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Tajae Sharpe already standing out

By Will Lomas

Sep 20, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (1) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Massachusetts 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 20, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (1) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Massachusetts 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Honestly, I didn’t know a lot about the Tennessee Titans lone receiver drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft class to start. However after watching a lot of Massachusetts wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, it was clear to me that he deserved a spot on this roster and looked like a player with a lot of talent.

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Off the cuff, his 6’2″ size and deceptive agility in and out of his routes (which were run very well) made him a nightmare for college defenders to cover. That was evident by his production going up every year culminating in a senior year with over 1,300 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.

His soft hands and his route running made him an interesting target, but his production, size and willingness to block made him a smart late round pick for a team like the Tennessee Titans right after the draft.

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    • So, when news came out that Tajae Sharpe was garnering praise from a coaching staff who has been very hard on wide receivers, it was news to my ears.

    According to the Tennessean, he has even taken some first team reps:
    “He’s not intimidated by this level at all. He’s very patient in what he does. He’s working in a rotation right now with the ones, so he gets to work with Marcus (Mariota) at times. I think he’s been as steady as any of the (receivers) right now.”

    He is even transferring his route running to the NFL without any sort of drop off, which is a huge plus.

    “He’s made the plays. He’s been very impressive in the one-on-ones, where he’s going against No. 1 corners. A lot of guys, rookies especially, are very impatient. They shorten their routes. Their double moves are too quick. He is playing like he’s been in the league for a while.”

    The Tennessee Titans need players like Dorial Green-Beckham and Kendall Wright to develop into clear threats for Marcus Mariota and this passing attack. However, Tajae Sharpe may be pushing them for time right off the bat.

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    If that is true, then one of the few critiques of this draft class may be nullified. The Tennessee Titans were reprimanded by some including ESPN’s Paul Kuharsky for not addressing the wide receiver position earlier. However, if the Titans get a true outside starter in this draft then that will be huge for both this team and for Jon Robinson who would come out of the gate strong.

    It is still too early to say, but there could be some very fun football to watch this preseason in the 4th quarter with players like Tajae Sharpe, Derrick Henry, Sebastian Tretola, Tre McBride, David Cobb, and Justin Hunter all in heavy competition for some playing time in the regular season.

    Could Tajae Sharpe push the Tennessee Titans incumbents at wide receiver on to the bench? In a new offense and a true meritocracy, he will have his chance.

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