NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Taywan Taylor hasn't been perfect.
In his rookie season, the Titans receiver is still learning lessons each time out, while looking for ways to get better.
But already he's impressing those around him.
"He reminds me of T.Y. Hilton," Titans cornerback Brice McCain said of Taylor. "He reminds me of T.Y. just the way he moves his body, how he is so confident, but so quiet. I like that about him. He catches the ball well, and he doesn't panic. I love Taywan."
Hilton, headed into his sixth NFL season, is a three-time Pro Bowler who has posted four straight 1,000-yard seasons. He's coming off a year when he caught a career high 91 passes for 1,448 yards and six touchdowns. McCain has defended Hilton over the years, and he's competed against Taylor in practices.
Both Hilton, who played at Florida International, and Taylor wear No. 13.
A third-round pick out of Western Kentucky, Taylor leads the Titans with eight catches for 145 yards through three preseason games. He electrified the Nissan Stadium crowd with a 48-yard catch against the Bears on Sunday after getting the attention of Titans fans with an acrobatic catch on a deep ball in the preseason opener against the Jets. He's averaging 18.1 yards per catch.
"I think he's a dynamic player, a guy that can be a home-run guy whenever he touches the ball,'' quarterback Marcus 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. As we go forward, we'll continue to find ways to get him the football."
With receivers Corey Davis and Eric Decker sidelined in recent weeks with injuries, Taylor has been able to keep the momentum going.
A playmaker in college, Taylor has been a consistent performer in practices, scrimmages, and games. In addition to catching passes, the Titans have also handed the ball off to Taylor four times.
"I just want to try and help the team as much as I can," Taylor said.
Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie said Taylor is benefitting from having experienced players around him, a group that includes veterans Harry Douglas and Decker. Titans coach Mike Mularkey on Monday mentioned ways Taylor can improve on the field, but he's liked his work ethic, and approach.
"He just needs to absorb, and to be a sponge," Robiskie of Taylor. "Just learn all he can and get better."
Taylor said running back DeMarco Murray has also given him tips.
So has McCain.
"My job as a slot corner to teach him everything I know, so he can kill people on Sundays," McCain said. "I want to make his life easier by teaching him tricks so he can make plays."
Taylor said he'll keep looking for ways to improve.
The Titans wrap up the preseason with a game in Kansas City on Thursday. The regular season opener is on September 10 against the Raiders.
"Coming in, I just wanted to come in and have great energy, great speed, and play with great tempo," Taylor said. "The vets, guys I look up to, they're helping me out. And I want to help the team out, too."
