NASHVILLE — Wide receiver Treylon Burks is as important as any player on the Tennessee Titans roster in 2023. In the realm of professional football, a dynamic and versatile wide receiver can transform an offense from good to great. 

At this point, Tennessee would be grateful to get anything above average.

Burks has been one of the most talked about players throughout the course of this Titans offseason. The former first-round pick has the athletic potential and skillset that make him indispensable to the team's success. Early returns heading into Year 2 have been positive. 

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"Treylon's grown a lot," quarterback Ryan Tannehill said last week. "I'm really excited by what I've seen from him. He's flying around, he's moving fast, he's moving efficiently, he's coming out and working, he's in shape. All great things, obviously. 

"He's been able to catch the ball and get open his whole time here, but all the little things that go along with playing the position. Being able to see the field, understand the full concept as opposed to just a route. How he fits in the whole picture."

One of Burks' best attributes coming out of Arkansas was his explosive playmaking ability. 

Standing at 6'3" and possessing a combination of speed, agility, and strength, Burks projects as nightmare for opposing defenders. Turf toe early and a concussion late limited his rookie output to 444 yards on 33 catches with one receiving touchdown. Tennessee fans are likely tired of hearing about players who traffic solely in potential, but Burks showed that he can make those kinds of explosive plays when available.

The Titans need him to do more than just that this season, however. 

While Burks' speed isn't considered "game-breaking," Tennessee simply needs someone to help them stretch the field vertically. If not just to give new offensive coordinator a legitimate deep threat, then at lear to open up opportunities for his teammates. Anything the second-year pass catcher can do to help create a more dynamic and high-powered offense for the Titans.

Burks' versatility is another aspect that sets him apart. 

His ability to line up in various positions on the field in college, kept opposing defenses guessing and forced them to adjust their game plans. How Kelly incorporates that for his unit this season will be as important as any development that they might make as a team. 

Whether it's running jet sweeps, screens, or winning contested catches, Burks needs to show that he can be more than just an exciting idea. Even in a limited capacity, the man unfairly labeled as A.J. Brown's replacement showed he can elevate the entire offense. 

Burks will be an invaluable asset for the Titans' 2023 success.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.