NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- To really open things up on offense, the Tennessee Titans need a blazer at receiver who can dictate coverages and draw double teams.

That’s the prevailing wisdom, anyway.

Tight end Delanie Walker led the Titans in receptions in 2014 and 2015, and shared the lead in 2016. AP Photo/Denis Poroy

Though a new batch of receivers in 2016 played better than the group has in the past, they still lacked a certain kind of threat.

Hal of Fame receiver James Lofton, who covers the NFL for Westwood One, said he saw great progress from the Titans this season in the passing game.

That arrived in large part, he said, because the Titans solved edge protection with a great season from left tackle Taylor Lewan and the addition of right tackle Jack Conklin, and had a solid run game.

"They are poised to be a really good offense," he said. "Do they need to spend a first or second-round draft pick to be a wide receiver? Not really. Because you have a great run game, good offensive line, so you just get guys who can get it done.

"You can pick up a receiver, what did (Tajae Sharpe) have, 277 receptions while he was in college? He didn’t have a lot of touchdowns, but you know when you throw him the ball, he’s probably going to come down with it -- especially with those 50-50 balls, more times than not."

Sharpe, a fifth-round pick out of UMass, caught 41 passes for 522 yards as a rookie from GM Jon Robinson's first draft.

Lofton's stance differs from the majority opinion, and many expect the Titans to give strong consideration to spending a high pick on Clemson’s Mike Williams or Western Michigan’s Corey Davis.

Tight end Delanie Walker, who led the Titans in receptions in 2014 and 2015, and shared the lead in 2016, would welcome a speedster who could help take the top off a defense.

"I think we might need that," Walker said. "Playing in the Pro Bowl with these guys that are burners, (the defense) can’t double-team me. Jon Robinson is an excellent GM and Mike Mularkey is a great coach. I’m pretty sure they are looking for talent right now.

"I know they’re going to being somebody in they feel like can take the top off."

It's not purely about speed, though a newcomer would need it. It's about threat level.

A guy people fear getting behind the defense can change the way teams play the Titans, and help Marcus Mariota, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, Walker and the receivers who are already in Nashville.