How Titans rookie Kyle Philips has already grown in the NFL
The Tennessee Titans may have struck gold when they drafted UCLA WR Kyle Philips in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Last season at UCLA, Philips scored 10 touchdowns in 11 games and was the Bruins’ featured punt returner. His breakout season earned him First Team All-PAC 12 honors. Philips, who stands at […]
The Tennessee Titans may have struck gold when they drafted UCLA WR Kyle Philips in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Last season at UCLA, Philips scored 10 touchdowns in 11 games and was the Bruins’ featured punt returner. His breakout season earned him First Team All-PAC 12 honors.
Philips, who stands at 5’11” and ran just a 4.58 at the combine 40, fell to the Titans in the fifth round, but is already showcasing why teams are going to regret not taking him.
Philips was very impressive during rookie minicamp, showing off his speed and agility in drills, and some nifty hands during live reps:
Philips continued to stand out during OTA’s on Tuesday. Even with the vets in camp taking reps, Philips looked to be one of the most polished receivers in the group. Once again, he displayed quick and clean footwork, explosive cuts, and strong hands, getting effective down field in live reps against the Titans starting defense.
Oh, and he stayed on the field to get extra reps and passes from Logan Woodside after everyone left the field.
After Tuesday’s practice, Philips talked to me about what he’s getting out of combining with the veterans in practice and what he feels like he needs to work on. It became clear that in just two days with the veterans around, Philips can already tell the impact they have had on him.
“They’ve helped me more in these last few days that I can even explain. Just in terms of routes and reading the defense. I feel like my game has grown a lot just from watching them and listening to them.”
– KYLE PHILIPS ON TITANS VETERAN RECEIVERS
Where Philips sits among the Titans wide receivers will become more clear as practices progress, but count me in as a believer. He is a hard-working, physical football player that is not afraid to make a play and has already demonstrated the skills to fit in with an NFL roster.
I think Philips is a likely candidate to become the WR3 on the Titans depth chart before the dust is settled in September. He fills the possession receiver hole left by Chester Rogers, and maybe more importantly, looks like he can excel as both a RAC threat from the slot and a run blocker in the Titans offense.
If Philips continues to develop from the impressive receiver he already is, he could have a more significant impact on the 2022 Titans than the team may have expected when they first drafted him, and make him “the one that got away” for 31 others.
Image via Stan Szeto – USA Today Sports
