Anthony Firkser

Firkser has a big opportunity ahead after Jonnu Smith left for New England, taking 745 snaps and 65 targets from 2020 out the door. Firkser has mostly played on obvious passing downs through three seasons, averaging 2.3 targets and 19.0 yards in 43 games, though he bumped up to 3.3 targets and 24.2 yards last year with some help from an 8-113-1 receiving line Week 6 when Smith was injured. You might say it was a preview of things to come, except that Firkser reached 50 yards only once more, ultimately averaging 21.8 snaps and 14.5 routes per game. Volume, not efficiency, was the problem, as Firkser ranked fifth among TEs with 1.66 yards per route ­— not too far from 2018 (1.84) and 2019 (1.58). There's a case to be made for Firkser becoming the third option in the passing game behind A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, consider Smith was joined by WRs Corey Davis and Adam Humphries in the offseason exodus. However, the Titans still want to run the ball, and it isn't clear if the 6-2 TE can become a decent enough blocker to handle regular snaps on early downs.

The Titans' depth chart at tight end was thinned this offseason with the departure of Delanie Walker. That could give Firkser the opportunity to step into a bigger receiving role, as he'll presumably take over as the Titans' second target at the position behind Jonnu Smith. Given that the Titans' had two tight ends on the field for roughly 45 percent of offensive plays last season, Firkser could be in line for a jump in production in his third season. Still, after combining for 33 receptions across the last two campaigns, Firkser will need a significant increase in targets to produce at a notable level.

Firkser used a strong preseason in which he finished second on the team with 10 receptions and 108 yards to make an active 53-man roster out of training camp in 2018. However, he was shuttled back and forth to the practice squad before hauling in his first career pass in Week 6. Firkser went on to enjoy a relatively productive stretch from Weeks 11-13 when he posted no fewer 42 yards in any contest. Looking forward, Firkser will likely be battling for a roster spot with Mycole Pruitt and Cole Wick, and if he makes the team, he'll slot in behind both Jonnu Smith and Delanie Walker on the tight end depth chart.

Firkser didn't suit up in an NFL game for his first two seasons in the league. He signed with the Titans in May and will shift from tight end to the fullback position. If he can shake off the learning curve, he could see a good chunk of offensive snaps, although little will surface in the fantasy realm.