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OneGiantThrill · 05-17-2009, 11:24 AM

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By Jim Wyatt
They're the forgotten members of the receiving corps, two draft picks from 2007 whose uphill climb got even steeper of late.
One is Paul Williams, the other Chris Davis.

Neither has to be reminded of their current status after the Titans signed veteran receiver Nate Washington in March and then used their first round draft pick on another wideout, Kenny Britt.

"Once I heard we'd taken a receiver in the first round it was one of those things like, 'OK, it's time to work,' '' said Williams, a third-round pick in '07. "But really, any time you are in this building there is a sense of urgency. I was ready to work anyway.''

Davis, a fourth-round pick that year, also knows the feeling of standing on unsteady ground.

"It's time to suck it up and get to it,'' Davis said. "My mentality is, 'Nothing is given to you — you have to earn your spot.' I know that.''

Williams and Davis certainly have no time to waste, but an argument could be made that they already wasted the past two seasons. The Titans needed playmakers at the position, yet neither could be counted on.

Davis played in just five games last season and made only two catches. In two seasons he's caught seven balls. Williams has been even less visible — he didn't make his first NFL catch until the meaningless regular season finale at Indianapolis last season. He's been inactive for 27 of the 32 games in which he could have played, including all 16 his rookie season.

This offseason they're trying to change things. Yet with the addition of Washington and Britt, the chances of Davis and Williams climbing the depth chart hit another wall. The Titans also return veteran Justin Gage and Lavelle Hawkins, a fourth round pick last year, and they drafted Dominique Edison in the sixth round this year.

"You can see guys are hungry,'' said Gage, who led the Titans in receiving yards last year. "But I think all the receivers feel like we are on the spot and have something to prove. We have a lot of receivers, and it all comes down to who makes the plays, so everyone is focusing on giving it their all.''

So far, there has been more praise for Davis than Williams, who continues to be inconsistent.

"They just need to keep doing what they are doing right now,'' offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger said. "It's only been three practices, but both guys have been excellent as far as the offseason conditioning goes and in the route-running days they've worked hard at that.

"Chris has really run some good routes and done some good things; he's made a play every day. He is showing up and done something really good. Paul just has to be a little more consistent.''

Davis has added roughly six pounds to his 5-10 frame, and now weighs approximately 181. The former Florida State player, who can also return kickoffs and punts, said he's worked harder in the weight room and is gaining confidence.

Quarterback Kerry Collins said he's noticed a difference on the field.

"Chris Davis is having a good offseason so far. He is a smart receiver, and he understands routes and gets in and out of breaks real well," Collins said. "I sense his maturity too and his understanding of the situation, and I think he has come as well-prepared this offseason as anybody else has.''

As for Williams, he said he skipped vacation and has spent most of his time at Baptist Sports Park.

After totaling 1,048 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 20 starts at Fresno State, he doesn't lack confidence in his ability despite his slow NFL start. And when he looks around the locker room, he isn't intimidated. Yet he knows he has to improve to stand a chance of remaining on the roster.

"My mentality is athletic-wise I am just as good if not better than anybody here,'' Williams said. "My main thing is the mental aspect of the game and trying to be consistent. …

"I just want to show everyone I can contribute and be a threat every time I take the field. All I can do is work hard, and whatever happens, happens.''

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20...ckup+receivers

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