NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee Titans opened rookie minicamp Friday, one week ahead of most NFL teams, but without their 2026 draft picks on the field.
Head coach Robert Saleh said the team is using a plan he called a “scar” to help rookies recover from the pre-draft process.
“I was on the staff that saw Dante Fowler tear his ACL on the first rep of rookie minicamp,” Saleh said in his rookie minicamp press conference. “So, I’ve just taken the philosophy these guys have had a lot, they’ve had a lot of stress over the last month, their bodies aren’t ready for football. And so, we’re just trying to see where they’re at so we can properly get them acclimated once they get here with the veterans.”
The absence of the draft picks allows Saleh and his staff to shift their focus to the 58 players trying out to become a Titan.
“We’re trying to allow these guys to play as fast as humanly possible where they’re not thinking,” Saleh said. “The expectation for them is just take your shot. Schematically, we’re going to put them in a position where they’re not thinking, they can just go play. Don’t worry about the things that you don’t have control over. Compete the best you can. But at the end of the day, they’ve got three days of being an NFL player at the very least and being a Tennessee Titan, which I think is pretty freaking cool.”
The draft picks did make a short appearance during team stretch on the field. It also gave local media a first look at them sporting their newly selected jersey numbers.
The Titans announced jersey numbers for all eight of their draft picks before the start of rookie minicamp. Fourth overall pick Carnell Tate will wear No. 14.
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The wide receiver gave insight on why he picked 14, saying “It’s probably the best number available for real, but then also you can look at it, my mom’s birthday, November 14th, but also you go Round 1, Pick 4. You’ve got two ways to look at, and it’s just a new opportunity.”
Full list of the 2026 draft pick jersey numbers below
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