Titans kickoff return plans take another step forward with 7 new returner options at minicamp
As Tennessee Titans minicamp continues this week, one question that keeps coming up every day at the podium during media availability has to do with the new NFL kickoff rules. Everyone wants to know how the Titans (and every other team) will be attacking this brand new style of play, and which player(s) will be […]
As Tennessee Titans minicamp continues this week, one question that keeps coming up every day at the podium during media availability has to do with the new NFL kickoff rules. Everyone wants to know how the Titans (and every other team) will be attacking this brand new style of play, and which player(s) will be returning kicks this season.
Today we got our first good glimpse at the process and some of the players the Titans are looking at to potentially step up on returns this year. Here's what we learned from special teams coordinator Colt Anderson and practice.
Titans still learning as they plan for new kickoff rules
It's still early but the Titans seem to have a great plan in place already thanks to special teams coordinator Colt Anderson. When asked about the plan and how the kickoff rules will change things Anderson talked through several different things, but emphasized that "Yes, the touchback phase is still going to be a big factor…but there's going to be more returns."
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Coach Anderson said they've constantly been working through "timing, the skill set, who's going to be out there on the kickoff, and what type of returners they're going to have" and will continue to work through it all as the season approaches. He emphasized one thing that hasn't changed: "taking care of the ball", since the kickoff is the "first play of offense" for the team.
The Titans (and likely every other NFL team) are still learning together with this new process, but are making steps every day. And they aren't limiting themselves to any small number of potential players or body types who might be back there returning kicks either.
Which Titans will step up with the new style of kick returns?
There were several players who saw action returning kickoffs in practice today: Treylon Burks, Tyjae Spears, Tony Pollard, Kyle Phillips, Jha'Quan Jackson, Mason Kinsey, Jabari Small and Eric Garror. Last year Tyjae Spears handled the vast majority of kick returns, but it's clear the team is taking a long hard look at several other options. That's seven new returners in the mix, as not a single one of them handled more than one kickoff last season.
Treylon Burks might be the most surprising name to see with the kick return group given that he's a 6'2", 225-pound former first round pick. That's not exactly the expected body type or draft pedigree for most return weapons. However, multiple coaches have brought up in recent days that Burks is definitely going to be contributing on special teams this season since he isn't going to be a full-time starter at wide receiver.
When special teams coordinator Anderson was asked about Burks as a potential return weapon and special teams player he spoke glowingly of him:
"That kid is an ultimate pro. The way he's handled everything from day one…He wants to be on the field. Any way we can get him on the field we're going find a way to get him on the field. He's explosive, he can run, he's physical. He's got all the attributes to be a good football player."
It's clear that Anderson is a huge fan of Treylon Burks. He wouldn't offer any real clarity that Burks was indeed going to be their kick returner, but he's certainly in the mix. Anderson wrapped things up saying that "at the end of the day we're going to have the best 11 out there" in all phases, returns included.
The fact that Spears has so much experience already may lead some to assume he likely has a leg up to be back there on kick returns again. However, his expanded offensive role might have the team leaning elsewhere. If they do, rookie wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson returned nearly 100 kicks and punts for Tulane, proving to be efficient there. He may offer some electric playmaking ability the team has been missing on returns.
Tony Pollard, Kyle Phillips, Mason Kinsey, Jabari Small, and Eric Garror are still also in the mix for kick returns too, so it's hard to tell who has the true "lead" for the kick off returner job just yet, but one thing is for sure. Kickoff returns are going to look vastly different in 2024.
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