An inside Look at the TITANS’ WR COMPETITION
The Titans’ WR room looks a lot better now than it did four months ago.
With the signing of Deandre Hopkins, the Titans’ receiving corps went from one of the worst in the league to an above-average unit. Burks and Hopkins will be the 1a and 1b of the room, but the rest is a question mark. Let’s take a deep dive into the Titans’ WR room, and highlight other potential contributors in 2023…..
Kyle Philips: An injury-riddled rookie season limited Philips to just four games last season. In those four games, Philips looked decent and took on an Adam Humphries type role. Heading into 2023, Philips looks to win the slot job and be the third receiver alongside Burks and Hopkins. The former Bruin also has experience returning punts and should make an impact in the return game.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: NWI is entering his fourth season in Ten, and should make the roster once again in 2023. Though his role on offense will for sure decrease, NWI will still be a great depth piece and special teamer for the Titans’. Mike Vrabel loves those tough, hard-nosed guys who work their tails off every day, and Nick is one of those guys. Though he won’t be the number two receiver in, NWI will still bring some value to Tennessee in 2023.
Chris Moore: Tennessee signed Moore out of free agency in April to help out the WR room. Many believed that Moore was going to be the second receiver alongside Burks, but the signing of Hopkins obviously changed that. Moore is now competing against Kyle Philips for the slot receiver job, and could surprisingly win it. The former Texan tallied over 500 yards last year and was a chain mover for a bad Texans offense. Don’t just assume that Philips has already won the slot job because Moore has been pushing him in camp.
Colton Dowell: The 7th-round rookie out of Ten-Martin has impressed so far in Titans’ camp. Dowell’s athleticism and quick thinking have impressed Mike Vrabel and WR coach Rob Moore. Colton should provide a spark on special teams for the Titans and will make big plays during the preseason. Being a 7th round rookie makes it tough for him to make the roster, but I believe Ten will find a way to keep him on the 53.
Reggie Roberson Jr: The former SMU Mustang has made some wow plays throughout training camp, and once again is pushing to make the 53-man roster.
Mason Kinsey: One of the most hardworking guys on the team will push to make the 53-man roster once again. Kinsey has spent most of his career on the practice squad but has gotten some call-ups to return punts for Ten the past couple of years.
Racey Mcmath: The former LSU Tiger has struggled with injuries so far in his career. When he is on the field, Mcmath has made some great plays, but nothing too special. A 50+ yard catch from Dobbs against Dallas was the best play of his career. A game-altering fumble against the Steelers in 2021 was probably the worst. A guy who has shown flashes, but hasn’t put it all together yet.
Other WRs on the training camp roster are Gavin Holmes, Kearis Jackson, and Tre’Shaun Harrison.
Though these guys have been showing flashes and making plays in camp, they are long shots to make the active roster, practice squad possible.
Ten usually keeps five or six receivers on the active roster during the season. Here are my predictions on who will make it out of these seven (excluding Burks and Dhop)
WR3: Kyle Philips
WR4: Chris Moore
WR5: NWI
WR6: Colton Dowell
Practice Squad: Kinsey, Roberson, Mcmath