Minicamp and OTAs may not provide the same level of insight as training camp does, but summer practices are certainly a useful tool for tracking the development of various players.

What we see in OTAs and minicamp practice can give us an idea of who is hot and who is not. We see which players might be well on their way to a breakout season and we get to know some underdogs that are making noise with hopes of landing a spot on a 53-man roster.

Here's a look at three Tennessee Titans players I believe to be on the rise following Titans OTAs and minicamp. Note: Because it can be difficult to accurately assess offensive/defensive line play (both good and bad) this time of year, linemen and edge rushers were not considered for this list.

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1. Treylon Burks, WR

This one should surprise nobody. Treylon Burks has been hyped up as a future superstar all offseason, and seeing as the Titans have done very little to improve their wide receiver room, it’s clear they have faith in the 2022 first-rounder to take a step forward.

Burks is running fast, having fun, and is more confident than ever going into the 2023 season. After struggling with asthma during rookie minicamp and OTAs last year, Burks spent some extra time in Nashville this offseason working with the Titans' training staff on his breathing and conditioning.

There is little doubt that Burks is ready to elevate his game this season, and many within the Titans organization have said that Burks looks like an entirely different player at the moment.

"He's done a great job," said Titans wide receiver coach Rob Moore of the 23-year-old wide out. "He's been focused since the season ended to this point. He's in great shape. Mentally, he's ahead of the game. Honestly, he's been a different player. So I'm extremely happy with where he's at."

As we await a decision from free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Burks is currently the number one option in Tennessee. He has earned the full trust of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and was Tannehill's favorite target in mandatory minicamp. Burks' targets should be there in 2023 and his production should follow.

2. Alonzo “LJ” Davis, CB

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar Titans player that could make the 53-man roster and have an impact in 2023, allow me to introduce you to Alonzo “LJ” Davis.

Davis, hailing from Northern Arizona University, signed with Tennessee as an undrafted free agent after attending rookie minicamp in May. In the weeks since, Davis has been making a name for himself by making plays on the practice field.

On the final day of OTAs, Davis was all around the football and causing havoc. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound defensive back had multiple pass breakups, regular tight coverage, and an interception on Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis.

The biggest challenge for Davis this fall will be separating himself from Tennessee's depth at corner, but we've seen UDFA cornerbacks make the Titans' roster in the past. Tre Avery surprised everyone when he did it out of Rutgers just last season. 

Remember the name Alonzo Davis, you might be hearing a lot of it this fall.

3. Tyjae Spears, RB

When the Titans selected Tulane running back Tyjae Spears with the 86th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was hard to see how he’d fit in a backfield that has the vast majority of carries already committed to Derrick Henry.

To many, myself included, moving on a running back in the third round made little sense given Tennessee's major need at wide receiver. Spears had limited opportunities as a pass catcher (just 48 catches) over four college seasons and reports about his pre-draft medicals could be a long-term concern.

Watching Spears at Tulane, it was easy to see what the Titans loved about him as an explosive runner at the next level. After watching Spears on the practice field during OTAs and minicamp, it's now easy to see how large of a role he will have in Tennessee's offense as a rookie.

Despite the limited college production in the passing game, Spears has already made some major improvements to his route-running and hands. He was heavily involved in the Titans' first-team offense during live periods at practice and we should expect to see Spears on the field at the same time Henry quite often this fall.

Spears is dangerous with the ball in space, and the more I watch him, the more I think he'll make some major waves in 2023.

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