The biggest early surprise in Tennessee Titans training camp

The marquee attractions at Tennessee Titans training camp have been quarterback Will Levis and head coach Brian Callahan, as the performance of those two will have the most direct correlation to success in the 2024 season. Looking elsewhere on the roster, several Day 3 picks have excelled as they fight for their football life.

The wide receiver position, once thought to be set in stone after the additions of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd alongside DeAndre Hopkins gave them a fearsome starting trio, is now in focus once again. An injury to Hopkins that could sideline him for Week 1 may have opened up a spot on the roster.

Former fifth-round pick Kyle Phillips was not regarded by many as someone who could play a major role in this offense at the beginning of camp. Just a few days into training camp, the former UCLA product is making a very compelling case for more playing time.

Phillips has not only been breaking ankles to get social media buzzing, but he seems like a perfect fit for Callahan's offense due to his quality route running. While the new additions may have made it seem like Phillips was on his last legs, he may have had some new life breathed into him.

Kyle Phillips impressing at Tennessee Titans training camp

Phillips came to the Titans as a largely unheralded fifth-round pick, and he's managed to gut his way to a roster spot in the last two years. Phillips caught 23 passes for 259 yards and no touchdowns during his first two years in the league.

While he has a very small frame and will likely be limited exclusively to the slot, Phillips is a crafty route-runner with a surprisingly wide catch radius that makes him a safe target for his quarterback. Given Levis' struggles with accuracy, a player like Phillips underneath could be productive if given a large enough role.

While Boyd will be ahead of Phillips in the slot on the depth chart, a 30-year-old player fresh off the worst yards per game average in over half a decade is far from Jerry Rice. A strong camp from Phillips might be enough to eventually pass first round disappointment Treylon Burks and step in for Boyd if a replacement is needed.

The Titans are going to live and die with their passing game, hence their investment in the wide receiver room. Phillips impressing is a good sign for the depth this team has, and it could be a precursor to a solid regular season.