Just four picks into the NFL Draft, Corey Davis was relaxing in the green room when he got a phone call from a number he recognized.
The voice on the other line was Titans head coach Mike Mularkey and Davis was about to become the fifth pick in the draft.
"I'm surprised," Davis admitted after the pick. "I was sitting there and had my jacket off when I got the call. It's just a blessing."
Davis, the FBS all-time leading receiver, became the first wide receiver off the board in the draft. An incredible ascension for a guy who received just one scholarship offer out of high school.
Davis made the most of that offer right away at Western Michigan, leading all freshmen in receptions in his first season. He followed that up with three consecutive seasons of at least 1400 yards receiving and helped lead the Broncos to the MAC championship and a 13-1 record as a senior.
"He's the hardest worker I've ever coached," said P.J. Fleck, who coached Davis at Western Michigan. "He's going to make any organization better because of his work ethic. He's selfless and Nashville (will) love him."
Just the fact Davis made it to draft night is an accomplishment. He grew up with six siblings in a small affordable housing unit in Wheaton, Ill. His family had no car meaning he had to often walk to and from practice. He even moved out of the family's home when he was 16 just to ensure he would continue on the right track.
Given all the adversity that Davis has faced, it's no surprise his selection would be a time of emotional reflection.
"It was everything I thought it would be," Davis said. "It was nerve-wracking and there were tears of joy."
Davis hit it off with Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie, Mularkey and general manager Jon Robinson on a recent visit to St. Thomas Sports Park and had a feeling the Titans might be interested on draft night.
He's also a big fan of Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota.
"He's my favorite young quarterback," Davis said. "I think he's headed to being the best in the league.
Something tells me Mariota's going to be a fan of his new, hard-working number one target.
