One of the best stories to come out of Phase 3 of the Tennessee Titans’ OTAs was the return of wide receiver Treylon Burks to the field in a limited capacity.
Burks, who is recovering from an ACL injury that cost him most of the 2024 season, was not expected back until the start of the regular season. However, he did return to the field for positional drills over the last three weeks of practice. Although he was unable to participate in team drills, this was an essential step in his recovery process.
Burks’ struggles in Nashville have been well documented, so it’s no surprise Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports mentioned his name in his article featuring nine potential first-round busts heading into the 2025 season. After being selected No. 18 in the 2022 NFL draft, Burks has been plagued by bad luck and has not been able to live up to the expectations that were set by his selection.
Treylon Burks – Tennessee Titans
The minute the Tennessee Titans made Burks their first-round pick, the Arkansas product faced unfair expectations, literally entering with the selection acquired in the club’s trade of star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles. Things have only gone downhill since then, with Burks missing a combined 25 games due to various injuries, including a torn ACL, over his first three seasons. His best bet for 2025 is quietly building chemistry with new quarterback Cam Ward as the team’s No. 3 pass catcher.
Why he will bust: There’s hardly a role for him anymore, with Tyler Lockett added as a Calvin Ridley complement.
Why he won’t: Both Ridley and Lockett are over 30, and Ward could be a major upgrade distributing the rock.
Our prediction: Will bust
Burks faces an uphill climb heading into training camp. Not only did the Titans add significant competition to the wide receiver room, but he is still rehabbing his ACL injury and has not been cleared for team activities.
A physical receiver, Burks does have a skill set that could still allow him to carve out a role if he is healthy. Unfortunately, his health and injury history have hindered his development since the Titans drafted him.
Will he be on the roster at the start of the 2025 NFL season? No one can tell at this point, but Brian Callahan and the Titans’ staff will give him every opportunity IF he is healthy.
