NASHVILLE – Treylon Burks feels faster heading into Year 2, and the reason sounds quite simple.
"I would say I feel faster," a smiling Burks said on Tuesday, "because I can breathe."
But for the Titans receiver, it's actually deeper than just that.
Burks, the team's first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, changed his diet during the middle of last season, and he's seen results because of it. He's spent the entire offseason in Nashville with coaches and teammates, working in the team's offseason program. He feels smarter, and more comfortable, because of the time spent in Nashville.
With his conditioning and asthma issues from last offseason now a thing of the past, Burks thinks all of his hard work should pay off moving forward.
"My biggest thing was not repeating what I did last year coming into the offseason," Burks said. "I feel like I've mastered that and can keep going. I'm getting better with a lot of the formations and concepts of our new stuff, and just having fun, really. Just having fun, and not having that stress coming in as a rookie trying to prove this guy this, the coach this, just having fun now."
Burks caught 33 passes for 444 yards and a touchdown in 2022 while playing in 11 games, with six starts.
Burks was sidelined during the midway portion of the season with a toe injury, and he battled through other ailments as well.
But Burks showed glimpses of special things as a rookie, and he's looking to build on that in 2023.
"I feel great," Burks said. "I'm running fast, not having any problems with breathing. Really just having fun, man. I am in a good place, state of mind, and I am just thankful.
"I have been here the whole offseason. I didn't go train at the beach or anything, I stayed here. I wanted to stay around the facility and bond, make a connection with the coaches but also get ahead on the things that I know I am going to be doing in the offseason."
With a new year comes even bigger expectations for Burks.
The Titans signed veteran receiver Chris Moore earlier this offseason, and drafted receiver Colton Dowell in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. The Titans have added a number of undrafted free agents as well.
But the core of the group from a year ago, is back, aside from Robert Woods being released. Woods later joined the Texans.
"I would just say my goal is to make plays for the team, be where I am supposed to be," Burks said when asked if his goal is to be WR1 on the roster, "and be a great teammate.
"(I want to) play fast, be physical and be versatile."
