NFL PLAYER NEWS

Titans trying to build depth at wide receiver

The Sports Xchange

June 18, 2014 at 10:29 pm.

Justin Hunter is expected to be more involved in the Titans passing game this season. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Tennessee Titans general manager Ruston Webster and coach Ken Whisenhunt are looking for ways to create competition behind their top three receivers.

This week the Titans signed journeyman receiver Derek Hagen, who had a good workout in his tryout with the club. Hagen previously played for the Dolphins, Giants, Raiders and Bills in seven previous NFL seasons.

“He’s a veteran receiver. We liked what we’ve seen of him. He had a good workout,” Whisenhunt said. “We’re just trying to get better as a team. … We’re trying to create competition.”

Hagen should compete with holdovers Michael Preston and Marc Mariani and fellow veteran free agent Brian Robiskie, signed at the start of OTAs for the fourth and fifth receiver spots.

The Titans also had Dorin Dickerson, a veteran tight end/fullback, in for a tryout, on Tuesday.

Justin Hunter is being counted upon to make a much bigger contribution in his second season, after 18 catches and four touchdowns as a rookie wide receiver.

Hunter has been impressive in OTAs and mini-camp, showing the athleticism the Titans knew he had when they traded up in round two last year to draft him.

“I want to hold myself accountable and stay in the whole game and not get pulled out,” Hunter said regarding what he wants to improve on in year two.

Hunter has gained 15 pounds in the off-season and reported to camp around 205 pounds.

Running back Bishop Sankey, who agreed to terms on his four-year rookie contract on Tuesday, missed most of OTAs with school obligations, and is busy making up for lost time in the mandatory mini-camp.

He is expected to emerge as the lead back in a group that also includes Dexter McCluster and veteran Shonn Greene, who has been out after a second knee scope, but should be back in time for training camp.