Titans WR Kyle Philips 'more explosive' in 2023
After beginning his NFL career with six catches, 66 receiving yards, and a 46-yard punt return in his first regular season game, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips is looking to do more than just pick up where he left off this fall. Injuries were an issue for Philips as rookie. The former UCLA Bruins […]
After beginning his NFL career with six catches, 66 receiving yards, and a 46-yard punt return in his first regular season game, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips is looking to do more than just pick up where he left off this fall.
Injuries were an issue for Philips as rookie. The former UCLA Bruins receiver had both a shoulder and hamstring injury that kept him out of 13 regular season contests in 2022. After his big debut performance, Philips had just two catches and 12 receiving yards over the next 16 weeks.
Looking to be more available and durable in 2023, Philips went into the offseason on a mission to gain weight. Philips started his rookie season weighing in the low 180s and was looking to be between 190 and 195 pounds in 2023.
Currently listed between 189-191 pounds, Philips confirmed last week that he did put on all the "good weight" he was hoping to and met his objectives.
"Putting weight on for one but making sure it was good weight," said Philips of his offseason objective. "I don't want to come in here a little chubby and have a good weight but not be able to move the same. I was really making sure the weight I put on is good."
Philips said that discipline in his diet and workout were essential to his progress. He specifically struggled with eating after he was already full. But with the weight now added, Philips is already seeing the fruits of his labor in Titans training camp practices.
"I feel a little more explosive," said Philips. "When I'm going against DBs, they get hands on, I'm able to fight back a little bit more. My play strength has gone up a lot."
Titans' wide receivers coach Rob Moore would likely agree with Philips' self-assessment. Moore told me last week that he was pleased with Philips' progress this offseason. After seeing him at the start of camp, Moore did not have any concerns about Philips maintaining his quickness and agility at the new weight.
"Anytime he gets in one-on-one situations he has the ability to separate with his quickness. He’s got really good route imagination to be able to create separation. He has caught the ball really well. I’m really pleased with where he is," Moore said of his 24-year-old slot receiver.
"A lot of times when you're a young player, it’s really about being available so you can continue to develop. The fact that he’s out here and able to do that, you can see the progress he has made."
If 2023 is a year of Kyle Philips playing like he did to open last season, he'll be the perfect compliment to DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks in Tennessee's receiving room. Philips was one of Ryan Tannehill's favorite targets before he went down. His upside this season cannot be understated.
Mike Vrabel names a new Titans head coach for preseason game in Chicago
Titans coach gets well deserved opportunity.
