NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Corey Davis more than doubled his rookie total in receiving yards in 2018, during a season when all of his numbers jumped by a wide margin.
The Titans receiver made game-winning catches, and also proved he could stay healthy for all 16 games.
Another positive for Davis: Teammates and coaches say he developed into a quiet leader.
"He is the guy who sets the tone for the room," Titans receivers coach Rob Moore said of Davis. "It is a responsibility he is growing into, being a young player. But Corey regularly does the things we ask him to do as far as being accountable.
"... Corey is driven, and he is passionate about getting every ounce of ability out of himself and he wants to help others do the same."
Davis, the fifth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, finished the 2018 season with 65 catches for 891 yards and four touchdowns. He caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the team's win over the Eagles, and he caught another game-winning touchdown pass in the team's win over the Jets.
Davis led the team in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns, and his 13.7-yard average per catch led all receivers.
Along the way, Davis helped set a tone in the classroom, and the practice field.
"He's our leader in the room," receiver Taywan Taylor said of Davis. "He's the one bringing us together. … He's always carried himself like a professional, and he's someone I look up to as a brother, as a teammate."
Titans receiver Tajae Sharpe said Davis is an encourager, and a student of the game.
"He picks out certain things, and certain things he sees from defenses, and shares them with the rest of the group," Sharpe said.
As Davis wrapped up his second NFL season, he acknowledged he's tried to do more.
During the 2018 season, the team's receivers were young, from second-year players like Davis, Taylor and Darius Jennings to Sharpe, who was in his third season (including one year spent on Injured Reserve). Cameron Batson was a rookie.
Davis knows more will be counted on him moving forward, heading into Year 3.
"I am not very vocal; I don't really say much," Davis said. "But a lot of times it is not really about that. I need to get out of my comfort zone to help the team. That's what it's about, helping others, and I try to take it upon myself.
"I'm not a cheerleader, but I'll encourage a guy, talk to him, whatever it may be. A lot of the guys do the same thing."
Davis credited veteran receiver Harry Douglas for helping show him the way when he first entered the NFL.
It made an impact on him.
"Harry helped me not only in football, but life, family, and how to handle things," Davis said. "I was a rookie, and didn't really know much. So he took me under his wing and helped me out a lot.
"So anything I can do to help a guy, I'm willing to do."
