​What’s the point of NFL training camp if we can’t argue about the back end of a wide receiver depth chart? This year’s contenders for the Titans’ final roster spots in the bottom tier of the room are Bryce Oliver, KJ Osborne, and Xavier Restrepo, a trio that has many around Nashville buzzing as camp approaches.
The Tennessee Titans have a solid top tier of receivers, with Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike all securely in the mix for the 53-man roster. But the real intrigue lies behind them, where the battle for the 6th and perhaps 7th spots is a three-man race featuring Oliver, Restrepo, and Osborne. It’s a storyline that could define the depth chart this summer in Nashville.
What makes this competition especially captivating is that each of the three players embodies a distinct archetype and arrived in Tennessee via a unique path. Restrepo joined as Cam Ward’s college connection last offseason after going undrafted, and he has emerged as the kind of practice standout who makes you take notice. He’s a slot receiver who defies expectations on paper given his physical measurements. In limited Sunday action last season, he showed he can hold his own at the NFL level. Off the field, he appears to have quietly supplanted Mason Kinsey as the “junkyard dog,” the practice squad presence whose energy lifts the room, and his teammates and coaches visibly rally when he makes plays. Yet the Titans face a reality common to all three: five receivers figure to eat adequate snaps when healthy, leaving the question for Restrepo not just whether he can contribute on offense in a pinch, but whether he can carve out a role on special teams. If Restrepo proves himself a valuable asset on kick coverage, punt units, and other special teams roles this summer, he could claim one of these roster spots. If not, he might end up in Kinsey’s mold—designated as the first or second man up off the practice squad, a player the organization fights to keep around due to leadership and weekly competitiveness.
Oliver, for his part, would seem to have the edge if not for one major caveat: last year’s setback. He has been with Tennessee across several seasons as an undrafted free agent and has established himself as a standout on special teams, a role Fassel clearly leans on. Yet he isn’t limited to that duty alone. Oliver offers value as a receiver within rotation or as a relief option when injuries strike, and his versatility—an inside-outside body type in relatively short supply on the current roster—adds to his case. The catch is that a lower-body injury sidelined him for the majority of last season, and the circumstances surrounding it left some questions unanswered. If he returns fully healthy and proves his receiving ability matches his special-teams prowess, Oliver could be positioned to seize the lead in this competition.
In contrast, KJ Osborne arrives with a different resume and set of expectations. He carries a draft pedigree and a track record that suggests he can contribute as a more traditional outside option or as a flexible contributor when called upon. Osborne’s skill set—combining size, route precision, and a workable catch radius—could make him the most well-rounded candidate for the final spots, particularly if the Titans want a balance of special-teams value and reliable pass-catching presence beyond the top tier.
The path to the final roster will hinge on more than health and route-running. It will come down to how each player earns snaps in practice and, crucially, how they perform on special teams. Restrepo’s edge may be his special-teams upside and locker-room energy, which could push him ahead if he proves indispensable in coverage and kick return scenarios. Oliver’s fate might hinge on how fully he reclaims his pass-catching form after last season’s injury and whether his multi-role usage translates to game-day trust. Osborne’s case will rest on consistency, his ability to create separation, and the value he provides as a reliable option who can line up inside or outside.
As camp opens, the Titans’ decision at the bottom of the depth chart will be a reminder that roster construction often comes down to a blend of health, special-teams impact, and the ability to contribute when called upon in a pinch. The debate among Oliver, Restrepo, and Osborne isn’t just about who makes the 53-man squad—it’s about who best complements the established group and who can emerge as a dependable, versatile option in the weeks ahead.