Tennessee Titans Begin 2026 OTAs, Spotlight on Emerging Talent

The Tennessee Titans opened their 2026 Organized Team Activities on Monday, May 18, with a second day on May 19. The non-contact sessions feature 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Additional OTA dates are May 21, 26, 27, 29 and June 8-9, 11-12, followed by mandatory minicamp June 16-17. The sessions also serve as the first opportunity for the new coaching staff to evaluate the integration of rookies and veterans.

4 young Titans players to watch at OTAs

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll joined head coach Robert Saleh for the offseason, while defensive line coach Mike Borgonzi reiterated the franchise’s “draft and develop” mantra. The staff faces depth challenges at safety, interior line and running back after injuries limited the 2025 campaign.

Brian Daboll may already have a surprise brewing at Titans OTAs

Safety Kevin Winston Jr. is slated to start opposite Amani Hooker after an injury-marred rookie year; sophomore linebacker-to-edge convert Femi Oladejo must prove explosiveness. Wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, a 2025 rookie with 41 catches for 515 yards, competes with newcomers Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson. Running back Tyjae Spears, a dynamic back with receiving upside, faces competition from rookie Nicholas Singleton. Cam Ward’s early clips show passes to Tate and touchdown throws to Tony Pollard and Spears, who has 250 career receptions.

4 young Titans players to watch at OTAs

Coach Mike Borgonzi reiterated the “draft and develop” mantra, warning that stagnation would jeopardize the 2026 campaign. Head coach Robert Saleh praised Oladejo’s offseason progress and expects a faster edge presence. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s OTA footage shows a larger passing role for Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Analysts flagged limited depth behind safety Winston, questioned Oladejo’s linebacker-to-edge transition, and warned that insufficient development may force the Titans to add veteran interior linemen and running backs.

These 4 Titans already have enormous pressure entering OTAs

• “The Tennessee Titans began OTAs on Monday.” — (source)

Brian Daboll may already have a surprise brewing at Titans OTAs

• “Mike Borgonzi's mantra is "draft and develop," but if the players aren't developing, then this team can't sit by and let them derail the 2026 season.”.” — Mike Borgonzi, Titans coach

These 4 Titans already have enormous pressure entering OTAs

• “In this compilation, Ward can be seen hitting rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate and tight end Gunnar Helm on the first and second passing plays.” — (source)

Brian Daboll may already have a surprise brewing at Titans OTAs

• “He had 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie.” — (source)

4 young Titans players to watch at OTAs

The OTA assessments will shape the Titans’ roster strategy for 2026. If Winston, Oladejo, Ayomanor and Spears demonstrate the required growth, the team can preserve draft capital and avoid costly free-agent contracts. Conversely, shortcomings could trigger early veteran acquisitions on the defensive line, interior offensive line and backfield, influencing salary-cap allocations and the overall competitive outlook for the upcoming season.

These 4 Titans already have enormous pressure entering OTAs

The Titans will resume OTAs on June 8-9 and June 11-12, followed by mandatory minicamp June 16-17. Training camp begins in late July, with roster cuts slated for early August. Performance in these phases will determine final roster composition ahead of the 2026 preseason.

These 4 Titans already have enormous pressure entering OTAs