Tennessee Titans OTAs begin next week. Here are five things I will be watching for

Welcome to Talkin' Titans. This is Tennessee Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur. In today's newsletter, I offer my thoughts on the Titans’ upcoming organized team practice activities, which begin Monday.

Part of the third phase of the offseason program, Tennessee is scheduled to have 10 of them between May 23 and June 9.

While live contact isn’t allowed, 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills will be permitted. We’ll see Titans rookies and veterans competing together for the first time.

Here are five things I’ll be watching for:

Tannehill’s connection with WRs, TEs

With A.J. Brown gone, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be looking to develop rapport with the team’s new group of receivers (minus Robert Woods, who’s in ACL rehab) and tight ends.

Most notably, it includes rookies receivers Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips, fourth-round rookie tight end Chig Okonkwo and veteran tight end Austin Hooper.

What those connections start to look like and how Tannehill communicates with pass catchers who are green to the Titans offense will draw eyeballs.

McCreary’s performance

The Titans coveted second-round rookie Roger McCreary’s man coverage skills in the draft, and he’ll have the chance to match up against several receivers throughout OTAs.

With 2021 first-rounder Caleb Farley (knee) unexpected to participate, McCreary should get plenty of reps, which could go a long way for him earning meaningful snaps in the fall.

Showing of Burks, Philips

After struggles on the first day of rookie minicamp, Burks put together a strong second day. But the first-round receiver will have the chance to continue building positive momentum at OTAs.

His chemistry with Tannehill may be the biggest storyline heading into next week.

Philips was arguably the best player at Titans rookie minicamp. How will he fare against stronger competition in team drills?

Rep splits between Tannehill, Willis

Tannehill is the Titans starter for 2022. But how will the team balance much-needed reps for him and the new pass catchers with Willis’ own needs for development as the potential long-term solution at quarterback?

Fitzpatrick’s development

General manager Jon Robinson told me the Titans are “counting on” 2021 fourth-round pick Dez Fitzpatrick carving out a role next season after a disappointing rookie campaign, which saw him cut from the initial 53-man roster.

Fitzpatrick will have plenty of opportunity in a Brown-less receiving c.

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

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans' OTAs begin next week. Here are five things I will be watching for