Titans News

"The Tennessee Titans have some salary cap space for 2008 and would like to use it on some of their own players. The Titans are holding a minicamp with a closed session Thursday and an open practice Friday with only franchise player Albert Haynesworth and right tackle David Stewart not under contract. Haynesworth is working out on his own, while Stewart has signed a waiver allowing him to work out despite not signing his $2.01 million tender."

"Titans kicker Rob Bironas has signed a one-year deal with the team worth $1.47 million. The Titans made Bironas a one-year tender offer in February, but the team remains interested in signing him to a long-term contract."

"LenDale White has heard the comparisons between his old college teammate, Reggie Bush, and his new one in the NFL, Chris Johnson. In time, the Titans running back will be able to say for himself just how similar they might be. But he's excited about the possibilities that exist with Johnson, the Titans' first-round NFL Draft pick. "It gives us a one-two punch,'' White said. "After I bang 'em up for so long, you get him in there and he can run by them. At USC, Reggie ran by them and I ran through them. "

"As the Tennessee Titans begin their organized team activities this week, several veterans should merit special interest and scrutiny. Sure, it’s difficult to tell who will really take a step up and make a potential impact until the pads go on and the team gets into training camp. Still, the OTAs give an early glimpse of what questions might be answered and which ones will linger as the coaching staff tries to sort out the roster and depth chart in the coming months."

"The Tennessee Titans will be holding a minicamp without defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. The Titans are due to hit the field Thursday and Friday as part of their on-field training, but they will not have arguably their best defensive player with them."

"Titans defensive tackle Antonio Johnson has been floating in a no-man's land familiar to NFL players coming off a serious injury. While rehabbing a torn ACL in his left knee, he watched big developments unfold at his position: Albert Haynesworth got franchise-tagged, Tony Brown signed a new contract and Jason Jones joined the team as a second-round draft pick. All the while, Johnson operated very much in the background. That changes today, when the Titans take the field for the first of three organized team activity practices in the next six days. "

"Wide receiver Roydell Williams won’t take part in organized team activities Thursday and Friday when the Tennessee Titans begin their workouts. Williams suffered a broken right ankle on the indoor practice facility surface in January during the Titans’ week of preparation for the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the San Diego Chargers and underwent surgery to repair the injury, a cracked bone at the base of his tibia, a short time later. Screws and a plate were inserted during surgery to help the healing process."

"Few people outside those paid to know knew much about Cary Williams, the Tennessee Titans’ seventh-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Fewer knew anything about where he played at tiny Washburn University, a Division II school in Topeka, Kan... Williams is hopeful of making a name for himself in Nashville by earning a spot with the Titans. In fact, he will do himself well if he can distinguish himself from all the other players named Williams just on the Tennessee roster. "

"The NFL has moved the Titans-Oakland Raiders preseason game at LP Field from Saturday, Aug. 16 to Friday, Aug. 15. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Fox will televise the game nationally. "

"It's an unfortunate byproduct of sports these days that the longer one remains a fan of any team, the better the odds this question will be asked: How much is too much? In a day and age when police-blotter activity, drug-testing queries and paternity suits seem to capture almost as much attention as actual athletic exploits, should fans feel a need to respond to their own moral compass? Should supporters blindly continue to cheer a favorite team, regardless of what questionable characters that means backing? Or is there a line that can be crossed, one where the most diehard booster at long last turns his back on school ties or professional colors?"

"When the Tennessee Titans’ coaches look at their newest wide receiver hopeful, they can’t help but think a little bit about the past. That’s because receiver Lavelle Hawkins reminds them a little bit of the most successful receiver the franchise has produced over the past decade — Derrick Mason. Both players have similar builds — Mason is 5-10, 192 compared to Hawkins at 5-11, 188 — and both were fourth-round picks by Tennessee. Mason was taken in that round back in 1997 when the team first relocated from Houston and Hawkins comes in as part of the 2008 draft class. But the reminders don’t end there."

