The wait for the Tennessee Titans to draft a wide receiver in the 2023 NFL draft continues after the team opted to go with a tight end in Josh Whyle out of Cincinnati instead.
While Whyle can be an asset to help the Titans’ passing game, he’s going to be a No. 2 tight end who isn’t considered a strong blocker by some draft experts, which isn’t ideal for his projected role.
Making the pick more frustrating is the fact that there were some promising wide receiver prospects still on the board, with A.T. Perry and Xavier Hutchinson being the best among them.
Tennessee’s avoidance of the wide receiver position is comical at this point, although one could certainly argue that was the case after their Day 2 picks.
There was still optimism about the pick coming from some, but fans appear to be mostly against the selection of Whyle in the fifth round. Take a look.
Titans WR coach Rob Moore walking around the practice facility rn pic.twitter.com/9kY0XchlsU
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) April 29, 2023
Josh Whyle was one of “my guys!!”
6’6” TE out of Cincinnati has great size and speed. Has a knack for reading coverages and adjusting to make catches aways from frame.
He’s improved as a blocker all four years in college and could be a viable Hooper replacement. #Titans pic.twitter.com/2Co6IjbQU7
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) April 29, 2023
Not everyone is feeling as bad about this as you are.
NWI and Chris Moore love it. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 29, 2023
#Titans select TE Josh Whyle at No. 147 in the fifth.
No fifth-round WR miracle.
The next chance is 186 in sixth.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 29, 2023
Great value pick right for the Titans getting Cincinnati TE Josh Whyle, he is good at reading his defenders and great versatility that will help them @KaylaAndersonTV #NRMedia #NFLDraft https://t.co/bs4phYWcZH
— NR Sports Media Nithin (@TheNRHour_) April 29, 2023
Linemen, running backs and tight ends. The Titan way…
— Stretch (@bejmktg) April 29, 2023
Did we break an NFL rule that the fans aren’t being told of? Are we prohibited from taking a WR? I don’t understand what’s going on here
— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) April 29, 2023
How are you gonna draft Levis who has flaws and will need help but give him zero help on the outside?? Lol
— TTSZN (@Titansszn9) April 29, 2023
Sign me at WR. I’m ready whenever you are
— KZ3 (@KZswish3) April 29, 2023
I just do not understand, I'm trying to give the new Gm some leniency but this is getting outrageous
— YoYo (@BrokeYoYo) April 29, 2023
I didn’t realize you could start the season with losses, but Ran is discovering a way to do so.
— Greg Maxwell (@greg__maxwell) April 29, 2023
This team doesn't like receivers
— 🦊Kiriko Solos🦊 (@XKirikoMainX) April 29, 2023
You guys DO realize that a 6-6 guy that runs s 4.5 can be split out at wr ? No lol..Chig can be split out at wr also…we need fast guys that can catch…that's what we have..irregardless if it says wr beside their name, I would rather have tall guys that are hard to cover
— William Monroe II (@BILLMONROE1911) April 29, 2023
Titans are having a great draft picking great players wise but not filling their biggest need is beyond me
— Ant (@anthonytrancho) April 29, 2023
I guess we’re giving practice squad players opportunities at WR. Because we sure as hell ain’t drafting one.
— Will Levis #7 Stan Account (@TitanUp2022) April 29, 2023
Are we getting Hopkins or literally any receiver because if not this season will be a waste
— YoYo (@BrokeYoYo) April 29, 2023
It’s crazy how one’s optimism and opinions on someone can change so quickly 😐
— Pbisket (@Pbisket69) April 29, 2023