Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls

For players hoping to earn a spot on the Tennessee Titans’ roster—whether they’re rookies at the NFL Combine, undrafted free agents at minicamp, or veterans competing for a backup role—workout drills must be tailored to the team’s specific needs and scheme. The Titans prioritize physicality, versatility, and football IQ, and their drills reflect that: edge rushers need to show they can win against both run and pass, cornerbacks must demonstrate tackling as well as coverage, and offensive linemen have to prove they can anchor against the Titans’ tough defensive front. These drills aren’t just about athleticism—they’re about showing coaches that a player fits Mike Vrabel’s “team-first” culture and can contribute on day one. For hopefuls, mastering these drills could be the difference between a training camp invite and a spot on the 53-man roster. Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls breaks down the key drills for each position, explaining what coaches look for and how prospects can stand out.

Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls begins with Edge Rusher: “Titan Edge Combo Drill”—a drill designed to test a prospect’s ability to switch between run defense and pass rush, two skills the Titans value in players like Harold Landry III. Here’s how it works: the drill sets up a offensive tackle (using a dummy or a volunteer) at the line of scrimmage, with a running back positioned behind him. On the first whistle, the edge rusher must shed the tackle’s block and stop the running back’s “run” (the back simulates a handoff and charges toward the edge). On the second whistle, the drill resets, and the edge rusher must use a pass-rush move (spin, swim, or bull rush) to get past the tackle and “sack” a quarterback dummy 10 yards behind the line. Coaches grade prospects on three things: hand placement (to shed blocks), footwork (to stay balanced), and intensity (how quickly they switch between run and pass modes). “The Titans don’t want one-dimensional edge rushers,” says former Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams. “This drill shows if a prospect can do both—stop the run on first down and get to the quarterback on third down. We look for guys who don’t slow down between reps; that’s the kind of toughness we need.” For hopefuls like Dallas Turner (the mock draft’s first-round pick), this drill is a chance to showcase the versatility that made him a top prospect.

Next in Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls is Cornerback: “Coverage & Tackle Transition Drill”—a drill that emphasizes the Titans’ belief that cornerbacks must be as good at tackling as they are at covering. The Titans’ secondary ranked 24th in passing yards allowed in 2024, but they also pride themselves on stopping the run in the flat—a skill that starts with cornerbacks. The drill sets up a wide receiver (volunteer) 10 yards downfield, with a running back positioned at the line. On the first part, the cornerback must cover the receiver in a “zone” look, dropping back 5 yards and reading the quarterback’s eyes to prevent a short pass. On the second part, the quarterback (dummy) “hands off” to the running back, who charges toward the cornerback’s side. The cornerback must immediately transition from coverage to tackling, wrapping up the back and driving him to the ground. Coaches grade on coverage discipline (not biting on fakes), tackle technique (using arms, not just shoulders), and reaction time (how quickly they switch roles). “We’ve all seen cornerbacks who can cover but can’t tackle—and they don’t last here,” says Titans secondary coach Anthony Midget. “This drill separates the guys who understand our system: you’re not just a cover guy, you’re a defender. For a prospect like Kool-Aid McKinstry, this drill lets him show he’s more than just a route-disruptor—he’s a physical player who can help stop the run.”

A critical drill for offensive prospects in Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls is Offensive Tackle: “Anchor & Move Drill”—tailored to the Titans’ need for linemen who can both protect the quarterback and open holes for the run game. The drill uses two defensive linemen dummies: one positioned directly in front of the tackle (to simulate a bull rush) and another to the side (to simulate a speed rush). On the first whistle, the tackle must “anchor” against the front dummy, keeping his knees bent and hands inside to prevent being pushed back (a key skill for pass protection). On the second whistle, the tackle must shuffle laterally to block the side dummy, simulating a run block to the outside. Coaches look for balance (not leaning too far forward or back), hand placement (to control the defender), and foot speed (to move quickly without losing position). For the Tennessee Titans, this drill is especially important because their offensive line needs to support both a physical run game (Hassan Haskins) and a quarterback who sometimes extends plays (Ryan Tannehill). “We need tackles who can do it all—anchor against a bull rush on third down and pull to block a run on first down,” says Titans offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. “A prospect like Amarius Mims, who’s still developing, can use this drill to show he has the raw tools—size, strength, footwork—that we can refine. It’s not just about being big; it’s about being controlled.”

Another key drill for defensive prospects in Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls is Defensive Tackle: “Gap Control & Penetration Drill”—designed to test a prospect’s ability to clog running lanes (a Titans staple) while also generating interior pass rush. The drill sets up a guard and center (dummies) to create two gaps: the “A-gap” (between center and guard) and “B-gap” (between guard and tackle). On the first rep, the defensive tackle must choose a gap, shed the guard’s block, and “stop” a running back dummy charging through that gap—showcasing gap control. On the second rep, the tackle must use a quick first step to penetrate the same gap and reach a quarterback dummy 5 yards back—showcasing pass-rush ability. Coaches grade on pad level (keeping shoulders low to shed blocks), quickness (first step off the line), and awareness (choosing the right gap based on the drill’s setup). For the Tennessee Titans, this drill is vital because their defensive line is built around Jeffery Simmons, who excels at both run stopping and pass rushing—and they need backups who can replicate that style. “We don’t want defensive tackles who are just run stoppers or just pass rushers,” says former Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. “We want guys who can do both, like Braden Fiske. This drill shows if a prospect understands how to read the offense, control his gap, and still get to the quarterback when needed. It’s about football IQ as much as strength.”

Wrapping up Workout Drills for Tennessee Titans Hopefuls is Wide Receiver: “Route Precision & YAC Drill”—a drill that emphasizes the Titans’ need for receivers who can run crisp routes (to get open) and gain yards after catch (YAC), a skill that complements Treylon Burks’ deep threat ability. The drill sets up three cones: one at the line of scrimmage, one 10 yards downfield (for a curl route), and one 5 yards past that (to simulate YAC). The receiver must run a perfect curl route: start at the line, accelerate to the first cone, plant his foot, turn 180 degrees, and catch a pass from the quarterback. After the catch, he must immediately turn upfield and sprint to the third cone, simulating YAC while avoiding a “tackler” (volunteer with a foam pad). Coaches grade on route precision (staying on course, planting cleanly), hands (catching the ball away from the body), and agility (turning upfield quickly, avoiding the tackler). For the Tennessee Titans, this drill is important because their offense relies on receivers who can move the chains on third down—something Nick Westbrook-Ikhine struggled with in 2024. “We need receivers who are reliable,” says Titans wide receivers coach Rob Moore. “A prospect like Jalen McMillan can use this drill to show he’s more than just a slot receiver—he can run crisp routes, catch the ball consistently, and gain extra yards. That’s the kind of player who fits our offense: someone who does the little things right, every time.” For all Titans hopefuls, these drills are more than just exercises—they’re a chance to prove they belong in a culture built on toughness, versatility, and winning.