News analysis: Titans RB situation
by Robert O'Brien, KFFL
KFFL: Over a dozen expert league championships — a proven source of player news and fantasy content.
However, the selection of Johnson has some downside as well. He has a small frame (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), which makes him a poor bet to be an every down contributor in the NFL. Since he seems unlikely to contribute much between the tackles, it's reasonable to question the Titans for taking him in the first round.
Johnson joins LenDale White and Chris Henry in the Titans backfield. Last season, White enjoyed a solid sophomore campaign, totaling 1,110 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. His final tally is less impressive when you consider the fact he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry over 303 carries. Henry served as White's backup at times, but was stuck behind Chris Brown (Houston Texans) for most of the season, receiving only 31 carries during a forgettable rookie campaign.
Head coach Jeff Fisher seemed reluctant to trust the rookie with the ball. On several occasions, Fisher publicly stated that Henry had to learn more about the NFL game. He also received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, which decreased his overall number of carries. He performed tolerably in limited action with a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. However, the selection of Johnson should push him down the depth chart into the No. 3 position.
Even with White entrenched as a 300-carry workhorse, Johnson still figures to get a good number of touches. His ability to catch the ball should help him stand out from White and Henry.
The Titans fired offensive coordinator Norm Chow after the 2007 season, a season in which their passing game ranked 27th in the league. Mike Heimerdinger is expected to bring a more aggressive approach to the passing game, which may work out well for Johnson, who has the ability to line up out of the backfield, in the slot and even out wide, which should give Heimerdinger the opportunity to try and create mismatches with his speed. He can certainly help stretch the field if he's used in this type of role.
Of key importance to Johnson's role in Heimerdinger's offense is whether or not he'll be able to pass block. If so, then Johnson could be a nice safety valve for Young when downfield receivers aren't open, and his value would certainly be greater. On the other hand, if the Titans can't trust Johnson to pick up blitzes, then he'll likely find himself in the slot or on the sidelines on plays that call for Young to look downfield.
Johnson's outlook appears decent for 2008. There's the potential for him to become the type of versatile player that a Westbrook or Bush is, though that'll likely be on a much smaller scale with not nearly as many touches as those two players earn, barring injury. Johnson was also active in the return game in college, and his explosiveness may allow him to score touchdowns as a running back, receiver or kick returner. Consider him a weak No. 4 or quality No. 5 option with some upside due to his speed and the team's desire to create mismatches for him.
White enters the 2008 season as a solid No. 3 running back, one who could also benefit from the addition of an explosive element to the team's offense. He has the ability to be a bruising goal-line back and could move up to a No. 2 option if he can add more touchdowns to his respectable yardage totals.
Henry figures to be the odd man out in this equation. The team all but acknowledged drafting him was a mistake when they spent a first-round selection on Johnson. Don't duplicate that error in fantasy leagues this year.
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