It’s safe to assume that Tennessee Titans second-round pick A.J. Brown far exceeded everyone’s expectations last season.
Brown was the first rookie since 1970 with at least 1,000 yards receiving while averaging at least 20 yards per reception and was just the fourth rookie since 1970 with four or more touchdowns of 50 yards or more.
The 6-foot-1 wideout was the only 1,000-yard rookie receiver (1,051 yards) and he led all rookies in touchdown receptions (eight) and receptions of 40 yards or more (eight). He ranked second in average yards per receptions (20.2) and receptions of 20 yards or more (15), while finishing fourth among all rookies in receptions (52).
Even with Brown's impressive rookie resume, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel still believes we haven’t seen the best of the young receiver
“I think there’s some things at the top of the route that we always can work on,” Vrabel said. “The one thing that always is going to stand out is making sure we’re strong with the football, we’re taking care of the football, our ball security. Being able to use his hands in a manner that allows him to be physical, but not draw penalties.”
Brown was targeted 84 times last season — the fewest for a 1,000-yard receiver since Pro Football Focus started charting statistics in 2006.
Of the NFL's top four rookie receivers in 2019 — D.K. Metcalf (100), Terry McLaurin (93), Deebo Samuel (81) — Brown was targeted the third-fewest times. He had fewer receptions but more yards, touchdowns and a higher average yards per reception than each of the other three.
Also, Brown was one of just four receivers to average more than 20 yards per reception against single coverage last season joining Stefon Diggs, Mike Evans and Metcalf. Brown finished in the top three in yards per catch, yards after the catch per reception and passer rating when targeted. In addition, he was second to only Michael Thomas in yards per route run (2.67), which was the highest mark by a rookie since 2014.
As impressive as all of his stats are, Vrabel still expects to see a more physical version of Brown this season. He emerged as Tannehill’s go-to option down the stretch last season and was the NFL’s third-highest rated receiver after Tannehill took over the starting job. Now, with a full season under his belt, expect to see a more aggressive, focused Brown heading into this season.
“There’s things that I can help him do, and (wide receivers coach) Rob (Moore) and (offensive coordinator) Arthur (Smith) can help him play physical, but hopefully put him out of harm’s way of pass interference,” Vrabel continued. “There’s plenty for A.J. and the rest of our football team to try to improve on.”