Why Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's role in the Titans' offense should expand in '22
For years, Tennessee Titans fans have maintained an unhealthy obsession over long shot wide receivers. Names like Chris Davis, Michael Preston, Deontay Burnett, Kalif Raymond, and Mason Kinsey immediately come to mind. Titans fans love a good training camp underdog, but the team appears to have finally found its diamond in the rough in Nick […]
For years, Tennessee Titans fans have maintained an unhealthy obsession over long shot wide receivers. Names like Chris Davis, Michael Preston, Deontay Burnett, Kalif Raymond, and Mason Kinsey immediately come to mind. Titans fans love a good training camp underdog, but the team appears to have finally found its diamond in the rough in Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Westbrook-Ikhine earned a spot on the Titans’ practice squad at the end of training camp. It wasn’t long before the former Indiana standout was elevated to the active roster. In fact, NWI was active for Week 1 of the regular season and finished the year playing in 14 games.
As a rookie, Westbrook-Ikhine spent most of the 2020 season cutting his teeth in special teams. Not only was he a special teams ace, but it was in his second season with the team when he was asked to be one of the offense’s primary contributors.
In 2021, Westbrook-Ikhine finished second on the team in receptions (38), receiving yards (476), and receiving touchdowns (4), trailing just A.J. Brown in all three categories. He also led the position group with 16 games played.
Injuries and illnesses to Titans receivers certainly factored into his increased usage, but the coaching staff acknowledged his surprising productivity when called upon. So much so that the team agreed to terms with NWI on a one-year deal earlier this offseason.
The Titans wide receiver room has gone through a total overhaul this summer. The team shipped Brown up to Philadelphia and released Julio Jones. In an effort to replace the duo, the Titans signed former Los Angeles Rams WR Robert Woods and selected receivers Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips in the 2022 NFL Draft.
So, where does NWI fit in to the team’s plans for this upcoming season?
Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing addressed the media on Wednesday for the first time since the team fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Round.
“We’ve been comfortable putting a lot on his plate for a long time. He’s a reliable and dependable player for us. I think his versatility shows,” said Downing of the third-year wideout.
Continuity is critical for offenses in the NFL. Westbrook-Ikhine is the only receiver currently on the roster who has spent significant time on the field with QB Ryan Tannehill. It will take time for Tannehill to build a rapport with Woods and Burks; Titans fans saw it last year with Julio Jones.
Westbrook-Ikhine’s familiarity with Tannehill should serve as an advantage, especially early on in the season. If he can top last year’s production, it might be time for GM Jon Robinson to think about a contract longer than just one year.
Featured image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
