NASHVILLE – When Josh Whyle looks back at his rookie year, he's far from satisfied.
A year later, the Titans tight end has a new outlook.
"I was out for six games last year, and I wasn't too happy about that," Whyle said after a minicamp practice this week. "We didn't win a lot last year, so that's no bueno. But going into this year, having a full offseason, and coming into your second year, it's so much different than your rookie year.
"As a rookie, you are just trying to survive. Now, you are able to breathe. The game slows down a little bit. And I've felt that a lot so far this year. So, I am really excited to keep moving in that direction."
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, Whyle ended up playing in 11 games for the Titans in his injury-shortened season in 2023, with three starts. He totaled nine receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown, along with a tackle on special teams.
Heading into 2024, there's optimism surrounding the 6-foot-7, 248-pound Whyle, from his coaches, and teammates.
"He's had a great offseason, I'll start with that," offensive coordinator Nick Holz said of Whyle, who set the school record at Cincinnati for career touchdowns (15) by a tight end. "(Josh) has really good ball skills for a big guy. So that kind of target, especially in the red zone and on third down and things like that. He's more of a matchup (problem) than he is probably given credit for. So, we'd love to get him in some of those 1 on 1 situations (because) he has so much height and he has really good ball skills."
Titans quarterback Will Levis has seen a different Whyle in Year 2.
Levis and Whyle are good buddies, on the team, and away from the facility.
The two regularly golf together, and hang out.
"I love Josh," Levis said of Whyle. "He's a juice guy that we have on this team, and it's been cool to see him come out of his shell, and to be a fun presence in this locker room. He works his tail off, he is prepared every day. He puts a lot on himself; I feel like that is why we're pretty similar. Ever since we came in here as rookies, we have kind of been hip to hip, being able to keep ourselves accountable. He's made huge strides – you can tell just from the moment he got here for workouts, he really worked on himself and his body and how he's going to approach this year. It has paid off for him a lot, and I'm looking forward to continuing to see him develop."
Whyle said he's done his best to prepare himself for Year 2.
Physically, he feels leaner, and stronger, even though he said he's roughly the same weight.
"But it's better weight," Whyle said. "I feel good."
In the coming weeks and months, he'll gear up for a second NFL season he's excited about.
The team is different, from coaches to players. At the tight end position, Whyle returns alongside Chig Okonkwo, while veteran Nick Vannett joined the team over the offseason.
"Right now, it's so early," Whyle said. "I just want to contribute to the team any way I can, any way they ask me to. So that is what we're working to do right now.
"But it's all been really exciting, (the changes). It's been really cool, to meet all the new guys, and just as an offense in general, being so dynamic. We have a lot of playmakers on this team, and I think right now it is time to figure out what everyone can do and put them in the best spots for their skill set."
