How the Tennessee Titans' first depth chart wasn't what we expected
The Tennessee Titans released their first (unofficial) depth chart on Monday. And it looked a bit different than we (or at least I) expected. There was nothing too crazy — Ryan Tannehill is still the starting quarterback (rookie Malik Willis is listed as a third-stringer). And Derrick Henry is still RB1. What's surprising is that […]
The Tennessee Titans released their first (unofficial) depth chart on Monday.
And it looked a bit different than we (or at least I) expected.
There was nothing too crazy — Ryan Tannehill is still the starting quarterback (rookie Malik Willis is listed as a third-stringer). And Derrick Henry is still RB1.
What's surprising is that rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks — the expected replacement for AJ Brown — wasn't listed with the first team.
Instead, third-year wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was listed as one of the Titans' No. 1 wide receivers (along with Robert Woods).
Burks has looked the part of a first-round draft pick during training camp. He hasn't been perfect — there have been some drops, but the same can be said of Cincinnati Bengals superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase last summer during his first training camp. (I'd say things worked out OK for him last season).
For the most part, though, Burks looks like a guy who is poised to play a major role in the Titans' offense for years to come.
So why isn't Burks listed as a starter?
Well, there's a reason it says "unofficial" at the top of the depth chart that was released on Monday.
This isn't what the depth chart will look like in September. Putting Burks behind Westbrook-Ikhine serves two purposes.
- It's a recognition of Westbrook-Ikhine's three seasons and experience with the Titans.
- It's a reminder to Burks that even though he's a first-round pick, he's still a rookie that has a long way to go in his NFL career. And it's going to be a battle to become an elite wide receiver in the NFL.
The Titans have high hopes for Burks. They truly believe he can be a No. 1 wide receiver in this offense. But they aren't going to just crown him — he's going to have to work for it.
Having Burks listed with the second team was a surprise, but it makes sense.
There's also zero chance he'll be listed with the second team when the Titans open the season. If he is, then the Titans have much bigger problems.
Featured image via George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
