Surprising Name Could Become Titans Best WR

Why Van Jefferson can outperform both Ridley and Lockett?

Just like Lockett, Jefferson is also a new receiver to the Tennessee Titans. But the former Los Angeles Ram has accomplished something that neither Lockett or Ridley can claim.

Jefferson is the only receiver of the three to be a part of a Super Bowl-winning team. He has done it more recently than either Lockett's last Super Bowl appearance or Ridley's former team's last such appearance.

He has multiple seasons of averaging more than 10 yards per reception while also recording season-high catches of 35-yard grabs or longer. Jefferson has 137 career pass catches, and 85 of them have resulted in a first down. That's good for 62% which is between Lockett's 60% and Ridley's 66% of catches for a first down.

Bringing a championship experience element to a team that hasn't won an NFL title since Super Bowl XXXIV in January of 2000 is a major asset for any quarterback. Ward would benefit from a connection like that on the field to get him out of jams as Ridley or Lockett spread opposing defenses out down the field.

In terms of longevity and health, it's hard to imagine that Ridley will play a third season in a row without missing a game. The now 30-year-old receiver played in all 17 games the past two seasons.

The same question mark can be placed on Lockett. Two years older than Ridley, the former Seahawks wideout also played in every game the last two seasons.

Jefferson is slightly younger than both teammates and also has perfect attendance in 2023 and 2024, too. However, the former Florida Gator has been targeted significantly less than Ridley and Lockett (247 targets). Ridley has seen 636 passes thrown his way, and Lockett has seen 936 targets.

The Titans' faith in both Lockett and Ridley staying healthy for a full 17-game slate should not be prioritized. Instead, Tennessee should be looking at more connections between Jefferson and Ward if they look to avoid another last-place finish in the AFC South.