With Marcus Mariota looking every bit the part of a franchise quarterback so far in his short NFL career, the race is on to become his favorite offensive weapon. The Titans loaded up on wide receivers in the offseason, bringing on three players all capable of a starting job. Mariota has insisted he is not focused on the battle at the receiver position, but is instead trying to simply improve the offense. However, with Week 1 just over a week away, it is Kendall Wright leading the race.
According to the Tennessee Titan's team website, Wright is the new favorite target for Mariota as the fourth-year receiver continues to improve in the preseason. Wright has been teetering on the edge with Tennessee thanks to inconsistencies at the quarterback position. However, this year he is emerging as the leader of the group and distinguishing himself as the No.1 target. Fantasy owners would be wise to eye Wright as a late -round selection. He could easily bounce back to being a 1,000-yard receiver he was too years ago.
Another fantasy steal on the Titans' roster appears to be Dorial Green-Beckham who has stated his case to be a starter for the team. The rookie is coming off a roller coaster college career, but is hitting his stride in the NFL with Tennessee. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is thrilled the risky draft pick is turning out in the team's favor.
"When you think about 20 months away from football you know there are going to be some growing pains, especially when you are coming to the NFL level from the type of offense he was running, but he likes to work,'' Whisenhunt said, via the team website. "He's working hard at it, I don't have any problems with him. I think certainly, you like having young players like that are into it, and that want to do well."
The roster race is between Hakeem Nicks and Justin Hunter. They are both considered bubble players heading into the final round of cuts. Teams like Green Bay or Carolina would love to get their hands on either player while the Titans try to figure out if they have a future. According to Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com, Hunter needs to show more consistency while Nicks needs more playing time. The Titans could opt to keep both players into the 2015 season, but it seems unlikely with Harry Douglas also looking good on the field.
The rest of the roster is set for Tennessee. Bishop Sankey will get the starting nod at running back over David Cobb as they work in tandem on the ground. Leading receiver Delanie Walker is back and picking up where he left off from last season which should be welcomed news for Mariota.
