NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Taywan Taylor played in every game for the Titans in 2017.
In a rookie season that included a lot of firsts, the speedy receiver learned a lot along the way. He gained experience, and a better understanding of the game by watching more experienced players around him.
As he looked ahead to 2018, Taylor said he plans to put himself in a position to make even more of an impact.
"I want to do more and more," Taylor said at the end of the 2017 season. "I want to keep doing everything I can to help this team. Every day, that is always the thing with me. Every day I hold myself accountable, and expect more from each day. I just want to keep getting better, and that's what I plan to do."
A third-round pick out of Western Kentucky in the 2017 NFL Draft, Taylor caught 16 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season. His score was a memorable one – a 53-yard touchdown catch against the Colts, when he raced past a defender and caught the ball over his shoulder.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota threw that pass to Taylor, and during the season he paid him several nice compliments. Teammates routinely praised Taylor and his work ethic.
In addition to catching passes, Taylor also carried the ball eight times for 43 yards in 2017. He also contributed on special teams.
"I think he's a dynamic player, a guy that can be a home-run guy whenever he touches the ball,'' Mariota said of Taylor. "It's important we find ways to get him the football, let him do what he does best. I think he's done well. There's been a lot thrown at him, and I think he's done a great job absorbing it all and playing."
Absorbing is something Taylor said he tried to do all season.
He watched veteran teammates, who also did their best to lend advice. Veteran receivers Eric Decker and Rishard Matthews led the position group in receptions in 2017, while rookies Corey Davis and Taylor also made contributions. Taylor said veteran teammate Harry Douglas was a valuable resource as well.
"I paid very close attention to the older guys every day," he said. "They told me to just understand and pay attention to the little things in the game because that is what's going to help me. Pay attention, transition it to the field, and that would help me be a better overall receiver. I have learned so much from this one year, being around them."
Among the off-field clues Taylor picked up on included taking care of his body. He said he tried to use the cold tub and hot tub as much as possible, along with getting massages.
On the field, he learned the tempo of the game was different, and he adjusted. He learned about the importance of being precise in his route-running, and hitting the playbook.
Now, he has a full offseason to prepare for year two.
"A lot of things stood out to me, learning the Xs and Os of the game, and trying to become more of a student every day, trying to get better," Taylor said. "I think I learned a lot. And I think everything I learned during the course of the year helped me get better and should help me moving forward."
