For the first time since being drafted, the Tennessee Titans’ 2022 NFL draft class took the practice field on Friday for Day 1 of rookie minicamp, and while one rookie receiver made headlines for all the wrong reasons, a different one was dubbed “the best player” on the field.
As first-round pick Treylon Burks looked gassed and struggled to stay on the field, fifth-round pick Kyle Philips gave a glimpse of why fans and media — including former NFL receiver and current analyst Steve Smith — alike are high on the UCLA product.
According to Paul Kuharsky, Philips looked just like he does on his college tape. John Glennon of Sports Illustrated also noted how good Philips’ route-running and footwork looked.
Kyle Philips looked like he looked in UCLA tape. Shifty, adjusted to several passes. #Titans.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 13, 2022
Thought Titans rookie WR Kyle Philips, the team’s fifth-round pick, had an especially good showing today in team drills. Good route-running, a couple great catches and nice footwork — as he showed here in individual drills: pic.twitter.com/z0yiwQ0xbX
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) May 13, 2022
Ben Arthur of the Tennessean echoed Kuharsky’s sentiment, while also proclaiming Philips as the best player on the field on Day 1.
Kyle Philips was the best player on first day of rookie minicamp. Made some impressive catches. Gets in and out of breaks quickly. Shifty. Everything you see on his UCLA tape. #Titans
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) May 13, 2022
Emily Proud of WKRN said Philips looked “as advertised” and noted he “had a few great sideline catches” on passes thrown by Malik Willis.
Kyle Philips was as advertised. Looked crisp in individual drills and had a few great sideline catches from Malik Willis. #Titans
— Emily Proud (@emily_proud) May 13, 2022
Here are some more clips of Philips at work:
Kyle Philips first individual drill. #Titans pic.twitter.com/nR952wCN2w
— Braden Gall (@BradenGall) May 13, 2022
Rookie WR Kyle Philips at work today pic.twitter.com/91yzaGd6SA
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) May 13, 2022
This is obviously a very small sample size and there is still a long way to go, but Philips got off to about as good a start as one could hope for. He and the rest of the Titans’ rookies will be back at work on Saturday afternoon.
