Titans OTA Observations Day 2 of Week 3
The Tennessee Titans took the practice field for the beginning of week three of OTA’s at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Here are some observations from Tuesday’s practice.
Jackson makes big play, LeBeau notices speed
At 5’10, 186 lbs, Adoree’ Jackson showed his height was not a problem during one of the first plays of team drills. The first round cornerback leaped up over a receiver in the corner of the end zone to break up a pass, garnering some cheers from his teammates.
“You just know that you have to keep making plays no matter what it is,” said Jackson on gaining confidence. “A guy like him who is a great receiver, he is going to get his plays so you just gotta make yours. So, we are just trying to go out there and get better each day.”
Making plays on the ball is not the only thing that is standing out on the practice field. The young defensive back’s is making a difference with his speed.
“I liked the fact that we drafted him because he was fast, but he’s faster than fast. What we saw on the video in scouting him is what we’ve seen out here. He has a really good knack for the ball. He’s got tremendous burst,” said Defense Coordinator Dick LeBeau on Jackson.
“That’s the game today in the NFL. We got people spread out all over and the quarterbacks are pretty adept at getting the ball to them. You need people to match them and he’s the kind that can.”
Logan Ryan leading by example
When two-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan was brought in during free agency, he stepped in as the leader of a secondary now without eight-year Titans cornerback Jason McCourty. The former New England Patriot is ready for the challenge.
“I’m trying to fit in with the guys and have fun with these guys. But really it is a kill or be killed mentality. We understand the position,” said Ryan. “You gotta go and you gotta want to win and compete every day. I don’t know how things were last year; I wasn’t here. But, that’s how things have been since day one. I like it. I feel like we are a bunch of alpha dogs ready to take the challenge.”
Coach Dick LeBeau, a former Hall of Fame defensive back himself, praised the four-year veteran’s performance thus far.
“Logan is doing a great job,” said LeBeau. “… Logan is going to be a starter unless something happens. That is why we got him. He has got the experience. ”
Williamson trying to “perfect his game”
Titans starting inside linebacker Avery Williamson finished last season with 104 combined tackles, and a leader on the second level of the Titans defense. Now, going into his fourth season with the organization Williamson is trying to be even better.
“Just improve on what my mistakes were last year, my weakness. I’m trying to perfect my game as much as possible,” said Williamson. “I feel like I’m doing a good job of that. I still got some work to do. We got another month and a half to get ready for camp. I’m trying to hit on every type of weakness that I can to improve on before it starts.”
In the third week of OTA’s, Williamson is focusing on improvement in pass coverage.
“I’m trying to work on my explosiveness,” he said. “Just change of direction, I feel like. Really, just coming out here and work in OTA’s that’s really what makes you better. Really, you know being in cover situations I am trying to be the best guy that I possibly can.”
