunskill, Racey McMath, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Kevin Byard, Jeffery Simmons, Azeez Al-Shaair, Amani Hooker, Teair Tart, Denico Autry, Sean Murphy-Bunting among others.— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 14, 2023
Plenty of absences at today’s voluntary OTA session for Titans.
Two players who did make brief on-field appearances: CB Kristian Fulton and TE Trevon Wesco, neither of whom have been seen much this offseason.— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 14, 2023
Malik Willis outperforms Will Levis
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
Will Levis had one really bad series today. Two picks, one off a pass batted at the line. Malik Willis was better. Couple red zone TDs at end.
One day. #Titans.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 14, 2023
#Titans practice ends on a dropshot from Malik Willis to Mason Kinsey for a 5 yd TD. Perfect pass for the score.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 14, 2023
Thought Malik Willis had a really strong day of practice today. On the money in the red zone and looked like he was having a lot of fun. #Titans
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) June 14, 2023
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: QB Malik Willis has gotten better with his attitude, and his demeanor. … He's improved on the field as well. He's taking advantage of great learning opportunities
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 14, 2023
Levis is going to be the second quarterback behind Tannehill barring injuries. He does need a moment to arrive in camp, however, that allows Vrabel, Tim Kelly and Charles London to flip him into that second position on merit rather than on draft status, potential and planning. Since neither of the two has been great so far so they maintain the status quo as the coaches can’t simply anoint a guy who’s not outplayed the guy ahead of him.
So Levis will have to uncomplicate that.
Sure, Willis has played better than he did as a rookie, but that’s an awfully low bar. There are still moments of indecision, slow decisions that are frustrating. But he is processing faster, you just wonder if that will translate to a game situation.
Via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online:
Quarterback Malik Willis ended his offseason on a high note. Willis connected with Kinsey and Whyle on passes in an early unscripted period before throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Tre’Shaun Harrison, who made a nice catch on a ball that was tipped by defensive back Alonzo Davis. Willis also connected with Kinsey and tight end Alize Mack for late practice touchdowns. I must say Willis impressed me this offseason – he’s improved from a year ago.
Quarterback Will Levis had some bad luck, but he also made some mistakes that resulted in balls being intercepted. Levis saw two of his passes go through the hands of receivers Reggie Roberson Jr. and Mack (the pass was high). But later, a deflected pass was intercepted, along with another that was also batted at the line of scrimmage.
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: QB Malik Willis has gotten better with his attitude, and his demeanor. … He's improved on the field as well. He's taking advantage of great learning opportunities
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 14, 2023
Plays of the Day
#Titans Elijah Molden with the defensive play of the day. Dropped back from in the box to pick off Will Levis.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 14, 2023
#Titans play of the day: Chris Moore made an acrobatic catch on a deep pass from Will Levis. Tre Avery and Steven Jones Jr. were in coverage. Moore went up to get it, tipped it to himself then gathered it as he fell to the ground.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 14, 2023
Two UDFA CBs stands out
#Titans UDFA CB LJ Davis almost had back to back PBUs. He used his length to breakup a pass across the middle from Malik Willis then got his hand on a deep pass from Willis to Tre'Shaun Harrison but Harrison caught the deflection. Davis later pickes Will Levis off on a deep pass.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 14, 2023
CB Alonzo Davis, a UDFA signing out of Northern Arizona, was all over the place today at #Titans OTAs.
Multiple PBUs, an INT, and tight coverage throughout team period. A name to watch for this fall.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) June 14, 2023
The kickers
From Wyatt:
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. 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.
Training camp report date is July 25
July 25th is training camp report day. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 14, 2023
