Titans can finally dump draft disappointment if Mike Borgonzi's WR project takes off

2025 NFL Scouting Combine
2025 NFL Scouting Combine | Stacy Revere/GettyImages

The Tennessee Titans will enter training camp with a lot of competition across the wide receiver positions. New general manager Mike Borgonzi completely rehauled the pass-catching room this offseason. Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike were selected during the 2025 NFL Draft. Xavier Restrepo was signed as an undrafted free agent, and his chemistry with No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward dating back to Miami could help him make the roster.

Elsewhere, veterans Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett were signed in free agency. There's a lot of questions and competition behind no. 1 receiver Calvin Ridley. Borgonzi is certainly hoping to see his wide receiver project take off this season.

The Titans' wide receiver room will be dictated by how ready the rookies are ready to immediately contribute. One former NFL draft bust has especially been placed on notice. The more competitive the Titans' first-year wideouts look at training camp, the easier it'll be to finally cut ties with Treylon Burks.

Titans could finally dump NFL Draft bust Treylon Burks

The Titans confirmed the obvious this offseason after declining Burks' fifth-year option. The former Arkansas standout is slated to enter a contract year. Burks is still recovering from a 2024 ACL injury. When (if) healthy, he'll be tasked with legitimately competing for his roster spot. He'll be guaranteed nothing.

Knowing that receivers are divided by roles, Burks is competing for the "X" receiver spot that was occupied by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and DeAndre Hopkins last season. With both of those pass catchers now playing elsewhere, the Titans have three realistic in-house options to replace them outside. Burks, Ayomanor, and Jefferson.

It's easy to view Burks as the odd man out in that equation. Ayomanor and Jefferson were acquired this offseason by the current GM, whereas Burks was inherited from two regimes ago. The 2022 first-round selection faces an uphill battle.

While sidelined by a knee injury, Burks watched Ayomanor and Jefferson endear themselves to Ward at OTAs and minicamp. Ayomanor has especially earned rave reviews from local reporters who attended Spring practices. Jefferson is a reliable veteran in a receiver room that's thin on his types.

The better Ayomanor and the other Titans rookie receivers look at training camp, the easier it becomes to cut ties with Burks.