Titans Projected Starting Lineup: Offensive Backfield Has Major Concerns Behind Starters
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans have Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill as their starter at running back and quarterback, respectively. There isn’t much debate to be had there. The Titans could of course trade away one of those two in surprise move, but more likely than not, the Titans will need to focus on some issues they have outside of the starters.
QUARTERBACK
Ryan Tannehill
The Titans have been rumored to be interested in quarterbacks all offseason. They have been tied to veteran quarterbacks on the trade market and have had meetings with some of the top quarterbacks in this year’s NFL draft. It would still be a shock to see Tannehill traded though. Tannehill has been a stabilizer for the Titans since taking over halfway through the 2019 season. When properly supported by play calling, weapons and offensive line, he can pilot the team to wins. The real question comes at backup. Malik Willis had an up-and-down rookie season. At this point, we can’t be sure he is even capable of being a quality backup quarterback.
How to Address the Need:
The Titans need to address this issue in free agency with a veteran. Adding a late-round rookie to compete with Willis gives you the same issues you had with Willis. A young quarterback who you don’t know if you can count on if Tannehill goes down. Sure, if Tannehill is out for a long period of time, the Titans’ fate might be sealed anyways, but if it is a couple of weeks or a couple of quarters, the Titans need to know they have someone that can land the aircraft in the victory zone. Bringing in a player like Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, Joe Flacco or Blaine Gabbert could make some sense if Willis is struggling this offseason.
RUNNING BACK
Derrick Henry
The trade rumors have been swirling, but the Titans’ new general manage Ran Carthon spoke with media at NFL league meetings and called any report about the Titans shopping Henry “erroneous.” If that is to be believed and Henry will be back with the Titans, then the need for a complementary back becomes heightened. Derrick Henry is incredible, but watching him for his career makes it obvious the Titans will always need a pass-catching scatback to pair with him due to Henry’s limited skillset. Henry set career highs in catches and receiving yards in 2023, but still doesn’t have the agility or hands to consistent serve as the team’s third-down back. Right now, the only other backs on the roster are Hassan Haskins, Julius Chestnut and Jonathan Ward. None of these options can adequately fill that role.
How to Address the Need:
The Titans could choose to bring back a familiar face back in veteran free agency with Dontrell Hillard. Hillard led the Titans in receiving touchdowns in 2022. He has proven, when healthy, he can be that perfect complement to Henry, but the Titans may choose to look for that new complement in the draft. This year’s class is a good group of backs and there are quite a few that could balance out what Henry brings to the table. Depending on which back the Titans draft, if they go that route, it could be a potential successor for Henry as well.
Other Positions:
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