Titans: Dark Horse Candidates for a Breakout 2018

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We’re narrowing in on training camp. It’s just over a couple of weeks away, with rookies reporting on July 22nd. Hard to believe that we’re almost back to football season, but here we are. I’m running out of time to make lists like this, so I have to get it all out of my system now before there’s real football analysis to make.

Ah, who am I kidding? This is the SoBros Network. There’s no real analysis here. Only stuff about Mike Vrabel’s handsomeness, his ability to win in a fight, and Titans Facebook trying to figure out whether or not Corey Davis is in a gang.

Anywho, as you were….

Dark Horse Candidates for a Breakout 2018

When we’ve talked about breakouts this offseason, it’s largely been about Derrick Henry, Davis, and Adoree Jackson. Rightfully so, each of those dudes is poised to have a year bigger and better than the one before. But, as we’ve seen in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. Maybe they all step up…maybe they don’t. Maybe someone unforeseen sneaks up and steals the show. That’s who I’m trying to identify today.

Taywan Taylor

When it comes to the receiving corps, all of the focus has been on Davis this offseason. And, don’t get me wrong – I think that’s warranted. This guy looks like a bona fide stud, and if he starts to reach his potential in 2018, he could become the #1 receiver that the Titans have never had.

But, I’m looking for dark horses here, people. The NFL is going to see Davis coming from a mile away. Taylor, on the other hand, fits the bill. He’s shifty, productive, and can line up all over the field.

He wasn’t drafted to be the number one guy, but he sure does have game-breaking potential. We’ve heard the coaching staff, specifically new OC Matt LaFleur, raving about Taylor and the variety of ways in which the Titans can use him.

I’m intrigued to see how this kid can produce without Terry Robiskie calling a million jet sweeps each game to him.

Jayon Brown

The Titans beefed up the linebacking corps with the selection of Rashaan Evans in the first round of the NFL Draft. They also added teeth to the pass rush with the drafting of Harold Landry in the second. But, lost in the shuffle is just how much Brown improved over the course of his rookie season.

This guy proved to be a sure tackler who could actually cover people in the NFL. Plus, there’s no spot reserved for Avery Williamson anymore. If Evans isn’t ready and Wesley Woodyard ages in the blink of an eye, there could be an opportunity for Brown to take the next step as a full-time starter and excel at it.

Jonnu Smith

I’m not going to take the typical “Delanie Walker is old so naturally let’s look at his potential heir” route. That’s tired, and honestly, I don’t think #82 is a human. He’s a robot that’s only going to slow down when his software starts malfunctioning.

Instead, I’m going to go with the fact that Smith is just a naturally gifted athlete who possesses potential match-up issues for opposing defenses. Those guys tend to find their way to the field when they work with coaches who understand how to maximize talent and use the roster they have to their fullest benefit.

That’s why I think Smith could end up putting together a nice little season in 2018.

What do you think, Titans fans? Who did I miss? Hit up the comments.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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