3 under-the-radar players to keep an eye on Titans training camp
• Analysts should be discussing Peter Skoronski more often
• A sophomore wide receiver is ready to make a leap
No. 1 Titans player to monitor in training camp: Treylon Burks, WR
Nobody will confuse the Titans with a wide receiver factory any time soon and for proof, look at their inability to find playmakers at the position over the last few years. You could make the case that A.J. Brown was starting to stand out but instead of making sure he was part of the team's long-term plans, former general manager Jon Robinson believed they were better off trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles for a first-round pick last year.
To replace Brown, Tennessee drafted Treylon Burks last year. Unfortunately, Burks' tenure with the Titans wasn't off to a good start. Besides dealing with a toe injury, he showed up to offseason workouts out of shape.
Even though Burks managed to get in shape and healthy for training camp, the Titans didn't do their part and failed to put him in a position to succeed. For starters, the Titans expected him to be their No. 1 receiver and didn't have any other viable options in the passing game. Without anyone to draw coverage away from Burks, opposing teams had no trouble zeroing in on him. To add insult to injury, the former Razorback sustained a concussion when he scored his first touchdown in the NFL.
Burks ended up appearing in 11 games and hauling in 33 receptions for 444 yards and a lone touchdown. But that was last season and he's ready to bounce back and make a huge leap in Year 2. Besides having one year of experience under his belt, Burks will be joined by DeAndre Hopkins, who should be able to take some pressure off his shoulders.
With Hopkins in the fold, teams won't be able to double-team Burks as often, which should lead to more favorable matchups to the latter. Also, the Titans should have a more effective running game with a healthy Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears forming a potent 1-2 punch. This will in turn force defenses to bring extra players down to the box.
While it's hard to see Burks turning into a First-Team All-Pro talent, he should have no trouble doubling his production from last year. In fact, don't be surprised if he's flirting with the 1,000-yard near the end of the season.
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