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Tennessee Titans: 5 Players set for breakout seasons in 2017

By Scott Gallimore

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) looks on as the San Diego Chargers celebrate a running back Melvin Gordon (28) touchdown during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 43-35. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) looks on as the San Diego Chargers celebrate a running back Melvin Gordon (28) touchdown during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 43-35. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tennessee Titans moved in the draft and free agency this offseason, but these five breakout candidates could be huge in 2017.

The Tennessee Titans got busy this offseason. General manager Jon Robinson and company secured some higher profile players that have Titan fans setting the bar high for 2017.

While the signings of free agents like Eric Decker and Logan Ryan add some star power to the team, it also improves the essential commodity of depth. And while we ponder whether Corey Davis can be a Pro Bowler or how many touchdowns Derrick Henry can collect, added depth is the key to an AFC South title and beyond.

All of the moving pieces from the offseason create opportunities and roles up and down the depth chart.

Here, we focus on five guys that do not yet have the big names, but do have the potential to make an impact as big as any Titan in 2017.

Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) rushes against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) during the first half of the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) rushes against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) during the first half of the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Taywan Taylor, WR

The addition of Eric Decker will significantly hurt the snap count of rookie Taywan Taylor, but the third-rounder’s talent is nothing to sleep on. Before Decker, I thought Taylor had the potential to be  the biggest breakout rookie in the NFL.

With 4.33 speed and polished route running abilities, Taylor fits the bill of a true slot receiver perfectly. The Titans have been missing that role for awhile. Combining this with a solid 6-1 frame makes Taylor a perfect fit for any offense. He got open with ease in college as his WR rating (QB rating throwing to a WR) of 158.1, 150.8, and 134.8 suggest (per Pro Football Focus).

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While I thought Taylor was primed to be the team’s leading slot receiver, he can also get on the field outside thanks to his blazing speed. Here he can compete for snaps with Tajae Sharpe if Decker is manning the slot role. Taylor actually played more from the outside than the slot in college, but that was at Western Kentucky. At the pro level, Taylor is better suited to attack secondaries from the slot.

Either way, I believe Taylor’s abilities will guide him onto the field for plenty of snaps down the stretch this season. It is hard to keep 4.33 speed that can be used both for deep routes or shiftiness underneath, off of the field.

Taylor’s comparative advantage to his fellow receivers is obviously his speed. When Mularkey wants to use more speed in certain matchups, Taylor would be the guy to rotate into the slot. Taylor can also line up outside as a deep threat with Corey Davis kicking inside to the slot. I believe Taylor will enter the season as the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart. With Sharpe currently injured and Decker coming off recent rotator cuff surgery, Taylor is the next man up if misfortune strikes.

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