Tennessee Titans’ Brian Callahan Talks Restrepo and Other Nuggets Before Day 6

The Tennessee Titans rolled into Day 6 of training camp with energy, intensity, and growing intrigue surrounding several position battles. One of the most compelling storylines so far involves rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, an undrafted free agent out of Miami who has steadily earned the attention of head coach Brian Callahan. Known for his toughness, football IQ, and reliable hands, Restrepo has positioned himself as a serious contender for a role in Tennessee’s revamped offense.

Callahan, now in his first year at the helm in Nashville, has been clear about the culture he wants to build. He’s not interested in promises or preconceived depth charts. His emphasis is on production, preparation, and development. That mindset came through loud and clear during his most recent media availability, where he discussed Restrepo’s camp performance, ongoing roster evaluations, and the overall tone of the Titans’ approach entering the heart of training camp.

Speaking about Restrepo, Callahan highlighted what made the young receiver stand out during the evaluation process. He mentioned that the team had spent a lot of time reviewing film on quarterback Cameron Ward—another major offseason addition—and that in the process, Restrepo kept popping up on the screen. The wide receiver had put together an impressive college résumé, finishing his career with over 200 receptions, nearly 3,000 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. While his NFL Combine performance wasn’t headline-grabbing, particularly his 40-yard dash, Callahan said the tape told a very different story. He described Restrepo as smart, dependable, and productive, with a knack for getting open and making plays in key moments.

According to Callahan, Restrepo will begin training camp working primarily out of the slot. That’s where his skill set best fits in the Titans’ offensive system, at least for now. He was quick to clarify, however, that nothing is guaranteed. Restrepo will have to earn every rep and every opportunity. In a receiver room filled with both veteran competition and other young talent, every practice snap matters. Still, the praise from Callahan indicates that Restrepo is doing more than just taking up space—he’s turning heads.

Beyond Restrepo, Callahan offered broader insights into how he and his staff are approaching this pivotal part of the preseason. With five days of camp in the books and players now settling into the rhythm of daily practices, the focus has shifted from basic install work to competitive evaluations. Callahan stressed that they are still in the middle of installing schemes and rotations, but they are beginning to get a sense of who is responding well to the grind and who is struggling to keep up.

That grind is central to Callahan’s philosophy. One of the recurring themes in his comments was the importance of endurance—not just physical, but mental and emotional as well. He said that young players, especially rookies and second-year pros, often underestimate how long and demanding an NFL season really is. From training camp through the playoffs, it’s a marathon. And for the Titans, a team rebuilding in many ways after a transition at head coach and major personnel changes, that marathon begins with how players practice and carry themselves in these early days of camp.

Callahan emphasized that training camp is a time for learning. Mistakes will happen, and players are encouraged to push boundaries. He specifically told his quarterbacks to take risks in practice, to try throws they might not attempt in a game. The idea is to test the limits of what the offense can do, find where timing and chemistry need improvement, and then build consistency from those reps. It’s a coaching approach grounded in growth rather than fear, and it’s especially valuable for a team featuring so many young players.

One of the most closely watched competitions on the team involves the running back position. With Derrick Henry now out of the picture, the Titans are entering a new era in the backfield. Callahan made it clear he doesn’t see the job in traditional starter-backup terms. He views Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard as complementary pieces who can each play major roles depending on game plan and situation. This suggests a more dynamic and flexible approach to the ground game, one that could keep defenses guessing and maximize the unique skills each back brings to the table.

The offensive line is another area of intense competition. The right side of the line remains unsettled, and Callahan was open about the fact that no decisions have been made there. He noted that multiple players are getting reps at different spots and that the staff is intentionally rotating them to see who steps up. As with every other position group, the message is simple: play well and earn your spot.

Player development remains at the core of everything Callahan is trying to build. He acknowledged that the Titans are in a transitional phase and that wins and losses, while always important, won’t be the only measure of success this season. What matters just as much, if not more, is whether the team is getting better week by week, whether young players are improving, and whether the culture being installed now can sustain future success. Development is not just about reps in practice—it’s about film study, accountability, and how players respond to adversity.

Restrepo is the embodiment of that philosophy right now. As an undrafted rookie, his margin for error is slim, but he’s earning more than just a chance—he’s earning the respect of coaches. He shows up on time, learns the playbook, and makes the most of every opportunity. His route running has been crisp, his hands reliable, and his football instincts obvious. Coaches and teammates alike have taken notice. The fact that Callahan is willing to talk about him so openly at this stage says a lot about how seriously they are considering him for a role.

What’s especially compelling is how this coaching staff is evaluating talent. They aren’t swayed by draft status or big names. Production, effort, and consistency are what count. That kind of culture shift is exactly what a team like Tennessee needs as it charts a new course. It’s also what gives players like Restrepo a legitimate path to the roster, and potentially even a meaningful role once the season begins.

As Day 6 looms, the Titans find themselves in the thick of it. Practice tempo is increasing, install periods are giving way to more live reps, and the tone is shifting from instructional to evaluative. Every route, every throw, every block is being scrutinized. Players like Restrepo are trying to separate themselves from the pack, while others are fighting to maintain their grip on spots they assumed were safe. It’s a high-stakes environment, but one that Callahan clearly thrives in.

He’s not rattled by the unknowns. In fact, he embraces them. That’s part of his coaching style—open-minded, adaptable, and direct. He wants players to feel the pressure of competition because it brings out the best in them. At the same time, he’s giving them the tools to succeed, offering a structure that values effort and improvement over entitlement or past achievements.

For now, the Tennessee Titans are very much a work in progress. But under Brian Callahan, that work is being done with intention and clarity. Whether it’s giving an undrafted player like Xavier Restrepo a real shot, or asking young quarterbacks to test their limits in practice, everything is geared toward long-term growth and sustainable success.

The season is still weeks away, but these early moments will matter. They will define the roster. They will reveal leaders. They will identify hidden gems. Day 6 is just another step, but if Restrepo and others continue to rise to the occasion, it could be a day that shapes the Titans’ future more than anyone realizes. In the world Callahan is building, that’s exactly how it should be.