Kendall Wright was fortunate to have such a dynamic college quarterback. He can only hope Jake Locker shows flashes of what makes the ‘Skins’ franchise player so successful.
Playing alongside Robert Griffin III at Baylor – primarily as a junior and senior – Wright flourished. In 2010, he led Baylor with 78 receptions and 952 yards, adding seven scores. Returning for another season, the electric playmaker would boost his stock even higher.
He started 12 of 13 games in the slot – his natural position – and racked up All-American, All-Big 12 and Biletnikoff Award honors. He finished 3rd nationally with 1,663 receiving yards, 7th in receptions with 108 and notched 14 TDs. Unsurprisingly, he’s Baylor’s all-time leader in those categories.
His numbers commanded national attention from NFL personnel people. The fact that so many flocked to see RG3 certainly didn’t hurt either.
At the Combine, Wright posted a disappointing 4.61 forty-yard-dash time. But it’s not indicative of his speed. He proved it at his Pro Day with two sub-4.5 runs. It was clearly enough for at least one NFL team to fall in love.
As Tennessee’s 20th overall pick, the polished prospect was expected to contribute immediately. A mini contract squabble cost him four days of training camp. But it wouldn’t hold him back.
Because of a suspension levied against Kenny Britt, Wright started last year’s season opener. He notched 5 grabs for 37 yards against New England and scored his 1st TD the following Sunday. Wright’s joyride would continue until Week 6, a stretch that witnessed him either score or catch 6+ balls in every game. In fact, through Week 6, Wright sat 14th among WRs in receptions. His total (33) slotted him above names like Demaryius Thomas, Julio Jones and Andre Johnson.
Inconsistency – aided by bad luck – would soon creep in.
Wright was penalized five times on the season, as only three WRs drew more flags. He also dropped seven passes and was forced to deal with one of the league’s most inaccurate QBs. Consequently, he scored just twice from Week 7 on and eclipsed the 50-yard mark only once. A cracked rib forced him out of Week 16, though he did return for the finale.
His final stat line reflected a roller-coaster ride: 64-626-4. Those 64 grabs were tied for tops among rookies. And Wright’s 104 targets led the team.
There’s no doubting Wright’s upside heading into 2013. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, entering his first full season on the job, said he expects a “significant” contribution from him. We can only hope that’s not coach speak. An unleashed Wright – paired with an improved Locker – carries plenty of fantasy appeal.
A potential downside looms in the form of his talented teammates. Jared Cook is gone, replaced by Niners backup Delanie Walker. But the Titans return a healthy Kenny Britt and added a gifted rookie in Justin Hunter. You can’t forget about Nate Washington, either — a 90-target player a year ago.
Draft Sharks Bottom Line:
In the right situation, Wright could push for low-end WR1 value. He possesses that type of difference-making talent. But it remains to be seen if he can continue to develop alongside a QB entering a make-or-break season. While the depth chart is crowded, Wright is the Titans’ most dependable pass-catcher. And with that, he’s our early favorite to lead the team in targets. Consider the 23-year-old a sneaky WR3 – especially in PPR formats – with upside to boot.
This story originally appeared in Draft Sharks