"The coach to player ratio was 1-to-3. Second-rounder Jason Jones, fourth-rounder William Hayes and undrafted rookie Barry Booker did their best to take in all they could as Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn directed them through a rookie practice session Friday. The players got tips on alignment, on where to look and how to interpret the positioning of a blocker. A few times, Washburn went so far as to give them a boost — shoving them in the backside with his foot — as they worked on timing their get-off with the snap."

"At least for a few minutes Friday, it appeared the Titans might have found their next No. 32. Undrafted rookie running back Rafael Little from Kentucky walked onto the field wearing the number previously worn by Pacman Jones — but removed it after a chat with Coach Jeff Fisher. "He's not going to be wearing that," Fisher said. "We had discussed it this morning and for some reason someone told him to get dressed and come out. But that won't be his number. … He'd prefer to wear a different number than 32 and you can read into it all you want.''"

"Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger doesn't carry a Swiss Army knife, but he now has a player he can use like one in running back Chris Johnson. As the first-round pick took the field for the first time as a Titan on Friday, Heimerdinger and the other coaches already were imagining the possibilities. "We were out there making up routes,'' Heimerdinger said. "I've never had a guy that can do (things Johnson can). … You need to be able to take advantage of the guy because he can do so many things. We'll just see what he can handle.''"

"The Tennessee Titans newest draft class made their way around the indoor practice bubble on Friday, and all but one was wearing a practice jersey. Former University of Kentucky running back Rafael Little was a spectator at the practice because of a torn ACL in his left knee that will sideline him for all of 2008. But there was another reason Little had only a white t-shirt as opposed to a numbered practice jersey. He had removed it earlier during the first workout. Little had been given practice jersey No. 32, the number previously worn by Adam “Pacman” Jones.."

"Titans running back LenDale White, who was issued a citation in Denver in March, had the case continued to June 2 on Thursday. White’s lawyer appeared on his behalf in court, when the case was continued. Denver police issued White a citation in March on charges of destruction of property and disobedience to a lawful order/ interference and resistance."

"Really, I’m just going in and trying to learn the entire playbook and what kind of role they want me to do. I just feel like if I can just get situated what they want me to do, then I’ll know what I really can do. As far as myself, I just come in and do what I can do to help our offense. Of course, with my return ability, I can help out with that."

"The too-fast reviews are in. The Titans have been graded for the players they drafted last weekend, even though those soon-to-be NFL rookies won't even step on a practice field in uniform until Friday. The grades that matter will come in three years, when these players have established themselves as stars, steady contributors or guys who didn't rise to the levels the Titans imagined. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Titans a C-minus for their draft work last weekend, but said grading drafts is difficult, even given some time and perspective."

"The Tennessee Titans draft room was a harmonious place last weekend during the draft. In most seasons, disputes will arise and there will be debates and dissention as scouts, coaches, head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Mike Reinfeldt all weigh in their opinions on players."

"As general manager of the Titans for 13 seasons, Floyd Reese heard analysts break down players leading up to the NFL Draft and heard criticism leveled at teams after the annual selection process. Now an analyst for ESPN, Reese admittedly has a different perspective."

"Contract negotiations between the Titans and Albert Haynesworth remain at a standstill, but that doesn't mean the All-Pro defensive tackle is just sitting around this offseason, his agent said Tuesday."

"Mike Reinfeldt has now led the Titans through two drafts. While it will take a few years for the general manager's record to be assessed, there may be enough to sift through to find some trends or philosophies."

"The Tennessee Titans added 10 undrafted free agents to their roster on Monday with Kentucky running back Rafael Little and Hawaii receiver Jason Rivers headlining the group. Others signed by the Titans include Virginia Tech defensive tackle Barry Booker, Delaware running back Omar Cuff, Mary-Hardin Baylor linebacker Jerrell Freeman, Florida safety Tony Joiner, Kentucky center Eric Scott, Stephen F. Austin tackle Brock Pasteur, Georgia center/guard Fernando Velasco and Lane College wide receiver Edward Williams."

"Three charges pending against Tennessee Titans fourth-round draft choice Stanford Keglar are expected to be dropped, according to the player’s agent. The Titans say they were aware of the charges and are at peace with the explanation given by Keglar during a pre-draft visit with the Purdue linebacker. Keglar is currently facing three charges stemming from a March 30, 2007 bar fight... Those charges, however, could eventually be dropped by prosecutors, Keglar’s agent said."

