Tennessee Titans WR Kyle Philips: 4 things to know
The Tennessee Titans made their second wide receiver selection in the 2022 NFL draft when they picked UCLA wide receiver Kyle Philips in the fifth round (No. 163 overall).
Along with Philips, the Titans also drafted wideout Treylon Burks in the first round, which kicked off the team’s revamping of its receiving corps in the wake of trading star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here are four things to know about Philips, whose girlfriend is a huge fan of the city of Nashville.
A slot receiver
AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File
In the passing game, Philips doesn’t offer much versatility, as he’s expected to work strictly from the slot. However, he’s a very effective slot receiver who could contribute right away.
Philips is an already polished route-runner who is quick and explosive out of his breaks — and that same quickness makes him tough after the catch. Also, he possesses great hands, which should make him a reliable chain-mover. He definitely gives off some Adam Humphries vibes.
Punt return experience
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Another area where Philips could contribute is in the return game, as he totaled 26 punt returns to the tune of 19.3 yards per and two scores throughout college. In 2019, he had a career-high 22.5 yards per.
“I would say vision and stressing the punt return,” Philips replied when asked what separates a good returner from a great one. “Have the vision to see the lanes and trust in your guys that they are going to get the job done.”
His girlfriend wanted him to get drafted by the Titans
Even before getting drafted by the Titans, Philips’ girlfriend was hoping he would end up in Nashville, as she’s a big fan of the city and country music. Philips has not been to Nashville himself, though.
“I have not, but it’s my girlfriend’s favorite place,” Philips revealed. “Before this whole process was getting (going), she was telling me, ‘Please get drafted by the Titans.’ And I was like, ‘Look, I have no control in this whole thing.’ So, it’s just kind of funny how this whole thing has played out.”
“She’s big into country music,” he added. “One of her friends lives there, so she’s gone out there and visited her a little bit and just kind of fell in love with it. I’m excited to get out there and experience it and just fall in love with the city myself.”
How he fits in 2022 and beyond
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The hope is that Philips can make an impact right away, but as we know there can often be a major learning curve for rookie receivers. That said, thanks to the versatility the Titans have at the position (multiple guys can play inside and out), there isn’t necessarily a logjam in the slot for Philips to overcome.
Perhaps the best chance for Philips to make an immediate impact will come at the returner spot, where, as we said, he has experience from his days at college. The UCLA product could be the shot in the arm Tennessee so desperately needs in that area.
1
1
