When the Tennessee Titans released their first unofficial depth chart, one of the biggest takeaways from it was that wide receiver Kalif Raymond was listed as both the starting punt and kick returner, which were two roles he assumed last season.
While you can never take everything on an unofficial depth chart with 100 percent certainty, it turns out Raymond being listed at those spots was an accurate representation of how things will play out to start the season.
According to Terry McCormick of Titan Insider, Titans special teams coach Craig Aukerman says Raymond will be the No. 1 returner in both facets, at least to start the season.
“Kalif has earned the right to go back there as a kickoff returner and punt returner,” Aukerman said. “He’s done a great job during training camp and we feel comfortable with him. I’m actually really excited for him to go out there. Eventually, if Darrynton can be that guy, then so be it. But Kalif has earned that right to go back there and do both for us now.”
The Titans’ return game was great as a whole last season, but Raymond provided about as much of a spark as could be expected.
He led Tennessee in yards per return in both punts and kicks, and his 22.4 yards per kick return tied him for the 11th-best mark in the NFL. Per Pro Football Focus, he also earned the eight-highest grade among kick returners.
On top of his duties as the main return man, Raymond will be the Titans’ No. 4 receiver on offense, a job he won easily in training camp after impressing on what seemed like a daily basis. And, after showing his big-play ability in 2019, Raymond will be Ryan Tannehill’s top downfield threat, as well.
