Pro Hawgs: Treylon Burks looks confident, faster at OTAs

After a bumpy start and an injury prone rookie season, former Hog Treylon Burks has hit the ground running to start his sophomore season with the Tennessee Titans.

Throughout OTAs and early non-contact drills, Burks has shown massive improvement in just one off-season with the Titans. “Treylon’s grown a lot,” said Titans’ Quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “I’m really excited about what I’ve seen from him. He’s flying around, he’s moving fast, he’s moving efficiently. He’s coming out, he’s working, he’s in shape.”

Burks only recorded 33 receptions for 444 yards and one touchdown last season, but he is quickly becoming a favorite of Tannehill’s. The Titans will be without veteran receiver Robert Woods after the team released him in February. Former Arizona Cardinal DeAndre Hopkins has been in talks with the organization, but if that falls through, Burks will undoubtedly be the Titans’ No. 1 receiver.

In an interview after practice, the 23-year-old talked about his mindset going forward. “My confidence is out the roof.” Truthfully, the confidence just oozes out of him when he steps on the field. Even in individual drills the difference is night and day from last season.

Burks is looking great. His cuts are cleaner, he’s faster off the ball, and above all, the confidence is radiating off of him.

Now, with Tim Kelly, I think he’ll have a break out season.
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— Austin Farmer (@FarmersaurusRex) May 23, 2023

Burks said, “I would say I am playing fast, physical, and not thinking too much. I feel like all those things are showing, and I’m just getting better each day.” Playing fast is exactly how the new Titans’ Offensive Coordinator wants him to play.

“I know kind of the theme has been the tempo and all that, but [we want him] being able to go out there and play fast, and again, eliminate the thinking and let him go and do what he does best — be big, be strong, play strong with the ball in his hands, go be physical — and he’s done a great job of that.”

Above all else, the Warren native demonstrated just how committed he was to improving his game. He had to go above the call of duty just to make OTAs. When his flight was delayed and all car rentals were booked, he rented a Cessna to fly him to Nashville so he wouldn’t miss a single OTA.

If Burks can stay healthy, Titan fans (and Hogs Fans) can expect him to double his production from last season. Even if Hopkins signs with Tennessee, the teams offensive focus has shifted to a high tempo philosophy. The Titans’ running game is good with Derek Henry in the backfield, but it will be hard to keep up the same ratio of run to pass plays. Tennessee is going to throw a lot more. Adding an elite receiver like Hopkins could end up being the perfect decoy for Burks.