Training camp for the 2022 Tennessee Titans is well underway and there’s been plenty of positive buzz going around during the first week-plus of practices.
After dealing with multiple injury-riddled and/or ineffective rookie draft classes the past two years, it’s been nice to see practically the entire class making their presence felt in some capacity.
The rookies aren’t the only ones who have stood out early in camp, though. Tennessee also has plenty of veteran players who are preparing for the upcoming season by practicing at a high level on a daily basis.
With the Titans approaching their third week of training camp, we’re going to highlight players who have been garnering a lot of positive publicity as of late thanks to their performances on the practice field.
With all that said, let’s take a closer look at seven players who have stood out the most since since training camp began.
WR Treylon Burks
After a tumultuous offseason that saw the Titans’ first-round pick get overly criticized for conditioning issues in the spring, Treylon Burks has been one of the most consistent players throughout training camp.
Treylon Burks destroyed three months of ridiculous media coverage with one play in the first 5 plays of camp.
Beat Fulton for a spectacular diving catch deep down the field. Made another contested catch on Farley. A few other nice plays.
Easily his best day of work. #Titans
— Braden Gall (@BradenGall) July 27, 2022
By all accounts, Burks has routinely been showing up in every aspect of practice, such as individual, one-on-one’s, seven-on-sevens, and full-team periods (11-on-11).
Ryan Tannehill just found Treylon Burks across the middle on a play action pass. Good job by Burks securing it through the tuck to keep Caleb Farley from breaking it up.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 2, 2022
After months of prematurely having his work ethic questioned, Tennessee’s rookie receiver took accountability for his issue and has stacked several good days together and seems destined for a big role within the Titans’ offense.
Treylon Burks. Elite pass catcher. pic.twitter.com/Djv0HQhACF
— Brandon Baker (@BBakerHogs) August 2, 2022
It should also be noted that Burks has been taking reps at punt returner, and it’s easy to see why.
The rookie wideout has a phenomenal skill set that includes a special blend of size, speed, strength, and physicality. The Arkansas native is a tough tackle in the open field, and it would be wise for the Titans to get their young talent involved as much as possible.
Burks’ most notable issue thus far has been an occasional drop on catchable targets. Nonetheless, there’s been plenty more encouraging signs than not as we rapidly approach the season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 11.
The next step for Burks’ development is to translate the success he’s had in practice over to the preseason games.
WR Kyle Philips
As camp began, I was one of those who had been suggesting that we all pump the breaks on the Kyle Philips hype train until he starts showing up outside of one-on-one’s, where he had apparently been dominating.
According to Titans Beat Writer Paul Kuharsky, Philips had been relatively pedestrian when it came to the team drills up until this report on July 30th.
Kyle Philips has been showing up in one-on-ones but not so much in bigger stuff. Just made a nice play in seven-on-seven with a catch, stop, turn on the right side line from Logan Woodside. Turned up on Theo Jackson, a better quality DB than he’s been going against.#Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 30, 2022
Ever since this update, it seems like nearly every report surrounding Philips in the team period has been a positive one.
Even when the UCLA product has his inevitable rookie lapses, he quickly fixes the issue and doesn’t repeat the same mistake twice. Also, he has shown maturity by taking accountability for a recent miscue with Ryan Tannehill.
#Titans rookie WR Kyle Philips wasn’t on the same page as QB Ryan Tannehill on a route today. The two talked it over, and scored on the same play later on.
Great stuff from Philips here taking accountability. This guy won’t make many mistakes twice. pic.twitter.com/Bm1srrCnsK
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) August 4, 2022
I won’t go as far as saying he’s a definite lock to start in the slot right out the gate, but Philips is at the point where his potential is impossible to ignore or deny.
Of all the P5 WRs in 2021, Kyle Philips produced the 5th highest QB rating when targeted in the slot (120.5).
The only WRs with a higher rating were:
-Jordan Addison, 139.2 (Pitt)
-Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 137.2 (OSU)
-Austin Williams, 128.6 (MSU)
-John Metchie, 123.5 (Bama)#Titans pic.twitter.com/FjcwLYlTwI— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) June 20, 2022
The Titans’ 5th Round selection has become one of the most intriguing players to watch as Tennessee gets set to host their first preseason game of the year this coming Thursday.
CB Roger McCreary
The Titans’ second-round pick, Roger McCreary, has been one of the most consistent performers throughout camp.
"I feel like he's a guy who is going to come in and help us tremendously." –@Kriss1_ on #Titans rookie CB @Rogerjamez who has impressed so far in training camp
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 1, 2022
Similarly to Burks, it seems like every day you see positive reports insinuating that the Auburn product performed at a high level in every practice segment.
Roger that 😤@Rogerjamez | Fueled by @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/WDm3qVxZkS
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 1, 2022
McCreary is a versatile cornerback who is capable of playing both inside and outside. Any physical limitations he has are often neutralized by his alpha mentality and willingness to get physical with anyone across from him.
There’s still a lot of time until Week 1, but signs are trending towards the rookie cornerback having a significant role on this already stout defense.
The next step for McCreary is to convert his practice triumphs into success on the field when it truly matters. His first real test will be against the Baltimore Ravens next Thursday evening in the preseason opener.
QB Ryan Tannehill
Last year there was a concerning trend throughout training camp that most of the fanbase chose to ignore. Ryan Tannehill had been throwing interceptions on what felt like a daily basis and many attributed it to him being in a new offense and trying out new things.
That logic always concerned me because throwing picks isn’t something that you ever want to practice, let alone have it become a practice habit. Practice is about developing good habits and sharpening the details so you can play confidently and freely when it’s game time.
