The first installment of this year’s series of pre-training camp positional analyses focused upon the running back position, where predictably, the conversation centered upon the availability of Chris Johnson as he and the Titans attempt to reach a compromise regarding his contract.
Today, we’ll take a look at how the Tennessee Titans stack up at wide receiver.
With a solid mix of veterans and talented youngsters vying for playing time and roster spots, WR should be the home to some of training camp’s most competitive battles.
The Top 3
On paper, Kenny Britt should be the team’s #1 WR in 2010. Coming off a productive rookie campaign and blessed with a nice combination of speed and physicality, Britt has all the tools to serve as the Titans’ numero uno downfield threat for years to come.
Unfortunately, Britt’s been setback a bit due to his offseason laziness. Can Kenny get in quality shape before the season starts and continue his development into the team’s best WR since Derrick Mason?
Stay tuned, folks.
Nate Washington has the speed and the moves to be a quality WR. Unfortunately, his severe case of the dropsies continues to prevent him from realizing his full potential.
Veteran Justin Gage is still a capable wideout, but his production has been on a steady decline since emerging on the scene as a scrap-heap free agent with 55 catches for 750 yards in 2007.
If Gage continues to stumble, their are a few hungry youngsters on the roster waiting in the wings to take his place.
The young challengers
Entering his third-season, the year in a professional WR’s career when the proverbial light bulb goes on, Lavelle Hawkins is poised to emerge as a factor in the Titans’ passing game in 2010.
Applauded by his coaching staff and peers due to his strong offseason, many are expecting “The Hawk” to soar to new heights this year. If he fails to fulfill expectations, Hawkins will continue his Brandon Jones-like path by cementing his status as the Titans’ latest enigma at the WR position.
Rookie Damian Williams’ primary role this year should be serving as the team’s return specialist. However, due to his talent and his production as a collegian at USC, don’t count out his chances of catching a few balls from Vince Young in 2010.
Dominique Edison overcame his lowly, 6th round draft status to emerge as a surprising member of the Titans’ 53-man opening roster as a rookie. Unfortunately, a strong preseason didn’t translate into playing time during the regular season, as he failed to notch a single reception in 2009.
With a ton of competition at the position, Edison will need yet another strong August if he intends on becoming a factor in the Titans’ vertical attack this season.
The rest of the bunch
Seventh-rounder Marc Mariani has turned some heads during the offseason due to his Wes Welker-like abilities. He’s a long-shot to make the roster but he’ll definitely be a guy I’m keeping my eyes on next month.
Despite his continued efforts to prolong his undistinguished NFL playing career in the city of Nashville, Paul Williams’ chances of making the squad are once again slim and none.
As for the rest, Mico McSwain, Phillip Morris and Bobby Sewall should all be considered camp fodder.
Final thoughts
My predictions:
Britt and Washington should emerge as the team’s top two threats.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the veteran Gage get pushed by the likes of Hawkins or Damian Williams.
Dominique Edison’s going to need another strong preseason if he expects to continue to be on the roster.
Ultimate sleeper alert: Marc Mariani
Any thoughts/opinions regarding how the Titans stack up at WR? Feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
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