I was lucky enough to be on hand tonight for the first Titans practice in full pads. There is nothing like the sound of pads banging together at the line of scrimmage. Here are some things I learned tonight:
Rennie Curran was impressive in the drills that matched the front seven against the offensive unit minus receivers. He looks like he has really been in his playbook and knows where is supposed to be at all times. I don't think he will be in the mix much this season, but he looks like a guy that is going to be a solid NFL linebacker.
Sen'Derrick Marks was impressive in those same drills. We have heard a lot about his upside, and he is showing it in practices thus far.
There were NFL refs, Ed Hochuli included, on hand at tonight's practice. Play on both sides of the ball tonight was pretty clean and didn't lead to many flags.
Rob Bironas came to camp in shape this year. He was very impressive in the field goal portion of practice kicking three balls on the roof of the Baptist Sports Park building.
LeGarrett Blount is a beast. It is impossible to tell how good backs like him are going to be until the put the full pads on, and he was really impressive tonight. The Titans have gotten a real steal with this guy. He is a load.
For some reason William Hayes was wearing Tony Brown's jersey tonight. Tony Brown remains on the PUP list along with Damian Williams and David Thornton amongst others. Derrick Morgan also didn't practice.
Jovan Haye came up from a play screaming and had to be calmed down by Jim Washburn and Jeff Fisher.
Alterraun Verner worked with the first team defense opposite Cortland Finnegan.
The offense, including Vince Young, looked sharp tonight. They weren't able to get a lot done down the field, but VY looked good on his check down passes- something that has given him a lot of trouble in the past.
Being on field level and watching Chris Johnson is really neat. It is unbelievable how quickly he can get back to full speed after making a cut.