BOCA RATON, Fla. —Kendall Wright had a 1,000-yard season in Year 2 of his NFL career, but for one reason or another, he hasn't reached the same level since.
The Titans think he's more than capable. In fact, they're expecting more from the receiver this fall.
"I think Kendall has potential that still has not been pulled out of him. I am talking about himself as well, doing it himself,'' Titans coach Mike Mularkey said here from the NFL owners meetings. "Every offseason you hope that he recognizes that, what his capabilities are, and how bad he wants to see it as much as we do when the season starts. I'm hoping that's the case this year.''
Wright, a first round pick by the Titans in 2012, caught 94 passes for 1,079 yards in 2013. In 2012, Wright made 64 catches for 626 yards.
Wright was slowed by injuries a year ago, however, and played in just 10 games. He finished the year with just 36 catches for 408 yards in 2015. Wright caught 57 passes for 715 yards in 2014.
Mularkey believes new offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie and receiver coach Bob Bratkowski should help Wright return to his 2014 form.
"(We're) trying to put him in position where we know he's successful. There's some things he does better than others and we're going to try and put him in good positions,'' Mularkey said of Wright.
"… Terry's receivers have been productive wherever he has been. If anybody can get it out of Kendall it will be Terry Robiskie and Bob Bratkowski."
Titans general manager Jon Robinson, also speaking from the owners meetings, said he's also looking for Wright to emerge as a leader in a position group that includes young receivers like Dorial Green-Beckham, Justin Hunter and Tre McBride. Earlier this month, the Titans added former Dolphins receiver Rishard Matthews. The Titans have another veteran presence in eight-year veteran Harry Douglas.
"I'm expecting Kendall to come in and work hard and play the style and brand of football we want to play. He is really good with the ball in his hands. He needs to uncover quickly, when he's the primary receiver or if he's not the primary receiver. He has to get open and be dependable to haul it and make plays with the ball in his hands, which he is really good at,'' Roibinson said.
"He is one of the elder statesmen in the group position wise, so he needs to step his game up and be a leader in that position group. …We are expecting him to assume that role."
Mularkey believes Wright is more than capable.
"We are hoping Kendall is part of that process of wanting to take it to another level,'' Mularkey said. "As long he understands that's what we want from him. We want him to be successful. I think they all should see that, but I am hoping he sees that we are trying to put him in position to be successful."
