Tennessee Titans: Who starts opposite Kendall Wright this season?
By P. L. Colter
The countdown to the 2015 season now sits at three days for the Tennessee Titans, and one of the biggest questions for the team will soon be answered…
Which wide receiver will start opposite Kendall Wright this season?
This should also be one of the most entertaining camp battles this summer.
Key Departure: Nate Washington
Key Acquisitions: Harry Douglas (free agent – Atl), Hakeem Nicks (free agent – Ind), Dorial Green-Beckham (rookie 2nd round pick), Tre McBride (rookie 7th round pick)
Key Returning: Kendall Wright, Delanie Walker (yes, he is a tight end…but he led the team in targets last season)
Long before Marcus Mariota was selected, the Titans front office began overhauling a wide receiver group that underachieved last season.
Tennessee replaced departing Nate Washington’s veteran leadership with veteran colleagues Harry Douglas and Hakeem Nicks via free agency.
After selecting Mariota, the Titans grabbed Dorial Green-Beckham and Tre McBride…giving the rookie qb plenty of options/weapons this year.
Kendall Wright’s production dipped last year, yet he still caught more passes in his first three seasons than any receiver in franchise history. Wright, the 2012 first round draft pick, has done nothing to warrant a challenge for his starting spot.
As for the other side? Here’s where things get interesting.
At play for Nate Washington’s vacant slot are Douglas, Nicks, and Green-Beckham.
Harry Douglas thrived in Atlanta as the third guy behind Julio Jones and Roddy White. But he also posted an 85 catch, 1,067 yard season when given a starting role in 2013. His recent success, and overall consistency gives him the early edge.
Do not be surprised though, if Hakeem Nicks gets the nod on opening day. He posted back to back 1,000 yard seasons in 2010 and 1011, then regressed to the tune of 38 catches, 405 yards, and 4 tds last year with the Colts. ESPN Staff Writer Paul Kuharsky reported that Nicks recently worked out with Mariota, something that he vowed to do as mini-camp concluded. He’s vowed all summer that he has something to prove. Here’s your chance.
Dorial Green-Beckham is the wildcard here. The 6’5, 240 pound rookie was limited during rookie camp and mini camp with a gimpy hamstring, but make no mistake about it, Tennessee drafted DGB to play alongside Wright long term. But with very few reps this offseason, and stiff veteran competition, how long will that take?
Three legitimate players going for one starting spot should bring out the best in all of them. The other two will strengthen the depth chart.
At least that’s the plan.
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