The Tennessee Titans placed a franchise tag on star running back Derrick Henry earlier in the offseason, and will look to keep him in the fold moving forward with a contract extension.
But the Titans have to be prepared to find the 26-year-old’s successor in the event that things go south, and need a backup option regardless.
Could they use the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft to address that?
Obviously, a backup running back isn’t super high on the priority list compared to other positions, but the Titans will still need to snag someone between players in the draft and undrafted free agents.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel took a question on the subject Monday during a Zoom call, saying that he’s looking for a player who can provide help on all three downs, in the return game and in pass protection.
Vrabel on if @Titans back-up RB is in draft: Looking for a player who can help on all three downs, and kicking game. Has to be able to protect. Team is looking for potential options for @KingHenry_2 back-up in draft
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) April 20, 2020
Running backs have been pinned to the Titans in several different places, with one of the latest projections being Ohio State rusher J.K. Dobbins in the third round of NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter’s latest mock draft.
Dobbins has received high praise from many, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
“A fierce runner. Not my highest-rated back, that would be D’Andre Swift. But JK Dobbins as a runner, you’ve got to love him,” Kiper said Saturday morning on SportsCenter. “This guy attacks the line of scrimmage, 5-foot-9 1/2, 210, he’s got that low center of gravity. He’s got that game-breaking ability. He could do a little bit more at receiver, ball security could be better but as a runner, phenomenal.”
Only time will tell if the Titans choose to add a back like Dobbins to the roster early on in the draft or if they pick one later, but it’s clear they’re intent on adding depth at the position during the draft.