The Tennessee Titans wrapped up OTAs on Friday. It was the final closed practice of 10 total sessions, roughly half of which were open to local media. The nature of open practices offered fans an in-depth look into the team’s current form and position battles. With mandatory minicamp occurring this week, we’ve identified three Titans players who need to improve.
Cam Ward’s uneven performances were well documented. In five open OTA practices, Ward completed 62-of-113 passes in the 7-on-7 and team drills combined, according to Jim Wyatt. That’s under 55% completion percentage, which isn’t good enough for no-contact practices at OTAs. Ward is still learning Brian Daboll’s offense, and he’s likely taking higher-risk chances at practice to learn what he can and can’t get away with. Hopefully he improves at mandatory minicamp to build some momentum before training camp.
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Micah Robinson is a sophomore cornerback the Titans claimed off a practice squad last season. With starters Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor sitting out the majority of OTAs, he reportedly took a lot of reps with the first-team defense. He was routinely victimized by first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate. Perhaps that’s to be expected given the difference in talent. Robinson is competing for a reserve role at cornerback on a depth chart that doesn’t have clarity behind Taylor, Flott, and Marcus Harris. Hopefully he makes some plays at minicamp (he did have one interception off Ward in five open practices).
Calvin Ridley, wide receiver
Calvin Ridley spent the majority of OTAs doing individual work while recovering from last year’s season-ending injury. The former Alabama wideout returned to 7-on-7 during Thursday’s open practice, so he presumably practiced on Friday as well. Hopefully that means Ridley is a full participant at minicamp. The veteran is entrenched in a competition for reps at receiver behind Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson. Sophomores Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor threaten to eat into his workload.