"The agent for new Titans linebacker Stanford Keglar doesn't want fans to get the wrong impressions of his client. Agent Jeff Chilcoat said Monday he expects charges against Keglar stemming from a fight last March to be dismissed in the coming weeks. The Titans said they were aware of the charges before drafting the Purdue player in the fourth round Sunday. "I have represented 100-plus NFL players and this one I would rate right up there with some of the best quality guys I've had,'' Chilcoat said."

"The Titans won't find themselves on many honor rolls with these kinds of report cards. Soon after the team completed its seven-player draft class on Sunday, the grades began rolling in from analysts around the country. The Titans received mostly D's on an A-to-F scale, but there was the occasional B. "One of the grossest draft classes of '08" is how one draft site summed it up."

"Fans wanting the Titans to pick a receiver early in the NFL Draft are probably disappointed about now. The Titans didn't take one until the fourth round. Fans hoping to see household names scrolling across the bottom of the TV screen after the word "Titans" are probably scratching their heads. The seven-man class included unknown and unheralded players from small schools such as Winston-Salem State and Washburn University. By Sunday night, draft analysts were questioning some of the picks, too."

"The last time Craig Stevens played football in the state of Tennessee, it didn't go so well. He was on the kickoff return team for California in a 2006 game in Knoxville, and didn't make it past the opening kickoff. "I was on the middle wedge and went head-to-head with another guy on (UT's) kickoff team,'' Stevens said Sunday. "I had my head turned a little bit and got knocked out. It was just a weird hit.'' The Titans and Stevens both hope things will go much better in his return to the state. "

"Few analysts had defensive end William Hayes on their radars, but the Titans had him pegged as a gem hiding at a Division I-AA school. The Titans packaged two picks to move up 21 spots in the fourth round to get Hayes, a product of Winston-Salem State. "I never did think where I played had anything to do with the amount of attention I got," said Hayes, who notched 78 tackles and forced seven fumbles last season. "I dominated on that level." The Titans acquired the fourth selection of the fourth round (No. 103 overall) from the Redskins to get Hayes..."

"To some, Lavelle Hawkins will be remembered as the first receiver taken by the Titans in the 2008 NFL Draft. To most, Hawkins will be remembered as the player taken with the pick the Titans acquired from the Cowboys in the Pacman Jones trade. "First let me just say thanks to Pacman Jones,'' Hawkins said with a laugh. "If it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't be a Tennessee Titan. Thank you, Pacman Jones.''"

"Titans Coach Jeff Fisher not only got an outside linebacker in the fourth round, but he also acquired a classical pianist. Stanford Sherock Keglar's mother made her five children take piano lessons when they were young. There was no debate on the subject. "I guess I got forced into it, then I ended up liking it a lot and continued on with it until I was 13,'' said Kegler, a Purdue product. "I continue to play, but I'm a little rusty.''"

"The Titans are proof that value exists in the seventh round. Five players they've taken in the final round of the NFL Draft since 2004 are still on the active roster. Washburn defensive back Cary Williams hopes to continue the trend. The Titans waited for 95 picks between their last two selections Sunday before taking the Division II player at No. 229 to cap their 2008 draft. "I knew it was a possibility I might not be drafted," said Williams, who added he had no indication that the Titans were interested. "It's a huge surprise, but a blessing.""

"The Titans began the process of adding undrafted free agents Sunday night. Topping the list was Delaware running back Omar Cuff, who rushed for 1,945 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. He had three 200-yard games. The Ravens made his former college teammate, quarterback Joe Flacco, the 18th overall pick Saturday."

"New Titans linebacker Stanford Keglar, a fourth-round pick from Purdue, has unresolved charges in connection with a March 2007 bar fight in Indiana. Coach Jeff Fisher said the Titans were aware of the incident. Keglar awaits a trial date to face charges of battery, false informing and disorderly conduct. Three Purdue players were charged after a fight outside a nightclub. Keglar teammate Selwyn Lymon was stabbed in the upper chest."

