Veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett is taking an active role in mentoring the young receivers of the Tennessee Titans, leveraging his extensive NFL experience to guide newbies Cam Ward, Elic Ayomanor, and Xavier Restrepo. Lockett, who joined the Titans in the offseason, brings a wealth of knowledge from 161 games in the NFL, having recorded 661 receptions and 61 touchdowns over his career—numbers that far exceed those of his younger teammates.
During a bonus practice session at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, Lockett focused on teaching his pupils important techniques such as route running, ball placement, and understanding leverage. “You can run any route a thousand different ways,” Restrepo remarked, emphasizing how Lockett helped break down these concepts to target defensive blind spots.
As Lockett approaches his 33rd birthday, he aims to cultivate a successful receiving corps for the Titans, potentially revitalizing a struggling offense. He is expected to serve as the third receiver behind Calvin Ridley and newcomer Van Jefferson. Notably, Lockett’s experience will be instrumental in supporting the development of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Lockett expressed admiration for Ward’s command of the offense, specifically highlighting his performance during a two-minute drill. “He’s doing a really great job being able to see the field, reading the defense,” Lockett said, noting their effective communication during practice. Lockett also observed how Ward is becoming increasingly comfortable within the huddle, a crucial aspect of his development as an emerging quarterback.
Although Ward has yet to take an NFL snap, Lockett encourages him to focus on continual improvement rather than striving for perfection, allowing for growth at each stage of development. “It’s a period of growth,” said Lockett, emphasizing the importance of adopting a growth mindset in achieving long-term success.
Tyler Lockett’s guidance could be pivotal for the Titans, fostering a new generation of skilled pass-catchers and laying the groundwork for an exciting football season ahead. With the right mentorship and commitment from the young players, the Titans could turn around their offense and make significant strides this season.