Syndication: The Tennessean
Roster Locks: Robert Woods, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips
The first three listed are obvious locks who will likely be the Titans’ top-three wide receivers in some capacity. Meanwhile, Philips was a recent fifth-round selection who is getting the benefit of the doubt that he will find a way to contribute to the team, either as a slot receiver or in the return game.
Of all the P5 WRs in 2021, Kyle Philips produced the 5th highest QB rating when targeted in the slot (120.5).
The only WRs with a higher rating were:
-Jordan Addison, 139.2 (Pitt)
-Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 137.2 (OSU)
-Austin Williams, 128.6 (MSU)
-John Metchie, 123.5 (Bama)#Titans pic.twitter.com/FjcwLYlTwI— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) June 20, 2022
Woods is another exciting addition who figures to be one of Tennessee’s feature pieces this year. The USC product has the potential to be a Swiss Army knife for this offense, with his ability to contribute as a runner and receiver.
Since 2018, Robert Woods has carried the ball:
🌴 56 times to the outside (7.1 YPC)
🌴 11 times Off-Tackle (5.8 YPC)
🌴 Once inside (14 YPC)When motioning Woods, he ranks:
🌴 1st in Total yards (1,117)
🌴 3rd in carries (50)
🌴 6th in TDs (7)
🌴 7th in receptions (66)#Titans pic.twitter.com/uCPrf9stk0— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) June 10, 2022
Woods is one of the better run-blocking wide receivers in the league, also. He received Pro Football Focus’ highest run-blocking grade (84.9) by a wide receiver in 2021.
Robert Woods received PFF’s highest run-blocking grade (84.9) for a WR in 2021 (9 games).
Also, according to Next Gen Stats, Woods accounted for 288 ‘Run-Block Wins’ over the last five seasons, second-most among all WRs.
Now he gets to help block for Derrick Henry #Titans pic.twitter.com/iIrcxq1php
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) June 23, 2022
Before his 2021 torn ACL injury, Woods had only missed one game in the previous three seasons. Over those three years, he averaged 1,238 total yards (rushing and receiving), while also adding 18 total touchdowns.
Burks hasn’t had the most ideal start to his young Titans career, but if he ends up being an impact rookie in 2022, no one will care about his offseason practice issues.
Below are a few reasons why it’s absurd to prematurely panic over a talent like Treylon Burks before he’s even gotten to his first-ever training camp.
Unless Burks recently unexpectedly developed asthma, it doesn’t seem like it’s limited his production in the fall.#Titans pic.twitter.com/oGpQleXqlD
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) June 18, 2022