Fansided

Top 20 NFL breakout candidates in 2017

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans receiver Tajae Sharpe(19) makes a touchdown catch against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans receiver Tajae Sharpe(19) makes a touchdown catch against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tajae Sharpe

Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans may be the favorites to win the AFC South thanks to the Houston Texans’ inability to woo Tony Romo. It wouldn’t be all that shocking if Tennessee ends up the No. 3 seed in the AFC in January. Look for the Titans to do a lot of good things next year.

Though Nashville is falling in love with Mike Mularkey’s Exotic Smashmouth, the Titans need to make us believers in their passing game out on the perimeter. While we should expect the Titans to go wideout with one of their two first-round picks this spring, they may have found something special in Tajae Sharpe.

Sharpe was a fifth-round pick out of UMass last spring. He had 41 catches for 522 yards and touchdowns as a rookie. Those aren’t Gigantic numbers, but we know Sharpe’s Mind as a receiver is in a good place. There is a good chance that he becomes the best wideout from UMass since Victor Cruz.

For Tennessee to make noise in the AFC this fall, they will need to improve in the passing game. Sharpe has a former Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota slinging him the pigskin. Don’t forget that Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie was one of the best wide receivers coaches in football before taking this job. A 1,000-yard receiving season for Sharpe could be in play if the Titans can win 10 or 11 games this upcoming season.

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