Countdown to Titans camp: Receivers

Let's face it, the Tennessee Titans as we know them are at a crossroads. If the Titans stumble out of the gate and produce another season like last year's 6-10 performance, you best believe the 2014-15 franchise will bear no resemblance to this one. That includes General Manager, Coach, Quarterback, and probably you too Chris Johnson.

Titans fans are facing the possibility of enduring a third "franchise qb" rebuilding project since 2006, and owner Bud Adams is not getting any younger. He desperately wants his team to return to the Super Bowl one last time before the Big Man calls him home.

Everything is riding on this season...for everyone.

With that being said, and with the 2013-14 season less than two weeks away, let's take an early look at our "new look" Titans. Today...the receiving corp.

Tennessee hired a fiery new position coach in former NFL receiver Shawn Jefferson, and by all accounts, the receiving corp has been the most impressive unit coming out of mini camps. Jefferson could often be heard shouting expletives at his receivers, for both good and bad plays. He's already publicly called out one receiver for not fighting through an injury, and Jefferson's in your face style has definitely lit a fire under a unit that has underachieved recently.

The key players:

Kenny Britt: Britt is the wild card in all of this. The Titans passing game will only go as far as Britt's knees (and decisions) will take them. When last healthy, Britt was one of the most dominant receivers in the game. Britt ended the 2010 season on a tear and opened the first two games of 2011 with an insane 17 catches, 289 yds, and 3 tds. Britt was lost for the 2011 season with an acl injury shortly thereafter and didn't look the same last season. Britt entered this year's camp in the best shape of his career.

He can do the math:

1. He's in the final year of his contract... + 2.The Titans took a receiver in the 1st and 2nd round of the last two drafts... = Britt better perform this year. Spending an off season out of the operating and court room for a change is a welcoming sign.

Kendall Wright: Drafted in the first round last year, Wright delivered. Kendall lead the team in receptions, and tied for the lead in rookie receptions. Although right was solid, he was only just that. Wright had 18 more catches than second place Nate Washington, but old man Nate had more yards. Not a good look. Wright entered this year's camp 15 pounds lighter, and is already looking more explosive. Time will tell if that will lead to bigger plays on the field.

Justin Hunter: Keep an eye on rookie second round pick Justin Hunter this year. His progression, or lack thereof, could have an impact on Kenny Britt's future with the team. Hunter has already been called out by his position coach, for resting a sore hamstring during mini camps. If Hunter can get healthy, and get caught up to speed relatively quickly, then the receiving corp hierarchy is up for grabs. And the competition should be good for the entire untit.

Nate Washington: Also seeing the writing on the wall, the steady veteran of this unit had the best mini camp of all. If Wright and Hunter can develop, then Washington could move to a more suited role of slot / possession receiver. The Titans have to get more speed on the outside.

Next up...running backs / offensive line.      follow @plcolter