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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Moraitis

Biggest takeaways from Titans’ first mandatory minicamp practice

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

AP Photo/Wade Payne

Kevin Byard, Denico Autry participate

Syndication: The Tennessean

Defense shines

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

“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.

The kicker competition

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

“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

RB Tyjae Spears

“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.”

Derrick Henry reveals why he arrived early

Syndication: The Tennessean

An up-and-down day for Tannehill

Syndication: The Tennessean

“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.”

Nuggets on Levis, Willis

Syndication: The Tennessean

“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.

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