NASHVILLE – Titans receivers coach Rob Moore spent time critiquing his pupils before one of the team's minicamp practices last month, sharing strengths and weaknesses of all of them.
When the subject turned to Taywan Taylor, Moore talked about chances when asked what the third-year receiver needs to do to improve.
"I think Tay has done a solid job for us," Moore said. "Honestly, I just think we need to give him more opportunities. Give him more opportunities to showcase what he can do and I think he'll take advantage of his opportunities."
Taylor, meanwhile, has spent most of his time critiquing himself.
A third-round pick from Western Kentucky, Taylor has flashed in his first two NFL seasons, but he wants more. Being consistent is key, he said.
"Every day I am critiquing myself, and coach says you have to be the best critic of yourself as possible – that's where it starts," Taylor said. "Every day is an opportunity to get better. You want to key in on what you have to get better at because we can all get better at something.
"For myself, I want to get better at everything, from preparation to route running to catching the ball, to tucking the ball. Being precise with detail, releases. I have to keep getting better to be the best I can be."
A year after catching 16 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown in his rookie season in 2017, Taylor doubled his production in 2018 despite playing in three fewer games.
Taylor caught 37 passes for 466 yards and a touchdown in 13 contests last fall, and he now has 53 catches for 697 yards and two scores in his first two NFL seasons.
Taylor said he feels more comfortable heading into his third NFL season. He said plays in the offense have "been coming a lot faster."
Now, with some new faces around him, he wants to take the next step.
The Titans are counting on him, among others.
"Coach (Mike) Vrabel and Coach Moore emphasize: There's no point in being out here if you're just going through the motions," Taylor said. "Everybody's days are numbered in the NFL, and we are all thankful to be out here. I don't want to be complacent. You have to keep getting better so you can help the team."
