Jason Wolf

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

Delanie Walker wasn’t given anything — he had to earn it.

From the moment he stepped on an NFL practice field as a rookie sixth-round draft pick of the 49ers in 2006 — the same year San Francisco used a first-round selection on tight end Vernon Davis — until today, when he’s recognized as one of the top tight ends in the game, he's had to prove himself.

And the Titans’ Pro Bowl tight end holds Tennessee’s rookies to the same standard.

Perhaps more so. While it’s good to see his Titans teammates during the offseason organized team activities that began this week, and pull on a helmet and run around, Walker is sure to keep the newcomers at arm’s length.

“I don’t get to know anybody until they make the team,” Walker said. “I talk to them, but they might not be here. There ain’t too much I need to learn from them till they make the team. That’s everybody. Anyone that’s a rookie.

“You’ve got to earn the right,” he said. “These rookies come in nowadays, stuff’s given to them. I’m not going to be your friend until you make the team.”

The Titans had 10 draft picks under first-year general manager Jon Robinson, including five of the first 64 players taken, and most are virtually guaranteed roster spots. They’re among 23 rookies on the Titans’ current 90-man roster.

The group includes former Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin, selected eighth overall, and former Alabama running back Derrick Henry, who just happened to win the Heisman Trophy.

Walker, 31, is coming off the best season of his career, having finished with 94 catches for 1,088 yards and six touchdowns, with most of the passes coming from then-rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota, another Heisman winner.

He’s is going to get to know many of these young guys well. And he knows it.

Titans' Delanie Walker collects records on, off field

“I’ve been sizing up Henry, man, and he’s a big dude,” Walker said earlier this month. “I have to put him in his place early. But he’s a good dude. I’m just messing with him, giving him a hard time because I feel like he’s going to be a monster for this team. I usually don’t talk to the rookies until they make the team. But he’s one of the guys that I think can help this team out.”

Walker, who was already under contract for the upcoming season, signed a two-year, $14.7 million extension this month that will keep him with the Titans through the 2018 season.

He’s considered one of the team’s leaders, especially on offense, and the rookies know their place, that they have something to prove.

Delanie Walker signs long-term extension with Titans

“They don’t talk to me at all. Not at all,” Walker laughed. “I’m a good dude, but they know. You’ve got to make the team first.”

Reach Jason Wolf at jwolf@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter at @JasonWolf and on Instagram and Snapchat at TitansBeat.