Five Things We've Learned About the Titans Through Three Days of Training Camp


Three days into Tennessee Titans training camp, it's important not to overreact. The pads haven't come on, contact has been limited, and plenty will change over the coming weeks. Still, the first three practices have provided an early glimpse into what this team could become under head coach Robert Saleh.

Here are five of the biggest takeaways from the opening days of camp.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws on the second day of training camp practice at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Friday, July 30
Titans QB Cam Ward prepares to release the ball in a QB drill in Titans Training Camp. — (DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)

 1. Cam Ward Is Looking More Comfortable Every Day


No storyline is bigger than the development of rookie quarterback Cam Ward, and so far, the No. 1 overall pick has shown steady growth.

Saturday may not have featured flashy highlight plays, but it was arguably Ward's most efficient practice. He completed 16 of his 26 passes overall, including 13-of-21 during team periods, and finished one stretch by completing seven consecutive passes.

Perhaps even more encouraging has been where he's finding success. Ward has consistently attacked the middle of the field, firing confident throws to Gunnar Helm and Wan'Dale Robinson while also connecting with Elic Ayomanor on one of the best catches of camp. The chemistry with his receivers appears to be growing, and each practice has looked a little smoother than the last.

For the 2nd year QB learning a new offense, that's exactly what the Titans want to see.

2. Elic Ayomanor Is Emerging as a Camp Standout


Every training camp has a player who begins generating buzz before the preseason even starts, and Elic Ayomanor is making a strong case to be that player.

The second-year receiver made Saturday's highlight catch with a spectacular sideline grab from Ward, showcasing the strong hands and physicality that have consistently stood out throughout camp. Ayomanor finished the day with four receptions and now has nine catches through the first three practices.

Even without pads, he's playing with confidence and attacking the football in contested situations. If this trend continues once live contact begins, Ayomanor could quickly become one of Tennessee's most reliable targets opposite Calvin Ridley.

July 30, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (1) at Day 1 of training camp. | Mandatory
Credit: Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans

 3. Tyjae Spears Is Being Featured in the Passing Game


One player who has quietly dominated the stat sheet through three practices is running back Tyjae Spears.

Spears hauled in six receptions on Saturday and leads all Titans with 12 catches through three days of camp. Whether he's catching check-downs, working underneath routes, or creating mismatches against linebackers, the offense is making a clear effort to keep the ball in his hands.

That shouldn't surprise anyone. Spears has always been one of Tennessee's most dynamic offensive weapons, and early camp suggests the coaching staff intends to maximize his versatility. If these practice trends carry into the regular season, Spears could be one of the offense's biggest playmakers.

4. Robert Saleh's Defense Is Already Showing Its Identity


While much of the attention has centered on the offense, the defense has quietly made quarterbacks work for every completion.

Safety Tony Adams delivered the defensive play of Saturday by breaking up a Will Levis pass in the end zone during the final play of the two-minute drill. Alontae Taylor, Jalen McMurray, and Mohamoud Diabate each recorded pass breakups, while rookie defensive end Keldric Faulk continued to disrupt passing lanes with another tipped pass.

Titans 1st Round pick, Keldric Faulk suits up for a no pads day in offseason training.
Credit: Alex Daugherty
Saleh's defenses have always been known for speed, discipline, and relentless pursuit, and those traits are beginning to show—even before full-contact practices begin. The competition between Tennessee's offense and defense has been one of the most entertaining storylines of camp, with very few easy completions coming against this secondary.

5. Young Players Are Taking Advantage of Their Opportunities

Training camp is where roster spots are earned, and several young Titans are making the most of their early opportunities.

Tight end Jaren Kanak has quietly put together back-to-back productive practices, showing off impressive athleticism in both the passing game and on special teams. Rookie running back Nick Singleton continues to receive meaningful reps, while offensive lineman Pat Coogan energized the crowd during Saturday's open practice with his enthusiasm and leadership.

Perhaps most importantly, this year's young core class doesn't look overwhelmed. From Cam Ward's steady progress to Ayomanor's emergence and Faulk's disruptive flashes on defense, Tennessee's young core is giving fans reasons to believe the future is arriving sooner than expected.

Three practices don't determine a season, but they can establish momentum. Through the opening week of camp, the Titans have shown encouraging signs at quarterback, explosive potential on offense, and the early fingerprints of Robert Saleh's defensive philosophy. The real tests will come once the pads go on and preseason games begin, but after three days, Tennessee has plenty of positive developments worth watching.

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