I spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning out at Saint Thomas Sports Park watching the Tennessee Titans get ready for the 2018 season. It was only a weekend, sure, but there was still plenty to take away from the practices. The defensive backs look good, the offense looks a little ‘meh,’ and Mike Vrabel is as intense as they come. But, one thing that I noticed over the weekend that I don’t feel is being talked about enough is the comeuppance of second year tight end Jonnu Smith.
At 6’3″ 248 pounds, Smith is an absolute physical specimen. It’s part of what had him soaring up draft boards in 2017. He was eventually drafted in the 3rd round by the Titans, boasting a skill set similar to Delanie Walker. In fact, a lot of folks pegged Smith as a “mini-Walker” coming out of Florida International. He played in all 16 games as a rookie, but he only recorded 18 receptions for 157 yards. His two touchdowns were nice, but overall, that’s a pretty uneventful rookie season.
I expect those numbers to change drastically in 2018.
First of all, a year’s worth of experience seems to have just flat out led to an improved overall game. His ability looks a lot closer to Walker’s than it did a year ago. He has excellent reach, and he has a knack for separation.
@Easymoney_81 almost caught this damn ball. Looked good today. #Titans pic.twitter.com/9z8LLgRN1z
— Stoney Keeley (@StoneyKeeley) August 11, 2018
He didn’t make any particular play that stood out to me over the weekend, but it was a collection of “almosts.” On Saturday, Smith nearly had the touchdown reception pictured above – it was a play where he really climbed the ladder to get his hands on the ball, but whoever was covering him (#journalism) did a nice job of getting in there and breaking up the pass. It was a prime example of his athleticism, though. On Sunday, he gained a step on his guy and coverage, springing open down the middle of the field with no one in front of him. Marcus Mariota missed the throw, though – sailing the ball over his head and out of reach. It would’ve been a sure touchdown. Yesterday’s practice was closed to the public, but Smith caught a touchdown in red zone drills.
But, it was the fact that he’s getting a healthy dose of first-team reps with Mariota, the starting offensive line, opposing the first team defense that sold me on this expanded role idea. Now, one could say I’m reading too much into his 1st team reps. Walker is a 13-year NFL veteran. It stands to reason that he probably doesn’t need the work as much as a sophomore player. But, he’s out there, folks – to say they’re resting Walker would be inaccurate. Besides, the dude caught two touchdowns on Sunday. He’s putting in work. But, it’s how the Titans are using both guys that bodes well for Smith.
What’s encouraging is that Matt LaFleur’s offensive system seems to call for a lot of 2-tight end sets. Both guys have been blocking well in practice so far, but it’s the timing aspect of this offense that is hard to get down. And, by several reports, that’s the reason for such a sluggish start for the offense (despite the first team looking pretty good in Green Bay last Thursday night) – just learning the system. But, it certainly looks like Smith is going to get every chance to become a key contributor this season based on what’s going on in practice.
Pair that opportunity with the fact that Smith is looking drastically improved from this time a year ago, and you have all the makings for a breakout season. Watch out for #81 in 2018.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Subscribe to our Patreon. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube.
