Robert Saleh is wasting no time making his mark as the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans. During his first rookie camp this weekend in Nashville, Saleh implemented a strategy rooted in caution and long-term player health—holding all eight of the team's draft picks out of their first potential practice.

Instead, the spotlight fell on 58 tryout players, five returning veterans, and 11 undrafted free agents who took the field. Saleh's decision stems from a painful lesson learned earlier in his career. "I was on the staff that saw Dante Fowler tear his ACL on the first rep of rookie minicamp," Saleh explained ahead of camp. "These guys have had a lot of stress over the last month. Their bodies aren't ready for football. We're just trying to see where they're at so we can properly get them acclimated once they get here with the veterans."

For the non-drafted players, however, the two days of practice were full-go, offering a crucial opportunity to impress the coaching staff. The pre-draft process is notoriously grueling—endless training, travel, and interviews take a toll on even the most resilient prospects. By giving the selected rookies a breather, Saleh not only prioritized their well-being but also allowed the team to evaluate a wider pool of talent that could strengthen the Titans roster.

Second-round pick Anthony Hill, Jr. fully embraced the slower pace. "I would say it's not hard to wait because we've been on the move so much lately," Hill said. "It's okay to step back and take some time to learn the defense, get a feel for the building, and get a feel for the city before you just hit the ground running again."

With voluntary OTAs set for May 18th, fans won't have to wait long to see how these rookies mesh with Tennessee's veterans. For now, Saleh's thoughtful approach is a reminder that sometimes the best play is a smart, strategic pause.