Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is like that extra car that sits in the driveway.
There are newer, flashier and more powerful models available. But when needed because one of the other models is in the shop, NWI is ready to go – as reliable as ever.
Westbrook-Ikhine is now in his fifth year with the Titans, and with the departure of Derrick Henry in the offseason, he became the longest-tenured player on the Tennessee offense.
NWI was originally signed as an undrafted rookie from Indiana from the COVID season of 2020. He initially made his mark as a gunner on special teams but soon worked his way into the regular receiver rotation in large part because of his ability to be versatile and learn multiple receiver positions.
That knack gave Westbrook-Ikhine a chance to often fill in at any spot whenever injuries hit or a starter needed a break. Hence, despite never being penciled in as an opening-day starter in any of his four NFL seasons, Westbrook-Ikhine has 30 starts in 61 total games played.
In each of the previous two offseasons, the Titans have offered Westbrook-Ikhine a contract to stick around and continue to play a role. None of the players the Titans drafted in 2020 are still on the roster, and only three of their six picks that year are even still in the NFL.
It says something to Westbrook-Ikhine’s staying power when a completely new, pass-oriented coaching staff came in with Brian Callahan, and the Titans still chose to retain Westbrook-Ikhine, even as they were bolstering the receiving corps by adding high profile players like Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to the lot.
Callahan says NWI is trustworthy, which is a strong compliment for a coach to pay a player.
“I think that’s part of why we wanted to keep him around. We had a chance to bring him back ... and we decided we wanted to because of what he’s done. I’ve got a lot of respect for his journey. He’s had to earn it the hard way all the way through,” Callahan says. “And he continues, really every year he’s played, to show up and be reliable. That’s a really big part of playing receiver, is being where you’re supposed to be and being able to make plays, and he’s a fantastic person.”
Value in the values
Consistency and attention are sources of pride for Westbrook-Ikhine as he works to find his role on this year’s Titans team.
“I just try to be consistent. That’s what I’ve tried to hang my hat on since I’ve been here. When I first got here in 2020, I just tried to add value, and I think the way to do that as a player is on special teams and offense,” he says.
That value is certainly not lost on his new head coach.
“He’s on top of all the details,” Callahan says. “He never has mental errors, and he’s reliable when the ball comes his way, he makes plays on it. The more plays you make like that, the more opportunities you get.
“It’s been really nice having him in that group. He provides some leadership and some veteran presence, too. It’s been good to have him as a complement.”
Westbrook-Ikhine says his ability to adapt to change and quickly learn, along with a strong work ethic are what has helped him continue to find a role year after year.
“I feel like part of it is how I’m wired. I feel like God gifted me with a work ethic,” Westbrook-Ikhine says. “I’m just going to go out there and work my tail off. I try to do the best I can. I feel like I can grasp offensives pretty quickly, so there’s less thinking and just going out and playing.”
With DeAndre Hopkins out for the remainder of camp and possibly the season opener, NWI again moves up a notch in the pecking order for now. Former first-round pick Treylon Burks will get the first crack to start in Hopkins’ absence, but Westbrook-Ikhine remains available and willing to play whatever role is needed of him.
It is part of that undrafted mentality that has never left him in five years now with the Titans.
“We had our first competitive gunner drills (Saturday) against vice double press. Getting ready for that practice, it took me back to my rookie year and we had essentially that same drill, and it’s basically what got me on the team,” he recalled. “I don’t think that’ll ever leave me. It doesn’t matter where you came from. It’s what you do when you get here.”