Is Johnson the Titans’ backfield answer?

By Marc Hudgens  |   Tuesday, May 06, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Tennessee Titans
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When East Carolina running back Chris Johnson's name was announced as Tennessee's No. 1 selection of last month's NFL draft, a collective moan was barely heard through the other background noise in Radio City Music Hall.

Nothing against Johnson himself; most, including franchise defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, vehemently believed the Titans should have taken a top receiver and not another running back; after all, wideout was clearly the team's biggest need entering the draft. Unfortunately, though, the team didn't take a receiver until the fourth round.

Additionally, Johnson -- despite his first-round status -- wasn't necessarily a huge name compared to the two backs who went immediately before him -- Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall. So that made for the second strike against the Orlando, Fla., native.

Not so fast, though, Titans fans. At second glance, Johnson appears far more promising than his small-school stigma may dictate; moreover, he might be the explosive back (and overall athletic threat) the Titans direly need.

Last season as a senior, he rushed for almost 110 yards a game (1,423 yards off 236 carries) and 17 scores. His ability to serve as an all-purpose back is also eye-catching: He scored another six times in the passing game and racked up 1,537 non-rushing yards. Simply put, the guy can run and catch.

But the biggest difference between current Titans starter LenDale White and Johnson is twofold. First, sheer speed. Johnson was clocked at 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash during the scouting combine in February and White is clearly far from that. Second is versatility. The Titans are experimenting with various schemes, and the upcoming rookie appears to be exceeding expectations.

"We were out there making up routes...I've never had a guy that can do (things Johnson can)," offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger said. "You need to be able to take advantage of the guy because he can do so many things. We'll just see what he can handle."

Perhaps Johnson is not only the solution to Tennessee's slow-motion running game woes, but possibly an answer as a receiver. Granted, the Titans still need a burner who stretch the field, but Johnson may end up having better hands than the existing receiver corps. And that's all he would need for now.

If he can do the same things in fall camp that he's done in minicamp, expect Tennessee to push Johnson as the offense's new dual threat.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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