Tennessee Titans' biggest standouts from first week of training camp

Mike Moraitis

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Tennessee Titans' biggest standouts from first week of training camp image

The Tennessee Titans are through the first week of 2024 training camp, so it's time to take a look back at some of the team's bigger standouts from the first four practices.

But we're trying to dig a bit deeper when compiling the biggest standouts, so you won't see some of the more notable names on the roster on this list. What we're focused on are new players and those who are trying to earn a roster spot or significant role on the team.

That's why you don't see starting quarterback Will Levis below. Granted, Levis is a young player who is still developing, so monitoring his situation is important, but he's locked into a starting role already.

That said, Levis has been solid over the first week and even received some national recognition from CBS Sports' Pete Prisco, who is convinced the Titans have their guy after he attended a practice, and he even compared Levis to star quarterback Josh Allen.

Now that we've clarified the direction this article is going, here's a look at the team's biggest standouts from the first week of training camp.

QB Malik Willis

Willis isn't just fighting for the No. 2 quarterback job with Mason Rudolph, he's also fighting for a roster spot, which would be in question if he can't win the backup job.

However, Willis is making a case for the Titans to keep three quarterbacks if he doesn't, as he has gone shot-for-shot with Rudolph over the first three days of camp.

But Willis really shined during the Nissan Stadium practice on Saturday, with beat reporters praising the Liberty product for what might have been his best practice showing in a Titans uniform.

"Quarterback Malik Willis also had a good day, and he got a nice compliment from Callahan after today's work," Jim Wyatt wrote. "I had Willis 3-of-4 in 7-on-7 drills and 3-of-5 in team drills, making him 6-of-9 for the day. I now have Willis at 18-of-24 in 7-on-7 and team work combined in camp. Willis made a beautiful back-shoulder throw to receiver Tre'Shaun Harrison, and he was on the money on throws under pressure.

"Really pleased with Malik," head coach Brian Callahan said after practice, per Wyatt. "I think both those quarterbacks have really done a nice job. Malik came out and had a nice day with some aggressive throws. He's really done a nice job knowing what to do, where to go with the football. And, really pleased with how he played today. It was a good day for Malik."

Willis remains unlikely to beat out Rudolph, who has been sharp, also, and it remains to be seen if the Titans would carry a third quarterback. But Willis' performance is still important, as it could make him tradeable.

OLB Jaylen Harrell

We didn't hear much about Harrell during the Nissan Stadium practice on Saturday, but he no doubt stood out on Day 1, with one of his highlights being a forced fumble. He also saw time against the first-team offense.

"Rookie edge rusher Jaylen Harrell was the first player out the door and on the practice field on Day 1 of camp, and he made some plays as well," Wyatt wrote after Day 1 of camp. "I thought it was a pretty impressive start for the team's seventh-round pick."

With Harold Landry, Arden Key and Rashad Weaver set to take the top-three spots on the depth chart, the Titans may have just one spot up for grabs. So far, Harrell is making a strong case for himself.

TE Josh Whyle

Whyle has added more to his frame ahead of the 2024 campaign and has caught the eye of multiple reporters, including one from the national media.

"Tight end Josh Whyle is also getting himself noticed," Wyatt wrote after Day 1. "Whyle made a nice snag across the middle on Thursday on a ball thrown by Levis."

Whyle, who is slated to be the team's No. 2 tight end behind Chigoziem Okonkwo, is clearly building momentum and putting himself in position to have a bigger role in 2024.

LB Kenneth Murray

Murray has been a standout on multiple days of training camp and has even made plays in coverage, an area of his game that is considered a weakness. After shining on Day 1 by getting into the backfield on multiple occasions, Murray showed some coverage skills on Saturday.

"Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. had another impactful day rushing the passer, and in coverage and run support," Wyatt said. "Murray broke up one pass intended for Pollard. He's been very noticeable in camp."

Murray is already locked into a starting role, but the Titans are going to need more than just a body there. The hope is that the Oklahoma product can take that next step in Tennessee and become a more well-rounded player.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.