Titans HC Brian Callahan: WR Treylon Burks 'going to have to contribute' on special teams
When first-year Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said earlier this offseason that Treylon Burks was going to “play everything,” he wasn’t kidding.
Burks, a wide receiver taken 18th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Titans, will be expected to contribute on special teams, Callahan said Tuesday, underscoring that the former first-rounder is likely to be fighting for a roster spot and will need to contribute any way he can.
“After Burks had his turn as a gunner, Callahan stated on Tuesday, “He will need to contribute. Given the limited number of players allowed on game day, if he’s selected, we will need to assign him a role. His size and speed make him an ideal candidate for special teams. Beyond that, his capabilities as a gunner are apparent and there could be additional roles for him in other phases as well.”
Burks was drafted with the pick acquired by the Titans when they sent A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles. As Brown has soared in Philly, Burks has sputtered through a pair of seasons marked by injuries and lack of production.
The 24-year-old is entering his third season, but the writing is in bold on the wall with the Titans having signed Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd this offseason to add to a WR corps already led by DeAndre Hopkins a year ago. Burks finished seventh on the team in 2023 with just 16 receptions.
Therefore, if Burks wants to be active on game days or make the summer roster, he must do more than just rely on his status as the No. 4 wide receiver and his name recognition.
Callahan stated, “Whenever you’re not the full-time starter, it’s necessary to make a contribution on game day. I believe Trey’s attitude and approach to special teams has been excellent, which makes me eager to see what he can bring to the team. I consider him an asset in special teams.”
Despite playing 11 games last season, Burks only managed to accumulate 221 yards with no touchdowns from 30 targets. This was a significant drop from his already underwhelming performance during his rookie season.
In the ’23 season, Burks participated in 444 snaps, with only one being on special teams. However, this is the new norm for Burks, and he isn’t the only ex-first-rounder who must contribute significantly to secure a spot on the team roster.
Cornerback Caleb Farley, a 2021 first-round pick, didn’t play a down in 2023 due to a lingering back issue and has been limited to 12 games over three seasons. Just like Burks, he’ll be thrust into the kicking game, of which he played 89 snaps in 2021-22.
When asked if Farley would need to be part of the special teams, Callahan responded, “Yes, he must, for the same reason. If you’re not among the top two or three players, you need to contribute to teams. Farley fits that description, so if he wants to be one of the 48 active players on game day, he has to take on a role in special teams particularly as a skill player.”
