Were only two weeks away from the screeching halt of the seemingly endless NFL offseason. With training camp just around the corner, we will begin our breakdown of each Titan position.
First up will be perhaps the Titans most competitive and intriguing positional battle: Wide receiver.
Heading into the offseason, most pundits automatically assumed that the Titans most glaring need was a de facto #1 WR. To the surprise of many, the Titans stood pat as free agency begun and players such as Bernard Berrian, Jerry Porter, and Donte Stallworth signed with other teams. The re-acquisition of Justin McCareins highlighted the Titans lone foray into the free agent WR pool.
In April, the Titans continued their trend of not picking a WR in the first round of the draft since 1998 with the selection of RB Chris Johnson. Cal WR Lavelle Hawkins was drafted in the fourth round.
Lets take a look at the 11 Titan receivers vying for playing time next season:
Crème de la crème
An unheralded free agent pickup in 2007, Justin Gage was the Titans leading receiver last year, catching 55 passes for 750 yards. Hes no Randy Moss, but the hard-working Gage will most likely serve as the Titans #1 receiver next year.
Beleaguered incumbents
Mike Heimerdingers the past buys you nothing attitude towards the WR position is a message that should be heard loud and clear by Brandon Jones and Roydell Williams.
Jones has been inconsistent and injury-prone and if he fails to step his game up, he could end up as this years Courtney Roby. Roydells lingering ankle injury has hindered his attempt to make an impression on Dinger.
It should be interesting to see what each of the fourth-year receivers have in store for 2008.
Mini-camp superstars
Justin McCareins, Biren Ealy and Lavelle Hawkins have all made good impressions during Titan OTAs.
With Roydell still recovering from his ankle injury, Justin has stepped up and assumed one of the starting WR spots during mini-camps. Playing with an ease that eluded his grasp during his first tenure as a Titan, Justin is looking to revitalize a once-promising career in 2008.
Last years training camp surprise, Biren Ealy, has also turned heads during offseason workouts. The hardworking undrafted free agent from 2007 has earned the opportunity to compete for playing time in 2008.
Outside of Chris Johnson, Lavelle Hawkins has been the most talked about rookie during OTAs. His good hands and route-running abilities have caught the eyes of Dinger and Jeff Fisher, and plays such as his scintillating touchdown on Michael Griffin have allowed him to earn the respect of his veteran peers.
The Turk awaits you?
With 11 players competing for six or seven positions, the next three players must step up as they attempt to avoid the mighty sword of The Turk.
This may be Mike Williams’ last chance to make a mark in the NFL. The former high first round draft pick has displayed an admirable work ethic this offseason, dropping a ton of pounds in his attempt to make the Titans roster.
With a ton of competition at WR, the pressure will be on Mike to stand out immediately and often during training camp.
Coming off of a goose egg performance in 2007, it is paramount for Paul Williams to show something resembling the production of an NFL receiver next year.
Unlike Paul Williams, Chris Davis was able to get on the playing field during his rookie season as a kick returner and wide receiver.
With the competition at WR and the pickups of special teams returners Chris Johnson and Chris Carr, Chris Davis has his work cut out for him as he challenges for playing time in 2008.
Training Camp fodder, or the next Biren Ealy?
The goal of Jason Rivers and Edward Williams will be to show enough to merit consideration for spots on the Titans practice squad. Rivers was extremely productive in a pass-happy Hawaii offense and Williams played next to current NFL WR Jacoby Jones at Lane College.
Question for the audience: who will emerge as standout performers at WR next year?
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