Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Bryce Oliver

Sunday, August 10, 8:57 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith led the team with three receptions and 55 yards during Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. He showed a solid rapport with third-year quarterback Stetson Bennett, who was the only Rams signal-caller to register a snap in the victory. Smith is heading into his third NFL season, too. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M back in 2023. Originally a walk-on, Smith put together a solid career with the Rattlers, amassing 2,893 yards and 25 touchdowns over three seasons. His NFL opportunities have been few and far between, but he did total six receiving yards, 36 rushing yards, and a pair of first downs in 2024. The 27-year-old now finds himself competing for a roster spot with the likes of Mario Williams, Drake Stoops, and Britain Covey.

Monday, August 26, 12:07 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Bryce Oliver hauled in three passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns in the last preseason win over New Orleans. It was a mini breakout for the undrafted pass-catcher out of Youngstown State, who was having a quiet game until quarterback Malik Willis started looking his way in the fourth quarter, which led to two scores, along with the game-winner with 1:25 remaining. Oliver was not expected to compete for an active roster spot, but this performance definitely gives general manager Ran Carthon something to think about. Even so, with Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Tyler Boyd, Kyle Philips, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine having locked up roster spots at WR, it's tough to see a situation in which Oliver ends up on the active 53-man roster for the Titans. He is nowhere near any fantasy radar heading into the 2024-25 season.