Tennessee Titans Fanblog

Many Titans fans as well as most other NFL fans have wondered, why the Titans chose to draft Chris Johnson, another running back, in the first round. I am not an expert, but I was versy confused with that pick.  I thought they might go receiver or defensive end at that spot. And if there is nobody available: Trade out.

Being a loyal Titans fan, I am trying to see the good in the decisions they have made. So I see a few good things about this pick:

1. Now they have real depth at RB. The Titans are a running team. They play hard style, smash mouth football. If one RB gets tired or hurt, they have enough options.

2. Although Chris Henry was supposed to be a change-of-pace back for the Titans, Chris Johnson will change the pace even more. He was the fastest in the draft and he can be the fastest on the field. With the O-Line secured (e.g. with Roos’s long term contract), Johnson can really take it all the way once he gets into the open field.

3. Imagine the options they would have, if they have both, White and Johnson,  on the field. The defense will have to be aware of a bulldozer in the backfield, but they also have to have someone to cover the speed that is on the outside.  A couple of play-action plays will probably boost Vince Young’s rating. Also, if they have to cover both running backs, it will be harder for them to spy the QB.

When they drafted Chris Henry in the last year’s draft, I already hoped, that he would become the running back they were looking for, but I guess that didn’t happen. Honestly I don’t think he did such a bad job as a rookie. Although that has never happened in the history of the NFL, it would be nice to have three 1000 yard rushers in one season. However, the chances of that happening are about as high as the Dolphins chance to win the next Superbowl.