“I think Treylon has really grown up. He sent us a picture [during the break before training camp] showing his new physique. He really took to heart the conversation that he had with myself and [Coach Callahan]. And he’s completely bought in…I think he’s in a really good spot. Again, we added Tyler [Boyd], we added Calvin [Ridley], obviously [DeAndre Hopkins] was here. But for a young guy like [Burks], he has vets that he can learn from…With his size and his speed and his explosiveness, he can be an X, he can be a Z…I’m expected good things from him. And you know, his unselfishness…I know there was some talk about him taking gunner reps, but that was because he wanted to. He wants to stay healthy and prove he can play top level football.”

It’s truly bizarre why some of the reports surrounding Treylon Burks have been so negative. Yes, it’s disappointing that given what the Titans gave up to get him he hasn’t done more on the field in prior seasons, but it’s certainly not for lack of trying or character. Everything we’ve heard and seen from Titans coaches, and on the practice field this spring and summer has been largely positive.

Burks is clearly trying to embrace whatever role that the Titans are asking him to play this season. Whether that’s on special teams, in the slot, or at either outside wide receiver role especially given how he’s been deployed this spring and summer. Treylon is ready to make his contributions and learn from the veterans around him.

Treylon Burks’ role in 2024

But what will the role look like for Treylon Burks this fall since the team does have Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd likely playing ahead of him when healthy?

For starters, based on Ran Carthon’s comments, Tyler Boyd predictably will be playing the “F” big slot role in Brian Callahan’s offense. The same role he played in for years in Cincinnati.

Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins are your typical outside wide receivers and have played the vast majority of their careers on the perimeter at X and Z, where they likely slot in again.

That leaves Treylon Burks as the most likely candidate to slide in to replace the veteran Ridley and Hopkins when they need a breather on the outside this season on offense. That doesn’t likely lead to a huge number of targets, but when the Titans have three proven productive wide receivers ahead of him it makes perfect sense.

Outside of that, it is highly likely due to Burks’ own interest that he contributes significantly on special teams. Both Ran Carthon and Brian Callahan have talked about how important and impactful someone with Burks’ speed and size could be there this summer.

While a mix of WR4 and special teams contributions doesn’t sound great to get out of a former first round pick that’s exactly what Treylon Burks is going to be this season. And that’s okay! This just really speaks to the talent and depth that the Titans have on offense more so than it does his work ethic or ability. We’ll see if he can thrive in his new role(s) in 2024.