The Titans have a UDFA receiver worth believing in

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine looks like he has finally earned his spot in the starting lineup and fans hope that means that he'll get an extension in the offseason. His journey took years, but he is a UDFA success story that other receivers can look up to.

One of those receivers might be Bryce Oliver, who seems to be making the most of his opportunities since the Titans called him up to the active roster a little over a month ago.

Like Westbrook-Ikhine, Oliver's ascent started on special teams where he stepped into a gunner role for Colt Anderson's struggling unit. Oliver has a tackle in four of his five games this season and Brian Callahan recently praised his punt coverage saying, "Bryce Oliver continues to really make an impact on special teams as a gunner. I thought he was fantastic in the game [when] he drew a penalty and was down for some fair catches."

The key to any coach's heart is the effort you put in on special teams. When that effort earns you a chance on offense, you have to maximize it. Luckily, Oliver is doing just that.

The Titans have only passed the ball nine times when Oliver has been on the field. In those nine plays, he has been targeted four times for four receptions, three first downs, and is averaging 18 yards per reception.

As the Titans continue to look for young players who can step up and make life easier for them in the offseason, Oliver has a chance to secure a spot on the depth chart as a contributor on offense if he keeps impressing when afforded opportunities.

Calvin Ridley is the only receiver on the roster that is guaranteed a job next season. As mentioned, Westbrook-Ikhine is enjoying a career-best campaign in a contract year and will ask for a sizable raise in pay. Tyler Boyd is also on an expiring contract and Treylon Burks can't be counted on. Oliver solidifying a spot as a role player on offense would make Ran Carthon and Chad Brinker's job much easier.

Could Oliver be the next Kalif Raymond or Westbrook-Ikhine? Only time will tell, but Oliver has certainly excelled whenever he has been given a chance to do something, and the Titans would be smart to keep putting things on his plate to see if he can check those boxes too.