Former Vol Wide Receivers In Need Of A Big Year

Dec 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) pulls in a forty one yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Hunter (2nd round, 2013)

Hunter was one of the few bright spots in the Name That Shall Not Be Said Era. Hunter left after three seasons in orange, and is currently in the top five of career receiving touchdowns with 18. Hunter quickly recovered from a torn ACL in his sophomore season, as he collected 1,083 yards and 9 TD’s in his final season in 2012.

After randomly meeting his mother at a Party City, and where I begged for her to make him stay, he left early for the draft the next week where he was selected by the home state Titans.

This generated a lot of excitement among the franchise because they thought that former quarterback, Jake Locker, had a potential franchise target.

After two seasons with the Titans, Jake Locker is retired and there is a lot of uncertainty about Hunter’s future with the team.

In 26 games, he has 46 receptions. When a franchise uses a second round pick on a skills position, they expect that person to contribute right away.  Hunter has simply not lived up to expectations.

With the draft of Missouri/Oklahoma wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, the Titans have officially put Justin Hunter on notice.

The 24 year old still has tremendous athleticism and upside, but that does not mean job security the NFL. It is time for Justin Hunter to step up his game — his future depends on it.