7. Upgraded WR group
Since Marcus Mariota‘s first NFL season in 2015, this is how each receiving group has lined up the Tennessee Titans:
2015: Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, Dorial Green-Beckham, Harry Douglas
2016: Kendall Wright, Tajae Sharpe, Rishard Matthews, Andre Johnson, Harry Douglas
2017: Taywan Taylor, Rishard Matthews, Eric Decker, Corey Davis
2018: Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, Corey Davis, Cameron Batson
Now, good things can be said about some of the players mentioned above. Andre Johnson pulled in a pass to help beat the Lions, Harry Douglas was a solid veteran guy in the locker room, and even though he didn’t leave on the best of terms, Rishard Matthews could be depended on more often than not.
What really stands out about these groups, they’re hardly consistent, and that’s tough on a young QB when you have different guys coming in and out, year after year with no chemistry being built.
With Adam Humphries being signed in the offseason to a 4-year deal worth $36 million overall away from Tampa Bay, this gives Mariota his most reliable slot-guy since he’s been in the league.
From the 48 receivers who were targeted at least 150 times within the last two seasons, Humphries ranks second on that list with a 72.9 catch rate. Having Humphries on this team should open things up for a returning Delanie Walker and Corey Davis.
After signing Humphries, the Tennessee Titans opted to select Ole Miss WR A.J. Brown in the second round of the Draft.
With great vertical speed, great hands, and a solid frame, his addition should also give more looks to the other guys on the roster. With the addition of him and Humphries, the receiving group should look something like this: Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, Adam Humphries, A.J. Brown, and Corey Davis.
Arguably the best group Mariota has had since being a professional quarterback.