NASHVILLE – The first week of the Titans offseason program is in the books.
The NFL Draft is now less than two weeks away.
There's a lot going on as we make our way through April.
Let's dive into this weekend's Titans mailbag to see what folks are thinking about…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hey Jim! The draft cannot get here soon enough. Sorry, I'm not into all these mock drafts out here. Having said that, I know that you're aware of the TITANS needs on this team. I also am aware that trades can literally made at the last minute on Draft Day itself. If things stay "as is". In the draft, who, in your opinion, are the TITANS taking at #7?
Jim: Hey Raymond. Not even Ran Carthon knows the answer to this question right now. Nothing ever stays "as is." A lot depends on what happens picks 1-6. Get your popcorn ready.
Lynn G from Moore, Oklahoma
Question: Hey Jim, exciting changes in Titantown. Looking forward to this season, curious about our punter position. Ryan Stonehouse was outstanding, any update on his return?
Jim: Hi Lynn. I see Ryan just about every day. He's always in a great mood, is happy about where he is in his recovery. Still a lot TBD on how the team handles him in the recovery process, when he'll cross certain hurdles, as we edge closer to the season. Meanwhile, punter Ty Zentner is on the roster to handle punting duties during the offseason. At the NFL owners meetings, I asked Ran Carthon if he thinks Stonehouse will be ready for the regular season. He said he sure hopes so. I know every Titans fan feels the same way, and so does Stonehouse.
Chris Brown from Tappahannock, Virginia
Question: Hello Jim. You've might've already answered this, but do you expect the Titans to bring back the road Oilers throwback uniforms?
Jim: Hey Chris. Nothing is in the works for Oilers white away uniforms right now. Maybe down the road. As I mentioned in here a few weeks ago, the Titans will be wearing light blue Oilers unforms again in 2024, although which games, and how many games, is yet to be determined. A year ago, the Titans wore them twice – vs the Texans and Falcons – after considering wearing them three times. The team plans to bring back the light blue Titans jerseys back for at least one game in 2024 as well, as long as there are no manufacturing delays. I know a lot of fans enjoyed seeing those. So, the uniforms for 2024 with be the Titans navy blue, Titans white, Oilers light blue, and the Titans light blue. That's all I've got on that subject for now (although I do get a question on the helmets later in this mailbag. Keep reading).
Lynwood Titington from Bowling Green, Kentucky
Question: Will the Titans get a big strong and fast everything who can understand space perception, anticipation, domination, someone who can make interceptions in this new generation ,,,, block and tackle.
Jim: Um, yes.
Ben Mead from Cherry Valley, California
Question: Hey Jim! Looking at this offensive line that Ran has assembled so far there is alot of young players with minimal NFL experience. Aside from Lloyd Cushenberry. Assuming they are planning to add more young lineman at some point in the draft. This group only becomes more raw and inexperienced. My question is: Do you think the Titans will or should add some veterans to play more of a mentor roll? If yes who is someone you would personally like to see them target? Or is Bill Callahan all the knowledge and experience this group is going to need? Thanks Jim
Jim: Hey Ben. I can guarantee you the Titans aren't done adding offensive linemen, it's just a matter of who and when. The team even traded for one on Friday – Leroy Watson, formerly of the Browns. The team has some other experience up front. Aside from Cushenberry, guard Daniel Brunskill has plenty of experience. So does guard Saahdiq Charles, a guy OC Nick Holz talked up on Wednesday. I think third-year tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere is capable of stepping up and contending for a starting spot, and I know veteran Chris Hubbard is still out there. Let's see how the draft plays out, and then go from there.
Chris Brown from Tappahannock, Virginia
Question: Hello Jim! Another uniform question for you. The NFL has recently announced that teams can now have a 3rd helmet option. Do you expect the Titans to take advantage of this new rule within the next couple years?
Jim: I sure hope so! And, I'd have to think yes. That way, when the team wears all white, players could wear a white helmet with the Titans logo on it to match. That would take the icy whites to the next level.
Karen o'Keefe from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Do you think season ticket holders will be allowed in to watch the upcoming spring practices? Thanks for all you do!
Jim: Hi Karen. I remember seeing you at training camp last year. Hope all is well. I haven't heard of plans to open any of the OTAs to fans this spring. Will keep you posted if I hear anything different.
Hector Hernandez from Teziutlan, Puebla; Mexico
Question: Que tal Jim buena tarde, como siempre un gusto poder saludarte y agradecerte por tan excelente trabajo que haces por mantenernos informados en esta temporada baja. Jim como es de todos sabido las necesidades que tenemos por cubrir en ambos lados del balon son aun de primera necesidad diria yo. Tenemos la necesidad de OL en espec�fico left y rigth tackle, TE (quiero darle aun el beneficio de la duda a Chig y pensar que no ha destacado por sistema ofensivo pasado pero ya es tiempo de ver su potencial) DL, ILB, y WR. Se que tanto como Ran y el HC Callahan estan trabajando para intentar llevar a los mejores jugadores del draft a Nashville, aun hay buenos jugadores disponibles en la agencia libre que pueden ayudar, pero solo ellos son los que deciden de acuerdo a su plan de juego y filosofia que quieren establecer con los Titans. Esto no es una carta a Santa y pedir a tal y cual jugador el draft es una batalla mental y de estrategia donde espero que nuestros Titans salgan favorecidos con las decisiones de HC Callahan y de mr. Ran a los que te pido Jim les des mis saludos por lo que han hecho hasta ahorita en la FA y mantenernos con la ilusion de estar comprometidos en darnos a los aficionados un equipo ganador y competitivo. TITANS UP!!!
Jim: Hola Héctor. Estoy de acuerdo: el equipo definitivamente necesita un tackle izquierdo. Sin embargo, es tema de debate si se necesita uno con la séptima selección general. Si los Titans creen que pueden conseguir a alguien grandioso, alguien como Michael Roos, en la segunda ronda, entonces tal vez ese sea el plan. Ya veremos. … Me gusta Chig y creo que brillará en la ofensiva de Brian Callahan. Se beneficiará de tener receptores creadores de juego a su alrededor. Espero que todo esté bien contigo, Héctor. Eres un gran admirador.
Brien Dossett from Paducah, Kentucky
Question: 2 quick ones. 1. Will Brian Callahan wear the cowboy hat for Oilers jersey game days? 2. Is Brian Callahan a short sleeve quarter zip, hoodie, or polo guy for the sidelines? Need to know so I can pick out my pregame apparel before the jersey goes on for the games!
Jim: Hey Brien. I'll be honest: Haven't asked Coach Callahan about his wardrobe yet. Maybe down the road.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, been awhile. I hope all is well with you and your family! I'll jump right to my question/ comment. With the signing of Ridley,D.Hop. still here, plans for Burks to be put in the "right spot" to be his best self at receiver, and NWI re-signing. Not to mention the draft still to come, & FA not over. Add to that the New coaching staff, what are the chances (your honest opinion please) Colton Dowell makes the active roster again in 2024? I know it'll be EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, but what are his chances? 5-10%? Finally, how is Colton coming along in his rehab? Thank you for your time & efforts Jim. You're truly appreciated.
Jim: Appreciate it, Jason. I saw Colton in the building this week. Had to do a double-take because of the shorter haircut he got at season's end. Colton is still recovering himself. Remember, he tore the ACL on December 31 and didn't have surgery until January. I doubt he'll do anything on the field this offseason, and wouldn't be surprised if he started camp, or even the season, on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list. We'll have to wait and see how his rehab continues to go.
Have a great weekend everyone!
