It's been a rather wild offseason for the Tennessee Titans. After the AJ Brown trade, many have now pegged the Indianapolis Colts as the favorite to win the AFC South (how many offseasons is that in a row?). However, Tennessee still has a stacked roster and will be competitive next year. For this offense to get rolling though, they're going to need someone to step up and become a consistent option with the ball. For that reason, we take a look at one surprising X-Factor to emerge for the Titans in the 2022 NFL season.
The defense is going to be fine, as the front office has done a great job in building a stout unit to slow down any opponent. That leaves most of the concerns on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line could be an issue while question marks surrounded the receiver room as well. However, that leaves an opportunity for an unsuspecting player to emerge as an X-Factor for the Titans.
Tennessee may opt to sign a free agent offensive lineman, but the coaching staff seems comfortable with that group. Meanwhile, the Titans will rely on Robert Woods and Treylon Burks to carry the workload in the passing game. However, one wide receiver has a legitimate shot at becoming a vital weapon for this offense, as he will have a chance to prove himself in training camp.
With that said, here is one Titans X-Factor who will emerge in Tennessee for the 2022 NFL season.
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Titans X-Factor To Emerge In 2022 NFL Season
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
All eyes are on Woods and Burks to be the main options in the passing game while Austin Hooper serves as a solid target as a tight end. However, the question remains, who will be the Titans' slot receiver? Kyle Philips has generated a ton of hype since the NFL Draft, but considering he's a rookie, we might not see Philips hit his stride until he develops his game. However, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is in a prime position to become a prime receiver for Ryan Tannehill.
He began his career on the Titans practice squad and has slowly worked his way up the depth chart. Westbrook-Ikhine flashed potential periodically, but not enough to generate much hype. The key component to his success is his consistent improvements throughout his career so far. For that reason, the third-year wide receiver has a legitimate chance to be Tennessee's main option out of the slot.
With everyone paying attention to Derrick Henry, Robert Woods, and Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine should find himself open often. He can be a great target on third-down conversions, as he has the potential of being a consistent possession receiver. If that's the case, we should see the Titans throw his way often, as he can get open on underneath routes and help Tennessee move the chains.
If Westbrook-Ikhine emerges as an X-Factor, then the offense should be much better than anticipated. Health prevented the Titans from reaching their full potential last season and they still managed to clinch first place in the AFC. With Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's emergence, Tennessee might just become the biggest sleeper pick for the Super Bowl in the NFL. Keep an eye on the third-year wide receiver, as he aims to prove himself in training camp and earn a starting role.
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