"The Titans said all offseason that getting faster on offense was a priority. So they drafted the fastest player timed at the NFL Combine (4.24) in the first round. Johnson put up nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards his senior season at East Carolina and had a 300-yard rushing game against Memphis."

"The Titans pledged to add playmakers in the NFL Draft. They delivered with their first-round pick Saturday, selecting speedy East Carolina running back Chris Johnson and vowing to turn him loose."

"The Titans gave offensive coordinator Mike Heimer-dinger a homecoming present on Saturday. In Heimerdinger's first term on the staff, from 2000-04, the Titans never took an offensive player with their first pick back then. It was a running joke between Heimer-dinger and Coach Jeff Fisher."

"The Titans said Jason Jones is a versatile, NFL-ready defensive lineman, a player who will help make up for the free-agent losses of Antwan Odom, Travis LaBoy and Randy Starks."

"Three years ago on draft day, Titans Coach Jeff Fisher welcomed Pacman Jones to the team, excited about the young cornerback's potential and confident his troubles were a thing of the past. On Saturday, Fisher and the Titans officially parted ways with Jones as a trade with the Cowboys became official."

"As far as the Dallas Cowboys are concerned, the Pacman Jones trade is official. After the Cowboys and Tennessee agreed in principle on the deal on Wednesday, the paperwork was finally turned into the NFL on Saturday after Jones signed a new four-year contract with the Titans."

"The Titans have signed punter Josh Miller, who saw action last season when veteran Craig Hentrich missed some time with a back injury."

"On the eve of the NFL Draft, the Titans made a big move for their future, locking up left tackle Michael Roos with a six-year, $43 million contract extension."

"The Tennessee Titans took a major step toward long-term stability on their offensive line, locking up left tackle Michael Roos to a six-year, $43 million deal Friday afternoon, just one day before the NFL Draft opens."

"The mission statement for the Titans as the NFL Draft starts today is the same as it was when free agency opened at the end of February: Get speedy offensive playmakers to enhance quarterback Vince Young’s chances for success. Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and his chief scouts said they like the variety of options at wide receiver and running back throughout this draft, and that they are determined to get some of them."

"Pacman Jones has never made things easy for the Titans. So why should his trade to the Dallas Cowboys be any different? Two days after the teams agreed in principle to a trade, the deal still wasn't finalized Friday. The Titans and Cowboys are in agreement on draft-pick compensation, but language in the contract continues to be the holdup."

"Pacman Jones got the fresh start he was seeking, a chance to play for "America's Team" and the possibility of fans applauding him instead of scrutinizing his every move. With the trade sending the suspended cornerback from the Titans to the Cowboys all but complete, however, it's clear he won't be welcomed with open arms by everyone in Dallas."

"The Titans are certain they will get a first-round caliber player with the 24th overall pick in the first round Saturday, General Manager Mike Reinfeldt said today. “We have more than 31 players we’ve rated as first-round players,” Reinfeldt said. “I guess that’s a good thing.”"

"In particular, the Titans are looking to get faster at the skill positions, no matter what they do with their eight draft picks. Reinfeldt perhaps put it best in talking about the need for playmakers who can run. “It is a high, high priority,” he said. “Just the ability to move the ball up and down the field; we need to do something to address that and get more speed on our offense. So that is a high priority for us.”"

"It is time for the annual stab in the dark known as The City Paper mock draft in trying to determine who the Tennessee Titans will pick. At No. 24, it will be interesting to see exactly who the Titans have their choice of. It could be a running back, though it might be better to wait there because the 2008 class is such a deep group. Maybe the Titans would be better off grabbing a wide receiver, since there appears to be more separation between the top tier group there and the second group available. "

"The Cowboys and suspended cornerback Pacman Jones' agent, Manny Arora, continued to negotiate a contract so a trade with the Tennessee Titans can be completed. The Cowboys and Titans agreed in principle to a deal for Jones, and according to sources, Tennessee would receive the Cowboys' fourth-round pick in this weekend's NFL draft and a sixth-round pick next year should he not get in any off-field troubles this season. "