NFL: Biggest Offseason Question For Each AFC South Team
Tennessee Titans: Can rookie receivers Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor upgrade the offense?
Despite having an improving quarterback in Marcus Mariota and a top ten tight end in two-time Pro Bowler Delanie Walker, the Titans were a pedestrian 25th in passing yards per game in 2016. To complement their physical run game the team needed a few standout targets in the receiving corps and looked towards the draft to provide the solution.
More from NFL Hot Takes
- 4 promising first-round receivers to watch in NFL preseason Week 3
- Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
- Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
- Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson might be the RB1 in Fantasy Football
- The rise of C.J. Stroud; No. 2 overall pick ready to lead Texans?
What the team came away with was a prolific receiver out of Western Michigan (Davis) who totaled 331 catches and 52 receiving touchdowns in four collegiate seasons.
A mid-round selection was made on Taylor as he adds dynamic ability from the slot position while also being equipped with an impressive resume at the collegiate level (253 catches, 4,234 yards, 41 touchdowns in four seasons).
Wide receiver Rishard Matthews was tied with Walker for the team lead in receptions with 65 and Matthews also led the team in receiving touchdowns with nine. The team also signed veteran Eric Decker to round out the receiving corps and provide numerous options for the development of Mariota.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Offense dominates early
But a lot of that production boils down to the maturation of Davis and Taylor. Two pass catchers who have molded favorable reputations for being reliable when it comes to the passing game. Davis has the size, speed, and measurables to be exactly what the team expected as their 1st round selection (fifth overall) this year.
The run game for the Titans is going to be trouble enough for defenses this year but the implementation of both Davis and Taylor can give the Titans a playoff-type offense.