Why Kyle Philips is the perfect Day 3 find for the Titans
The Tennessee Titans added a second wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft by selecting UCLA’s Kyle Philips with the team’s fifth-round pick (No. 163). After a hectic couple of days filled with shocking trades and selections, General Manger Jon Robinson has addressed multiple areas of need in Day Three of the draft with Philips […]
The Tennessee Titans added a second wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft by selecting UCLA’s Kyle Philips with the team’s fifth-round pick (No. 163). After a hectic couple of days filled with shocking trades and selections, General Manger Jon Robinson has addressed multiple areas of need in Day Three of the draft with Philips filling an important hole on the roster.
As a redshirt junior, Philips played in 11 games recording 59 catches for 739 yards, and a whopping 10 touchdowns for the Bruins. He also had experience in the return game, returning nine punts for 203 yards (22.6 AVG) and an 82-yard touchdown in 2021.
After watching Philips’ tape, it makes his 4.58 40-yard dash time all the more surprising. However, it is his quick twitch ability that allows him to separate from defenders. Although, he ran a slow time at the NFL Scouting Combine, his performance in the three-cone drill (6.75) ranked eighth of all combine participants and third-best among receivers.
The Titans have cycled through many different players at the slot position, but none have really stuck. Whether it be Taywan Taylor, Kalif Raymond, Adam Humphries, or Chester Rogers, the Titans have not been able to find enough production out of that position.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. compared Philips’ game to those of Las Vegas Raiders WR Hunter Renfroe and free agent WR Cole Beasley. On the field, Philips will provide an underneath option for QB Ryan Tannehill and has the ability to make defenders miss in space.
The competition for the starting role in the regular season includes Rogers and Mason Kinsey, but Philips is likely the favorite to win the job by Week 1.
In adding Philips, the Titans finished the weekend having drafted six offensive players. After trading away A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, Robinson is giving Tannehill some new weapons in a pivotal year for the Titans’ signal caller.
Featured image via Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports
