Titans OC Likes WR Room With or Without Julio

The long line of commentators surrounding the Julio Jones trade talks have forecasted (and prayed) that a decision will be made by end of this week. The Falcons would take a massive cap hit, should they keep the receiver on their roster another week.

No team has been mentioned in the rumor mill more than the Tennessee Titans as a potential suitor for Jones … which is good news for the coaching staff in Tennessee, especially when you consider that the hottest team in trade rumors never seems to land their player going into crunch time.

In an interview with NFL.com, new Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing reflected on his current room of wide receivers, which feels fully confident with or without the addition of Jones. Downing's comments reflect a positive outlook over the depth chart and new regime at offense, post-Arthur Smith, who left to coach the Falcons.

Downing said the following about the wide receiving unit in Nashville: "I'm excited about the competition we have at the different spots on offense." The OC adds, "My job is to coach the guys that are here, and I'm doing that to the best of my abilities each day. I think you're going to see some growth from some of these guys, and I'm excited to see where they end up."

The trade would come at a time where the receiving corps needs the most help after losing former first round pick Corey Davis and long-time tight end Jonnu Smith—who posted over 1,300 in two season with Tennessee. The Titans added former Los Angeles Rams receiver Josh Reynolds to accompany AJ Brown and Dez Fitzpatrick. Downing commented on the addition of Reynolds: "I think he is hungry, and I think he knows the game ... I think he has really good savviness to him, and a good football IQ. I am excited to see where he can increase."

Among the other speculated teams to land Julio are the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and the San Francisco 49ers, who always appear to swoop in on high-level FA names at the last second.

With a ticking clock warning Atlanta to trade Jones in the coming days to avoid a cap hit of $40 million, all eyes are on Tennessee to put No. 11 in a Titans jersey … should AJ Brown be a real stand-up teammate and donate his number.