Ranking the AFC South Running Backs 2019
Derrick Henry, Titans (2 Points)
Going into the 2016 NFL Draft, Derrick Henry’s combine scouting report stated that he was “Ineffective in passing game with below average hands” when he was coming out of the University of Alabama.
That is why the Tennessee Titans went and signed Dion Lewis during the 2018 offseason, and it will be his main hindrance going into the 2019 season. In order to be a top-tier running back in the NFL today, a running back must be able to run the ball and put in a few receptions, hence why players like Christian McCaffrey and Todd Gurley are top in the position.
Another problem is the lack of offensive play makers on Tennessee’s offense. As covered in the AFC QB rankings by the Toro Times, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota failed to impress as a passer in 2018 after throwing only 11 touchdowns.
In order for a running back such as Henry to excel in the receiving world, Mariota will need to improve his game tremendously. If not, it will be difficult for Henry to repeat his season of 2018 where he had 215 carries for 1,059 yards and 12 touchdowns.