Robert Woods is already giving Titans what they need – at less than 100%

Ben Arthur, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Welcome to Talkin' Titans. This is Tennessee Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur. In today's newsletter, I offer my thoughts on veteran free-acquisition Robert Woods.

Woods showed that he could be depended on.

The new Titans receiver, according to teammate Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, gave advice to the team’s younger receivers during early offseason meetings. He was receptive to questions. Shared tips on the granular details of route running. Explained tricks on reading coverages and defensive backs.

That was Woods’ presence — less than seven weeks into his career with the Titans.

“Now that A.J. (Brown) is gone, he understands the role that he has,” Westbrook-Ikhine said back in May. “He’s been a great leader and teacher so far.”

And as organized team activities have gotten rolling this week, the former Rams receiver has continued to set a strong example.

He practiced at the first open OTA Tuesday — participating in all individual drills and even some team periods — despite tearing his ACL in November.

Woods didn’t have to be on the field. OTAs are voluntary. And with Brown gone, there’s so much riding on his production that no one would’ve been surprised to see him take every precaution with his health and not hit the field until at least mandatory minicamp in June.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) pulls in a catch during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) pulls in a catch during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

But he was out there anyway, wearing a brace on his left knee and sporting a non-contact yellow jersey, doing what he can, getting those needed reps with quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

“Robert is running a little bit now,” Tannehill said. “He’s smooth, really enjoy throwing him the football.”

We don’t know if the Titans' trade for Woods will pan out — if he’ll be the No. 1-caliber receiver they need or just another gamble on an injured player gone sour.

“I think he’s just been a great leader,” coach Mike Vrabel said. “(He’s) doing what he could do right now.”

What he's doing right now is leaving a great first impression.

Any questions or inquiries about the Titans' offseason? Send me a note. I'd be happy to answer. My email is BArthur@tennessean.com.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Robert Woods already giving Titans what they need – at less than 100%