Tennessee Titans 2013 Breakout Candidate: Kendall Wright


Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

 

The Tennessee Titans have attempted to get younger on the offensive side of the ball over the last few years, drafting quarterback Jake Locker eighth overall in 2011 and using early picks the last two years on wide receivers Kendall Wright (20th overall in 2012) and Justin Hunter (34th overall-2013).

Wright put together a solid rookie season for the Titans last season, leading the team with 64 receptions along with 626 yards (second on the team) and four touchdowns (tied for the team lead). But the big-play ability he flashed during his collegiate career at Baylor was missing, as he averaged a dismal 9.8 yards per catch.

Wright reportedly lost weight this offseason after playing at over 200 pounds as a rookie, and reports indicated he had an excellent showing during OTAs. Speculation during the spring suggested Wright will be a big part of new Titans’ offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ plans for 2013, and if Kenny Britt fails to reach his potential once again someone will need to step up and be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

Tennessee does have the makings of a deep group of wide receivers, with Wright, Britt and Hunter joined by veterans Nate Washington, Kevin Walter and Marc Mariani in the mix for roster spots and roles. But Wright has upside potential that Washington and Walter no longer have, without the durability concerns Britt and to a lesser extent Hunter bring to the table.

I think Wright has the best chance to emerge as a reliable option for Locker out of all the receivers the Titans have, and 2013 could easily be the year they start to form one of the top quarterback-wide receiver tandems in the league for many years to come.

Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.


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