Fast forward to this year and you’re hearing the complete opposite. In fact, you are beginning to hear updates that mirror the ones you would often hear prior to the 2021 season, especially after Tannehill had yet to throw a pick before Thursday’s practice.
#Titans HC Mike Vrabel is complimentary and pleased with the decision making of QB Ryan Tannehill in camp thus far: pic.twitter.com/OCdRRrHGYZ
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 5, 2022
Tannehill has been locked in since he returned to the Titans facility. He’s been sharp, commanding, and efficient in everything he’s done thus far.
Needless to say, people are undoubtedly going to remain skeptical until they start to see it in real game action.
Nevertheless, it’s extremely encouraging that Tannehill seems to be back to the practice habits that helped him become a successful statistical quarterback throughout his first two years in Tennessee.
Only time will tell how his recent practice success translates to wins and losses, but as of now, anyone who is still criticizing Tannehill is clearly still latching on to the pain from the playoff game debacle.
QB Malik Willis
Training camp thus far has been an encouraging development for the Titans’ young quarterback.
Malik Willis: I'm light years ahead of where I was during rookie minicamp. https://t.co/MJyxVT79HY
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 2, 2022
There’s no denying that Malik Willis has all the talent in the world. The question has always been how long will it take for him to develop.
While it’s premature to declare anything before he’s even played in a preseason game, it’s been nice to see the Liberty product make enough strides that he’s already been taking occasional snaps with the No. 2 offense.
Training Camp Buzz: Titans rookie QB Malik Willis "getting better," earning second-team reps at camphttps://t.co/AtTViDCXN3 pic.twitter.com/vSMchkIbg7
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 4, 2022
Make no mistake about it, Willis is still a project who needs time to fine tune the fundamentals in his game. Also, saying he’s a project quarterback isn’t some offensive term like some try to make it either.
No one is saying he’s incapable of developing into a high-caliber pro quarterback. Being a project solely means that he’s severely inexperienced within a pro-style offense and the only way he’s going to gain that experience is through hard coaching, constant repetition over time, and occasional trial by error.
Willis has shown flashes of brilliance in camp, as well as flashes of what you would expect from a raw young quarterback.
#Titans rookie connection today at Camp.@malikwillis to @ChigTweets — back shoulder in the end zone.@WSMV pic.twitter.com/yACRWVhHx6
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisWSMV) July 29, 2022
A massive win for Willis’ development would be winning the primary backup quarterback job right out the gate. To do that, he will need to continue his positive progress and show that he’s capable of leading the offense throughout the preseason.
If he consistently does that, the Liberty product is probably going to start the season as the Titans’ No. 2 quarterback. That quarterback competition will play itself out in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on that battle throughout August.
WR Racey McMath
This has been one of the more pleasant surprises since camp began. Racey McMath has always possessed the physical tools to become a dynamic weapon in an NFL offense.
Off to the Races 🏁@ohrae17_ | Fueled by @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/3UWWgwS64U
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 2, 2022
McMath is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound wide receiver who ran a 4.39 at his Pro Day. The LSU product has all the potential in the world, and so much so that A.J. Brown even compared McMath’s skill sets to a young Julio Jones before last season.
That may be a bit of a reach, but there’s no denying that McMath has the tools to develop into a valuable weapon in the NFL. As of late, the Titans’ young wideout has been taking advantage of the opportunities that have been provided to him.
#Titans Kevin Byard: “I’ve been very impressed with Racey McMath. He’s been making a lot of plays down field.”
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 4, 2022
According to several reports, McMath has routinely been used as a vertical threat for the offense. And by all accounts, it seems to be working.
Racey McMath has fully emerged as the #Titans deep threat. And it’s working. Caught another deep ball TD from Tannehill
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 5, 2022
If McMath continues to show up on offense and in special teams throughout the preseason, you’d have to imagine he would probably be a safe bet to make the roster.
If so, that will likely only leave one spot to be had within the receiver room unless Tennessee decides to keep seven. McMath’s progress will be an interesting one to focus on as the cut-down day approaches.
WR Robert Woods
Robert Woods has had one of the most impressive ACL recoveries in recent memory. He tore his ACL in November and was ready to fully participate without a knee brace by the following July.
King: Robert Woods (knee) 'totally back to normal' https://t.co/5jWRoLX0Dv
— NBC Sports EDGE Football (@NBCSEdgeFB) August 3, 2022
The man known as “Bobby Trees” isn’t just a feel good story, either.
BOBBY TREES 🌲 @robertwoods @Gatorade | Back Together Saturday pic.twitter.com/REEE9s57On
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 30, 2022
By all accounts, Woods has been balling at camp and has quickly established himself as one of the leaders on this football team.
“We added Bobby Trees — that’s what I call him,” Fitzpatrick told WKRN’s Kayla Anderson. “But that’s my guy, for sure. I ask him — he’s like my big brother — I ask him all the time, have his number, we text all the time so I’m kind of just always asking him, ‘what about this? what about that?'”
#Titans WR Robert Woods (or should we call him coach Bobby Trees), is the definition of leadership and he truly takes pride in being a mentor: pic.twitter.com/P1HP7KtbDl
— Kayla Anderson (@KaylaAndersonTV) August 5, 2022
The Titans will need Woods to be at his best this year so he can help to replace the production that was lost following the Brown trade.
Don’t expect to see Woods in the preseason, but barring any setbacks, No. 2 should be on the field when the Titans kick off the season.
Robert Woods received PFF’s highest run-blocking grade (84.9) for a WR in 2021 (9 games).
Also, according to Next Gen Stats, Woods accounted for 288 ‘Run-Block Wins’ over the last five seasons, second-most among all WRs.
Now he gets to help block for Derrick Henry #Titans pic.twitter.com/iIrcxq1php
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) June 23, 2022
