Marcus Mariota makes quick impression with his speed

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota got his first real taste of NFL speed on Tuesday.

During the first day of organized team activities, the rookie worked with the veterans for the first time.

"It is definitely different. It is a lot faster, I think, compared to college,'' Mariota said afterward. "Obviously this is my first day of practice with these guys, so just learning how to play at that tempo and at that speed. And being able to execute.

"… This is the NFL, it's the best of the best. The speed is so much faster. There's so many great athletes."

The Titans veterans also seemed impressed with Mariota, especially his speed. He connected on some nice throws downfield and took off on a few occasions during practice.

"He is faster than I thought,'' linebacker Zach Brown said of Mariota. "He is an athletic quarterback. He didn't win the Heisman for nothing.

"One time he took off – I was guarding Delanie (Walker) – and I turned around and I was like, "Where is he?" He is fast. He impressed me. He is still a rookie and he has to learn, but he is a cool guy. I haven't seen him get frustrated yet."

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Mariota, selected second overall by the Titans out of Oregon, took part in the rookie minicamp earlier this month.

On Tuesday the Titans held their first of 10 scheduled OTAs.

Mariota lined up with the first group, as expected, during a running walk-through that was open to media. Zach Mettenberger was next in line.

Mariota admitted to throwing one interception and said he fumbled once during team drills, but otherwise had a pretty solid first outing. Mariota and the Titans will work again on Wednesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mariota has been excused for Thursday's session to attend the NFL Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles.

"It's a process. That's why you want to give him as many reps as you can, to get him more comfortable, get him prepared,'' coach Ken Whisenhunt said of Mariota's first day. "I guess the best assessment would be some good, some bad, probably probably what you'd expect."

Reach Jim Wyatt at 259-8015 or on Twitter @jwyattsports